Does Rubbing Alcohol kill roaches

Roaches (or Cockroaches) are one of the most common and hated pests in households.

Unlike many pests, roaches aren’t just disgusting, but they also spread common diseases.

They are fast, can hide out of sight, and are always in herds (multiplies quickly).

Roaches are also hard to kill. But bringing it straightforward, “Rubbing Alcohol can come in handy for killing Roaches.”

How to use Rubbing Alcohol for killing Roaches (Or Cockroaches)?

Killing the ultimate house pests, ‘Cockroaches‘ with Rubbing Alcohol is quite easy. Here is the step-by-step process for the same:

Things you will need:

  • 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
  • A spray Bottle

The Process:

  • Take a spray bottle and fill it with Isopropyl Alcohol.
  • Now spray it wherever you see the Cockroaches (focusing on the pest itself).
  • In 2 to 3 hours so will start noticing dead cockroaches in your house.

But, But, But…Is it really safe to kill cockroaches with Rubbing Alcohol?

There is no denying the fact that Rubbing Alcohol can actually kill roaches; still, one must avoid using this remedy.

Rubbing Alcohol though behaves as an excellent insecticide, but using it inside the house, especially on pests like cockroaches, can prove dangerous. Why?

Roaches (if) are present everywhere inside the house. They are under the gas stove, inside the drainpipe, beside the electric socket, on the wall, over the wall, in short everywhere.

And since Rubbing Alcohol is a highly flammable solvent, you cannot spray it all over the house like that.

Especially if you spray it near an electric socket, gas stove, and other points of ignition, they will lead to a fire.

Rubbing Alcohol isn’t ideal for roach treatment inside the home because of its toxic nature.

When you spray Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol in high quantity, the exposure to inhaling it also increases.

And upon inhaling this solvent, individuals can develop rashes, dryness, headache, and even breathing difficulties.

Hence, even if Rubbing Alcohol proves handy for killing cockroaches, avoid using it for treatments indoors.

How to Get Rid of Roaches Naturally?

There are several easy and safe ways to deter roaches without including harsh chemicals in the process.

Here is a list of remedies and DIYs you can try safely at home:

Use Baking Soda

Baking Soda is an ingredient you must definitely have inside your pantry. Here is how you can use this ingredient,

Take equal parts of Baking Soda and White Sugar (1 tablespoon each or increase if roaches are more).

Mix both the ingredients well and place them in all the roach-infested areas.

Within the next 12 to 24 hours, you will start noticing dead roaches around the house. (If you have ants inside the house, this mixture will kill them as well).

Use Diatomaceous Earth

A natural insecticide, Diatomaceous Earth is a boon for households who are suffering from pests.

The sharp particles of this powder destroy and dehydrate pests from the inside. Here is how you can use this ingredient,

Take half a cup of food-grade Diatomaceous Earth and sprinkle a light coating on the house surface.

Sprinkle, especially in rooms/regions where roaches are commonly seen.

NOTE: Diatomaceous Earth isn’t an instant solution, and you may have to wait for about two weeks to see the results.

Use Borax

Borax, also known as sodium tetraborate, is a white powdery mineral. For several decades it has been available as a cleaning product.

However, it is also known for its excellent roach-killing properties. Here is how you can use this ingredient,

Either mix equal parts of Borax and White sugar and sprinkle it on the area where roaches are commonly seen.

Or, sprinkle Borax alone.

When roaches or other pests eat Borax, the powder will dehydrate them from inside and kill them.

However, because it isn’t a quick method, you will start noticing progress in a week or two.

Use Boric Acid

Boric Acid or hydrogen borate, boracic acid, and orthoboric acid is a colorless crystal white powder.

Though this ingredient is harmless for humans and pets, it is poison for pe

Especially when pests like roaches come in contact with Boric acid, their legs and wings stick to it.

And upon eating this powder, the nervous system and digestive system of roaches get affected. Here is how you can use this ingredient,

Before you go to sleep, sprinkle some Boric Acid on areas where roaches commonly appear.

Repeat the process for at least 2 to 3 days.

NOTE: Inhaling Boric Acid can prove harmful to humans. That is why use the remedy during the night hour and clean it again the next morning.

Tips for keeping Roaches away from home

Regardless of how many remedies you have in hand, at first try keeping your home clean from roaches.

Here are some of the common culprits that are attracting roaches inside your house:

  • Open food sources or small food particles on your countertop and floor attract Roaches. Hence, every time after preparing a meal, make sure you clean your kitchen afterward.
  • Damp walls, wood, and floor help in breeding roaches. Hence, make sure your home is receiving enough ventilation. Every once in a while, keep your drawers, cupboards, and other closed spaces open.
  • Leaking pipes and faucets are common roach attractants. Thus, always make sure your pipe and faucets are all up-to-date intact.
  • Never leave dirty dishes for long in the sink, especially during the night hours.
  • If you are into Indian or Asian cooking, make sure there is no extra floor left on your countertop. Wheat flour is the most common breeding ground for roaches.

Wrapping up…

There are plenty of ways to help you get rid of roaches. We hope the remedy list above will help you in the process. However, we also recommend avoiding using Rubbing Alcohol for the same.

Especially after knowing the harms and dangers, make sure you keep yourself and your house safe.

As with killing roaches, Rubbing Alcohol can also create irreversible damage and hazards inside your house.