How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in the Kitchen Permanently

Have you ever walked into your kitchen at night, turned on the light, and seen a cockroach dash across the floor? It’s gross, right? You’re not alone. A lot of people deal with roaches in the kitchen, and they always seem to come back no matter what you try. The good news is, there are real ways to get rid of them for good. Let’s talk about how to do it the right way, step by step.

Find Out Where Cockroaches Are Hiding in Your Kitchen

Before you can kick cockroaches out forever, you need to figure out where they’re living and hiding. They don’t just walk around randomly. They love warm, dark, and moist places. So let’s go step by step to track them down.

Check Under the Sink

The area under your kitchen sink is like a five-star hotel for cockroaches. It’s dark, it’s moist, and sometimes there’s food or crumbs nearby. Look closely under the sink for any signs of roaches. You might see tiny brown or black droppings that look like coffee grounds. These are signs that roaches have been there. You may even spot egg cases, which are long and brown. If you see these things, it’s a clear sign that you’ve got a roach hideout.

Once you’ve found them, clean the area very well. Use warm soapy water to wipe everything down. Then use a disinfectant spray to kill germs. After that, fix any water leaks. Roaches need water to survive, and a leaking pipe under the sink is perfect for them. If the area stays dry, it becomes less inviting to them.

Look Behind and Under Appliances

Roaches love to hide behind your fridge, stove, and microwave. These spots are warm and rarely cleaned. Move each appliance carefully and check behind it. Again, look for droppings, dead roaches, or eggs.

Clean the area using a vacuum first, then wipe with a damp cloth. After that, spray a kitchen-safe disinfectant. If possible, pull your appliances out a little from the wall. Even a small gap can help keep the area cooler and drier. Roaches don’t like air movement or dry places.

Inspect Cabinets and Drawers

Cabinets, especially lower ones, are common roach hiding spots. Roaches like to crawl inside cracks and corners. Empty your cabinets and drawers and look closely at the corners. Clean everything out with warm water and soap, then spray with vinegar or a roach repellent spray.

If you see cracks or holes, seal them. Use caulk or filler from a hardware store. Roaches sneak through tiny holes, and sealing them stops this. Also, avoid leaving food or crumbs inside cabinets. Use airtight containers to store food like flour, sugar, or cereal.

Check Trash Area

The trash bin in your kitchen is like a buffet for roaches. If it’s not cleaned often or if trash is left for too long, it becomes a major attraction. Always use a trash can with a tight lid. Empty it every day, especially if it has food waste. Wash the inside of the bin at least once a week with hot water and soap.

If your trash area is in a cabinet, clean inside that cabinet too. Use a deodorizing spray or baking soda to keep smells away. The fewer smells, the less interesting your kitchen becomes to roaches.

Deep Clean the Kitchen from Top to Bottom

Now that you’ve found the problem spots, it’s time for deep cleaning. Roaches hate clean spaces because it means no food or water for them. This section will show you how to clean every part of your kitchen properly.

Clean the Floors Daily

Floors can collect crumbs, grease, and spills. These things attract roaches fast. Start by sweeping the floor every day. Use a broom to get into corners and under furniture. Then mop the floor using hot water with a bit of dish soap or vinegar. Vinegar is safe and has a smell that keeps bugs away.

Once a week, move furniture and appliances and mop those hidden areas. You’ll be shocked by what gathers under your fridge or stove. Clean floors are one of the best ways to keep cockroaches away.

Wash Dishes Right Away

Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is like leaving out an open invitation to roaches. Food scraps, grease, and water on dishes attract them fast. Always wash your dishes right after eating. If you can’t wash them immediately, rinse off all food and soak them in hot water.

Don’t forget to clean the sink afterward. Food bits can stick to the sink sides or drain. Scrub the sink and run hot water down the drain to keep it clean. Roaches sometimes crawl up drains, so keeping them clean helps stop that too.

Wipe Down All Surfaces

Kitchen counters and tables are used a lot and get dirty easily. Even small crumbs or grease marks can be enough for roaches. Use a cloth and all-purpose cleaner or vinegar to wipe all surfaces after every meal. Pay attention to corners and behind items like toasters or jars.

Also wipe down your stove daily, especially if you cook oily foods. Roaches love grease, and it sticks to the stove surface easily. Use baking soda and water for a gentle scrub if grease is stuck on.

Clean the Inside of Cabinets and Drawers

It’s easy to forget about cleaning inside your cabinets, but crumbs and dust build up there too. Empty the cabinets, wipe them down with soapy water, and dry them well. Do this at least once a month.

Use shelf liners that can be wiped clean easily. Avoid using paper or cloth liners that trap crumbs. If you store dry food items in cabinets, use sealed containers. This prevents roaches from smelling the food and trying to get in.

Block All Entry Points and Fix Leaks

Even if you clean a lot, cockroaches can still come in from outside or other rooms. The key is to block their way in and remove the things that help them survive. Let’s go over how to do that.

Seal Cracks and Holes

Roaches can get into your kitchen through tiny cracks in the wall, floor, or around pipes. Use caulk or sealant to close all these gaps. Check around the sink, behind the stove, and near the floor. Even if a crack seems small, seal it anyway.

Use weather stripping on windows and doors to block any space where roaches might crawl in. If there are gaps under doors, use a door sweep. Keeping these areas sealed will stop new roaches from coming in.

Fix All Leaky Pipes and Faucets

Roaches need water more than food. If there is a leak in your kitchen, even a small drip, it can give them enough water to survive. Check under the sink, behind the fridge, and around your dishwasher. If you find any leaks, fix them right away.

If you can’t fix it yourself, call a plumber. Dry out the area afterward with a towel and leave it open to air dry. Don’t let water pool around the sink or floor. Even leaving a wet sponge out can attract them.

Cover Drains and Vents

Roaches sometimes come in through kitchen drains or air vents. To stop this, use fine mesh covers. You can find them at most hardware stores. Place them over your kitchen drain and vents to keep bugs out.

Also, pour boiling water down your kitchen drain once a week. It helps clean out food bits and keeps roaches from climbing up. Adding a little baking soda and vinegar before pouring boiling water also helps clean the pipes.

Use Natural and Safe Roach Control Methods

Now that your kitchen is clean and sealed, you can use natural ways to get rid of any roaches left. These methods are safe for kids, pets, and the environment.

Use Baking Soda and Sugar

One easy home remedy is mixing baking soda with sugar. The sugar attracts the roaches, and the baking soda kills them. Mix equal parts of both and place small amounts in shallow dishes or bottle caps. Put these near places you saw roaches before, like behind the fridge or under the sink.

Check and replace the mixture every few days. You might start seeing fewer roaches after a week or so. This method is cheap, safe, and works well over time.

Try Boric Acid with Caution

Boric acid is very effective, but you must use it carefully. It is toxic if eaten by pets or kids. Lightly dust it in areas roaches walk, like behind the stove or inside cabinets. Don’t use too much. Roaches will walk through the dust, and it will kill them slowly.

Avoid putting it near food or open areas. Always wash your hands after handling it. If you have small kids or pets, try safer methods like baking soda first.

Use Essential Oils

Some essential oils can help keep roaches away. Peppermint oil and tea tree oil are two good ones. Mix 10 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the mix around baseboards, behind appliances, and under the sink.

This won’t kill roaches, but it will make your kitchen smell better and help keep them away. Spray it every few days for best results. You can also add a few drops to your mop water.

Set Roach Traps

Sticky traps are a good way to see how many roaches are still around. Place them in dark corners, behind the trash, and near appliances. Check them every few days and replace them when full.

Traps won’t stop all roaches, but they help you see if your cleaning and sealing steps are working. If you’re still catching a lot, you might need to clean again or check for new hiding spots.

I hope these tips help you finally get rid of cockroaches in your kitchen for good. It takes time and effort, but with the right steps, you can keep your kitchen clean, safe, and bug-free. Stick with it, and you’ll see real results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use boric acid around pets?

Boric acid is effective but not fully safe around pets. If they lick or eat it, it can make them sick. If you have pets, be very careful where you put it. Only use it in hidden places where your pets can’t reach, like behind appliances or inside closed cabinets. Always wash your hands after using it. If you want a safer option, try baking soda and sugar instead. It’s less risky and still works over time.

Is it possible to get rid of roaches without calling pest control?

Yes, it is possible, but you must be very consistent. Cleaning deeply, sealing cracks, removing food and water sources, and using home remedies like traps and baking soda can all help. You need to be patient and check for new hiding spots regularly. If the infestation is very big or doesn’t go away after a few weeks, then it might be time to call pest control for stronger help.

Can I use vinegar to keep cockroaches away?

Yes, vinegar can help. Roaches don’t like the smell of vinegar, especially when mixed with lemon or peppermint oil. You can use it to clean surfaces like counters, cabinets, and floors. While vinegar doesn’t kill them, it helps keep them away. It also keeps your kitchen clean and free of food smells that attract bugs. It’s safe, natural, and easy to use every day.

Can cockroaches live in clean kitchens?

Yes, they can. Even a clean kitchen can attract cockroaches if there is water or small crumbs left behind. They also come in through cracks or from other apartments if you live in a shared building. Cleaning helps a lot, but you also need to seal entry points and remove water sources. A clean kitchen makes it harder for them to survive, but they may still try to come in.

Do I need to throw away food after seeing cockroaches?

If a cockroach has crawled on or near your food, it’s best to throw it away. Roaches carry germs and bacteria from dirty places, and they can spread that onto your food. Always keep food in sealed containers. Don’t leave anything open on the counter. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to throw it away than take a risk.

Can I use lemon to keep roaches away?

Yes, lemon has a strong scent that many bugs, including roaches, don’t like. You can use lemon juice mixed with water to clean your floors and counters. It helps make your kitchen smell fresh while also keeping bugs away. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to water and spray it around problem areas. It’s a safe, natural way to help control pests.

Is it okay to use roach sprays in the kitchen?

You can use roach sprays, but be careful. Most sprays have chemicals that are not safe around food. Always read the label and only spray in places where food is not kept or prepared. Keep kids and pets away when using sprays. Natural sprays with essential oils are safer, but still clean up well after spraying. Always wipe down food surfaces afterward.

Do I need to clean every day to stop cockroaches?

Yes, daily cleaning helps a lot. Even small messes or crumbs can attract cockroaches overnight. Wipe down counters, sweep the floor, and take out the trash every day. Try to wash dishes right after eating and clean up spills quickly. It takes only a few minutes each day, but it keeps roaches from getting too comfortable in your kitchen.