7 Budget-Friendly Must-Haves to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Every homeowner hates to see a cockroach crawling around their house or worse, waking up to a cockroach bite or two. There are also a few things that we dread more than being in the same room as a flying cockroach.

However, just like paying bills and filing taxes, dealing with cockroaches and other pests is a challenge that most adults must face. Before you reach out for a strong pesticide that could be harmful for both your health and environment, you should try using these common items:

• Garlic. Here's a little-known fact for you: cockroaches detest the smell of bawang! Use garlic cloves to keep these insects away.

• Bay leaves. Dahon ng laurel is another ingredient often used in Filipino cooking that can also ward off cockroaches.

• Mint. You can also use fresh mint leaves or a few drops of mint essential oil to drive away cockroaches. Simply place the leaves or leave drops in places where cockroaches often enter.

• Detergent Spray. Instead of spraying pesticides directly on a cockroach, you should use detergent spray. Simply keep detergent and water in a spray bottle.

• Petroleum Jelly. Spread petroleum jelly on a piece of cardboard and place food in the center. Just like a sticky fly or mouse trap, the petroleum jelly will trap the cockroach.

• Sugar and Baking Soda. Mix one tablespoon each of sugar and baking soda. The sugar will attract cockroaches and the baking soda will eventually kill them.

• Borax Solution. You should also try mixing one tablespoon each of the following: borax, flour, and sugar. Add a few drops of water to make a dough. Separate the dough in small pieces and spread them around your home. Cockroaches will eat this solution and take them back to their nest, killing all of the other cockroaches in your home.