What to Do If Your Home Suddenly Has Many Small Cockroaches? Pest Control Experts Reveal One Method to Eliminate Them Completely—No Contact Needed, Roaches Die Instantly Upon Crawling Over

The hot and humid summer is the peak season for mosquitoes and pests, with cockroaches being a nightmare for many people. Recently, numerous netizens have shared shocking experiences on social media—such as flying cockroaches suddenly swooping toward their faces while showering, or spotting roaches darting toward their feet upon opening the door. These incidents have caused panic, prompting many to ask: "Will cockroaches eventually move out on their own?"

In response, pest control experts and the Environmental Department have given a clear answer: Cockroaches have extremely strong survival abilities, and as long as food and water sources exist in your home, they will never leave voluntarily. To get rid of cockroach infestations, proactive measures are necessary. This article compiles expert-recommended chemical and natural elimination techniques, along with comprehensive prevention guidelines.

Cockroach Species and Habits Explained: Why Are There Always Roaches at Home?

According to the Environmental Department, the four most common household cockroach species in Taiwan are the German cockroach (1–1.6 cm), American cockroach (3–5 cm), Australian cockroach (2.5–3.5 cm), and brown-banded cockroach (2.5–3.5 cm). Among these, the larger American and Australian cockroaches are the ones capable of flight.

Cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments and hide in crevices during the day, emerging at night to forage for food. Experts warn that as long as the following conditions persist in your home, cockroaches will settle and even reproduce:

- Food scraps and kitchen waste - Standing water in sinks and drains - Cluttered storage areas, especially cardboard boxes and piles of paper

From Soapy Water to Baking Soda: 4 Natural Cockroach Control Tips Recommended by Experts

Besides commercial insect sprays and bait gels, pest control company "Hao Ba Ba Home" and online users have shared several effective natural methods for eliminating and repelling cockroaches:

- Soapy water or dish soap spray: Mix dish soap or shampoo with water to create foam, then directly spray it on cockroaches. This clogs their abdominal breathing pores, causing suffocation and death. - High-concentration alcohol: Spray disinfecting alcohol directly on cockroaches for quick elimination and simultaneous disinfection. - Homemade baking soda bait: Mix baking soda and fine sugar in a 1:1 ratio and place it in corners where cockroaches are commonly seen. The sugar attracts them, and once ingested, the baking soda produces gas inside their bodies, causing fatal bloating. - Natural essential oil repellents: Add a few drops of essential oils such as lemon, bay leaf, or citronella—scents disliked by cockroaches—into water and spray around corners, door frames, and window gaps to effectively repel them.

Creating a Cockroach-Free Environment: Cut Off Their Survival with the "3 No's Principle"

To truly eliminate cockroach problems, improving hygiene is key. The Environmental Department recommends consistently practicing the following habits:

- No Food (Seal food): Dispose of garbage and kitchen waste daily. Leftover food and snacks should be sealed or stored in the refrigerator. - No Water (Keep dry): After using the sink at night, wipe away standing water to eliminate drinking sources for cockroaches. - No Shelter (Declutter): Reduce cardboard boxes and piles of old newspapers, as gaps in boxes are ideal hiding spots for cockroaches. Regularly clean hidden areas behind cabinets and appliances to prevent infestations at the root.

Source: "Hao Ba Ba Home", "Environmental Protection Administration" Editor: Tsai Hui-Hsin