Every homeowner or renter wonders how to get rid of cockroaches at some point, but it leaves many of us scratching our heads. To get to the bottom of it, we asked an expert for the right advice.

Annie Scog is a Certified Building Biologist, Healthy Building Consultant, and founder of the Healthy Home Expert and The Transparency Movement, dedicated to transforming how people create safe, non-toxic living spaces. With extensive expertise in building biology, indoor air quality, and sustainable home design, Annie helps homeowners, renovators, and industry professionals build and renovate with health and well-being at the core.

As one of Australia’s leading experts in healthy building, Annie holds multiple certifications, including Advanced Building Biology, Passive House Design, Indoor Air Quality, EMF Assessment, and Mould Remediation. She is also a Certified Building Biology New Build Consultant—one of only two in Australia with this specialisation. Her knowledge bridges building science and holistic health, empowering clients to make informed, toxin-free choices for their homes.

What you need to know about cockroaches

Cockroaches are one of the most resilient and unwelcome pests in homes. They not only create an unsanitary living environment but also trigger allergies and asthma, and spread disease-causing bacteria. While many homeowners resort to chemical pesticides, these solutions often introduce toxic chemicals into the home, impacting indoor air quality and posing health risks to children and pets. Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a more effective, sustainable, and health-conscious way to eliminate cockroaches for good.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management is a science-based, multi-step approach to controlling pests that targets the root causes rather than just treating symptoms. IPM focuses on prevention, habitat modification, and safer pest control strategies to reduce pest populations with minimal impact on health and the environment. The approach is widely recommended by health and environmental organisations because it prioritises non-toxic and least-risk methods before resorting to pesticides.

Step 1: Prevention – cutting off food, water and shelter

Cockroaches thrive in environments where they have access to food, moisture, and hiding spots. The first step in IPM is to eliminate these attractants:

Eliminate food sources:

• Store dry foods in airtight containers.
• Keep kitchen counters, floors, and sinks free of crumbs and food residue.
• Empty rubbish bins regularly and keep them sealed.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Remove water sources:

• Fix leaky pipes, taps, and drains to eliminate standing water
• Wipe up spills immediately and keep surfaces dry.
• Ensure proper ventilation in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Eliminate hiding places:

• Seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around windows, doors, and walls where cockroaches can enter or hide.
• Declutter areas where cockroaches can find shelter, such as stacks of cardboard, newspapers, or unused storage.

Step 2: Non-toxic and natural cockroach control methods

Once the environment is made less hospitable for cockroaches, natural and non-toxic control measures can be used to eliminate existing infestations.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE):

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that dehydrates and kills cockroaches upon contact. Sprinkle it lightly in areas where roaches travel, such as under sinks, near baseboards, and in dark corners.

Boric acid and baking soda:

A mixture of boric acid and sugar can be used as a natural bait. Boric acid disrupts the roaches’ nervous system and dehydrates them. Baking soda mixed with sugar creates a similar effect when ingested.

Essential oils as repellents:

Cockroaches dislike the strong scents of peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oils. Mix a few drops with water and spray along baseboards, under sinks, and around entry points.

Sticky traps and natural baits:

Use non-toxic sticky traps to monitor roach activity and reduce populations. DIY bait traps with sugar and baking soda can help attract and kill cockroaches naturally.

Step 3: Long-term management and monitoring

Cockroach infestations can return if conditions remain favourable. The final step in IPM is to continuously monitor and maintain a pest-free environment:

• Regular inspections: Check common hiding spots and entry points frequently to catch infestations early.
• Routine cleaning: Maintain a high standard of cleanliness in the home to prevent re-infestations.
• Pest-resistant home design: Choose materials and finishes that discourage pest activity, such as smooth, non-porous surfaces that are easy to clean.

When to consider professional help

If the infestation persists despite following IPM strategies, it may be time to consult a pest control professional who specialises in eco-friendly or non-toxic pest management. They can implement targeted strategies that avoid unnecessary exposure to pesticides while effectively controlling the problem.

Why choose Integrated Pest Management over chemicals

Unlike conventional pest control that relies on toxic sprays and foggers, IPM prioritises safe, sustainable solutions that don’t harm your family or pets. Chemical pesticides can:

• Pollute indoor air quality and contribute to respiratory issues
• Pose health risks to children, pets, and individuals with sensitivities
• Create pesticide-resistant pests, making future infestations harder to control

By choosing Integrated Pest Management, you’re not just eliminating cockroaches, you’re creating a healthier, toxin-free home designed to prevent future infestations naturally.

Cockroach control doesn’t require harmful chemicals, it requires a strategic, long-term approach. With IPM, you can target cockroaches at their source using non-toxic, health-conscious solutions that ensure lasting protection for your home and family.

Head to Healthy Home Expert for more insights on creating a healthy, thriving home environment.

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How have you managed to rid your home of cockroaches? Leave us a comment.