July 13, 2019 · Updated May 7, 2020 · 29 Comments

2-Ingredient Homemade Cockroach Bait

With only two ingredients, this Homemade Roach Killer is natural, easy and effective! This DIY cockroach bait is non-toxic and safe to use in a home with kids and pets.

Homemade Cockroach Bait

When I first moved to Texas, what truly shocked me were the roaches! They were everywhere at night and even got into our house, no matter how clean it was!

I quickly learned that American cockroaches are just a part of life in the south. Also known as “Palmetto bugs,” they thrive in warm humid areas. Though seeing a roach in your house doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong, it doesn’t mean you want them to stay there either!

Our homemade ant killer works so well that I started getting a lot of readers asking, “do you have a recipe for a homemade roach killer too?”

It got me thinking, why not try and make one?

While doing my research on homemade roach killer recipes, I discovered that there are two types: natural, non-toxic cockroach killers and the traditional poison-based formulas.

With a house full of kids, I definitely prefer natural options! And like I discovered with my own natural ant repellant, natural products often work just as well or even better than harsh chemicals!

Where Do Cockroaches Live?

Like I mentioned above, roaches thrive in warm, dark places. Certain types prefer humidity, while others like a drier climate.

It’s a common assumption that roaches look for “dirty” houses, but that is not necessarily the case. Roaches can sneak into a home through the tiniest of cracks or may hitch a ride in on a suitcase, etc.

Below are four common types of cockroach and their favorite hiding spots:

German Cockroach — These little guys prefer warm, damp environments, close to food and water sources. You’ll often find them nesting in the kitchen or bathroom.
Brown Banded Cockroach: This is the smallest type of cockroach and it enjoys cozy, warm, dry places. You might spot them in cabinets, the pantry, or around electronics like the refrigerator.
Oriental Cockroach: Also known as “water bugs,” Oriental Cockroaches like wet environments. They make their way into homes through sewers and drains.
American Cockroach: This is the type of roach that I see often in Texas and other parts of the south. Also known as “palmetto bugs,” they like hot, humid conditions. You’ll find them in kitchens, bathrooms, and even around pool areas outside the home.

Sorry buddy…you’re not welcome here!

What You Need to Make Cockroach Bait

What I love the most about our DIY roach killer is that it only requires two simple ingredients. You probably already have these at home! Just in case, we’ve included shop-able links to the products we used; disclosure policy here.

1 cup sugar
1 cup baking soda (we buy in bulk because we use baking soda for so many things around the house!)

TIP: You can easily make this natural roach killer in larger batches, just be sure to keep the 1 to 1 ratio!

How to Make a Natural Cockroach Killer

Mix sugar and baking soda in a bowl. You could also add to a jar, put the lid on, and shake. That way you have it for easy storage.
Pour homemade cockroach killer directly onto the floor wherever you’ve seen roaches, or pour some into a shallow pan and place on the floor.

Simple as that!

TIP: If you use this natural roach killer in conjunction with an Ultrasonic Pest Repeller (a simple, non-toxic plug-in device), you’ll see even better results. Or actually, you won’t see them because the roaches and other bugs will be gone!
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How it Works

The sugar attracts the roaches to the bait.

The baking soda in this roach killer will kill any roaches that eat it. Plus, they will bring it back to their nest to kill more of their roach buddies!

TIP: Be sure to keep this roach killer out for a while even after you don’t see any more roaches. They’re very good at hiding, and you don’t want to let them get away!

Where to Put Roach Bait

Roaches like to hang out in warm, dark, damp places. Think: behind the refrigerator, under the sink, in cabinets, etc.

For best results, set up multiple bait stations at the same time.

Check back every couple days to see if the roach bait has been disturbed. If it looks like roaches have gotten into one of your roach killer stations, you’re on the right track! Refill your dish of homemade roach killer and leave it in the location.

However, if it looks like your roach killer hasn’t been touched, try moving it to another location in the house and checking again in a couple days.

Printable Copy of Our Homemade Roach Killer Recipe

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