how to get rid of roaches in drains

How to get rid of roaches in drains? How do they get there? What are the best methods to get rid of cockroaches in the pipes? And what are the good tips to keep them out of the house and what are the effective tips to get rid of them in case of infestation?

Here are the answers to all these questions.

I. What is a cockroach?

Cockroaches are harmful insects when they are in large numbers, up to 3 cm in length.

They have a coloration that can vary depending on the type of cockroach (yellow, brown, or black).

They are easily recognizable by their long and thin antennas, their head equipped with a crushing jaw in front, and two faceted eyes.

And they also have two pairs of wings which they very rarely use to fly. Because they move faster with their legs covered with small spines.

They are insects that are most often associated with dirt. They are mostly found in places such as parts of stoves, refrigerators or under the sink, or in pipes.

II. How do cockroaches get into houses and drains?

Cockroaches can be found in drains or houses in general for several reasons.

First of all, it is necessary to determine the different ways in which these insects can get into the houses to do everything to block their way.

Cockroaches can arrive in a house because of the luggage of a visitor that we have hosted and in which they have sneaked. Just as they can come back with us from a trip.

They can also arrive by a delivered box or simply because of a neighbor’s apartment that is already affected and from which the insects move to arrive in our apartment.

Insects like dark and obscure places in the house more. They also like the humid and warm corners of a house depending on the weather outside.

They are mostly looking for food. That’s why the kitchen and drains are the places where they are found the most. Because there they find all the above-mentioned elements.

Finally, they come from the drains or other pipes connected to our water drainage system, or from our home where they will sneak in to nestle.

III. How to get rid of roaches in drains?

To get rid of cockroaches in a house in general and the pipes in particular, it is first necessary to realize the problem. Then you have to find the right solutions to this problem.

Here is how to kill cockroaches in drains. If you follow these golden rules, you will be sure to get rid of them.

1. Repair leaky pipes

It is obvious that one of the easiest ways to eliminate cockroaches in the pipes is to make it an undesirable place for them to live.

As already pointed out, pipes that contain food and water are perfect places for these roaches.

To prevent them from moving in, they should always be dried out as much as possible, including promptly repairing any small leaks in faucets and pipes that would allow these pests to have a continuous water source.

2. Cleaning the pipes

 There are several products available in supermarkets that are very effective in cleaning the inside of pipes.

You just need to get into the habit of using them regularly to thoroughly clean the pipes in the kitchen and bathroom.

You can also use baking soda that you pour into the sink with just a small amount of water or to be more effective cider vinegar which is also an excellent anti-septic.

Let this mixture act for a while (it is better to let it act all night, also for all other products).

And then let the hot water run at its maximum. Thus, after a few uses of this method, one would be almost sure to get rid of cockroaches.

All you have to do is to be careful and not let the cockroaches invade the pipes. And the best advice is already to get them out of the house completely.

3. Put a sink stopper

One of the easiest ways to keep cockroaches from coming out of the drains to forage for food is to block their path. This, of course, is done by putting a sink stopper in after each use.

This way, cockroaches will not be able to enter or leave the sewers. This rule should be followed especially during the night when roaches prefer to come out to feed.

4. Keep the area around the sink dry and clean

Once you’ve fixed the leaks and gotten into the habit of closing the sink, there’s no reason for cockroaches to get out or in.

However, to be on the safe side, one should try to keep all the worktops clean, as well as the dishes that are usually left near the sink drains so that the cockroaches do not find any moisture or food.

How do cockroaches get into houses and drains?

IV. How to get rid of roaches around the drains?

1. Use sugar and baking soda

Use the attraction of cockroaches to food scraps in your favor by setting up a sugar trap. Make a mixture of sugar with the equivalent of baking soda.

The trap involves getting them to eat the sugar along with the baking soda, which will kill them from the inside.

Be sure to keep animals and children away from this trap. Otherwise, they will run the risk of irritation.

2. Use white vinegar to eliminate cockroaches

It is possible to eliminate roaches naturally with vinegar. A simple spray of the liquid in the nooks and crannies of the house where these beasts can hide is sometimes enough to eliminate them in a few days.

Simply mix vinegar with half a glass of oil and half a glass of shampoo. Use a spray bottle to spread the mixture.

3. A mixture of plaster and white flour

This is one of the oldest methods used to eradicate roaches. Make a mixture of a tablespoon of white flour with a tablespoon of plaster and add cornstarch.

All you have to do is spread the solution in the places where the cockroaches are.

4. catch them with cardboard traps

Lure cockroaches into cardboard traps by spreading glue on them and adding food to attract them.

You will then have to lock them in the box and burn them as soon as they fall in the trap or throw them in a sealed bag in the outside garbage can.

5. Dehydrate roaches with borax

Borax is a natural ingredient used in the manufacture of soap. It is a very effective weapon in the fight against cockroaches.

It can dehydrate these insects until they die. All you have to do is to pour our substance in the places where these cockroaches are found in large numbers.

However, remember to keep borax out of the reach of children and pets.

6. Mixing boric acid and onion

This is one of the most effective formulas for eliminating cockroaches. You form a kind of paste as very attractive bait, of course by putting in borax (boric acid) that will kill them.

  • Half a cup of flour
  • Half an onion already chopped
  • A small amount of water or beer
  • 3 spoonfuls of boric acid
  • A pinch of sugar

Mix the ingredients to make a thick paste. Then spread the mixture in the rooms of the house in the form of small balls.

This is a very effective remedy against cockroaches.

Conclusion

To summarize how to kill roaches in drains, here are the most effective tips for getting rid of these invasive insects naturally, in addition to some general advice.

  • Ensure that the interior of the house is thoroughly cleaned so as not to leave any semblance of food within the reach of cockroaches.
  • Plug all holes around the sink, bathtub, etc.
  • Make sure to always leave the bathroom and kitchen dry and ensure that these two rooms are well ventilated.
  • It is important to always dispose of food scraps in the kitchen and seal them in airtight garbage cans.
  • Always wash dishes, pots, cutlery, and other items before going to sleep (remove all food sources).
  • Vacuum places and objects that have been left for a long time (carpets, beds, armchairs, books, carpets…).
  • Cover drains with a stopper overnight. You can use rubber stoppers or metal sewer grates. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so it is very important to block their access at night.
  • Clean the pipes regularly with products dedicated to this purpose. And then rinse the kitchen and bathroom pipes with hot water.

Useful Links:

Taxonomy and evolution of cockroaches

How to identify cockroaches

Cockroach Biology and Management