How To Easily Remove Cockroaches From A Boat
We’ve been sailing around the world for the past few years, taking all necessary precautions to keep unwanted pests at bay, but even the cleanest of boats can fall prey to cockroaches.
Eradicating these pesky insects is challenging because they tend to hide in the most unexpected places. But it’s manageable.
In this article, we’ll share our experiences and the most effective methods to get rid of cockroaches on a boat so that you can enjoy a pest-free living environment while sailing the seas.
This will range from chemical to natural methods and some additional tips on effectively dealing with roaches. Now let’s start with the first one:
1) Effective Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Cockroaches
Insecticide Spray
One solution we’ve found particularly effective is using chemical insecticide sprays, especially those containing Cyfluthrin.
To use this method, it’s important to be strategic about where you apply the spray. Look for common hiding places for roaches, such as cracks in the boat’s structure, vents, drain holes, and trash can.
Put a bunch of sticky paper around the area and then apply the heck out of the space or gap where you saw roaches. Do this around that gap.
Remember, cockroaches are attracted to warm and damp environments, so focus on these areas. Follow all safety instructions carefully and protect children and pets from the treated areas.
Using Cockroach Traps
Another effective method that you can use to get rid of roaches on your boat is by using traps. In most cases, cockroach traps contain a sticky material that acts as bait for the roaches, enticing them to enter or approach the trap, where they become stuck in the adhesive.
To increase your odds and make this method work better, consider placing the traps in areas where cockroaches are commonly found.
You may also want to use the traps continuously for at least a week and then check again after a two-week to ensure no re-infestation.
Cockroach Bait
Cockroach baits are formulated with a chemical gel that serves as a slow-acting poison. In this case, the bait will draw the roaches, which will then draw more and more of them, and within two weeks or so, all of the cockroaches will be eradicated.
The point is that when the roaches consume the bait, it acts as a slow poison. For best results, place the bait in areas where cockroaches are commonly found. This could be areas such as cracks in the floor.
Doing this will attract the roaches you see and their entire families, as they will take the bait back to their nests, exposing even more of the pests to the poison.
Liquid Concentrates
You can keep roaches and similar pests at bay by applying liquid concentrate for a couple of weeks.
Start by diluting the liquid concentrate, spraying it into the cracks in the boat, as well as any potential roach nets or entrances.
You can also use the diluted liquid to clean the floors, and other boat surfaces with a cloth or mop. You might want to re-apply the remedy to prevent re-infestation.
Professional Pesticides
If roaches have heavily infested your boat, you might need to apply powerful professional insecticides that contain chemicals like cypermethrin. The residual impact of these chemicals will keep killing pests and insects in your house for at least three months.
However, this chemical method is only recommended as a last resort. Stay away from this remedy if you have pets or kids who will use the vessel.
Moreover, most pest prevention or repellent strategies available on the market include harmful chemicals, which you might not want to use when getting rid of roaches.
Several natural methods are also available if you’re wondering how to eliminate cockroaches without using dangerous chemicals. Here are some home remedies you can use to deal with roaches:
2) Home Remedies/Natural Methods to Keep Roaches off Your Boat
Using Baking Soda and Sugar
This is one of the easiest methods of getting rid of roaches. In this case, you’ll need to make a mixture of sugar and baking soda by taking equal proportions of the items. Then sprinkle this combination over the boat, focusing on the infested areas.
After consuming the mixture, the pests will soon die as the baking soda reacts with the stomach acid, causing it to gas up.
Bay Leaves
You can say goodbye to cockroaches with this inexpensive and readily available solution. Bay leaves, commonly used in Indian cooking for their fragrant aroma, can be a powerful deterrent for these pests.
Simply grind up some bay leaves and sprinkle the powder near areas where the roaches have been seen. The strong yet pleasant scent of the bay leaves will drive the cockroaches away without the need for harmful chemicals or killing them.
Using Soap Solution
Here’s another way to get rid of roaches on your boat using a simple household item – soap! By mixing soap with water and creating a solution, you can effectively get rid of these pests.
Simply sprinkle the mixture on the cockroaches and watch as most of them die instantly from having their breathing pores covered by the soapy water. You can also spray the solution on their nests to coax the cockroaches out and then eliminate them manually.
Using Ammonia Solution
With its strong and pungent odor, ammonia can be a great solution for keeping these pests from your boat. Simply mix two cups of ammonia with a bucket of water, and flush the solution through your boat’s compartment and other susceptible places.
The strong scent of the ammonia will keep the cockroaches away, ensuring that your home stays roach-free. To maintain this, consider repeating the remedy once every two weeks.
Using Homemade Boric Acid Bait
Get rid of cockroaches with this easy-to-make,
homemade bait. Simply mix one part boric acid powder, one part white flour, and
one part sugar to create a dough.
After that, place small dough balls in areas where the cockroaches are frequently seen, and watch as the mixture of flour and sugar attracts the pests and the boric acid kills them.
Mix one part boric acid, one part cocoa powder, and two parts white flour for a similar effect.
You should keep using the bait for weeks to ensure all the cockroaches are gone. Remember to keep the mixture away from children and pets, as it is toxic to both.
Using Pepper, Onion, and Garlic Solution
You can also drive away cockroaches with pepper, onion, and garlic solution. It’s a simple and effective solution made from common household ingredients.
Mix 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper powder, and 1 onion paste with 1 liter of water, then let it sit for one hour.
After that, add 1 tablespoon of liquid soap to the mixture, and use it in all the areas of your boat where the cockroaches are frequent. The strong and unpleasant smell of the remedy will cause the pest to flee rather quickly.
Use Listerine
To use this method, start by mixing equal parts of Listerine and water to create a solution, and then add 2 drops of dishwashing liquid for even more effectiveness.
Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and target the areas where the roaches have been seen. If possible, spray the solution directly on the cockroaches for an even stronger effect.
With its repelling properties, Listerine will surely drive these pests away, forcing them to escape and leave your vessel alone.
Using Pine-Sol and Bleach
You can also eradicate roaches instantly with the power of Pine-Sol and bleach. Simply mix two cups of Pine-Sol, two cups of bleach, and one cup of boiling water to create a solution.
Pour the mixture into the areas where the roaches have been seen, and keep the compartments open to help dissipate the strong odor. Wait 20 to 30 minutes, then clean up the area.
Petroleum Jelly Trick
Here’s another simple solution to get rid of cockroaches. You’ll need a jar or bottle with a wide opening. Spread some petroleum jelly around the inside rim of the jar.
Then, add some peels of fruits, like mango, banana, and apple, inside the bottle. Leave the jar open overnight in the boat in areas where cockroaches are frequently seen, such as the compartments and near cracks.
The sweet aroma from the fruit peels will draw the roaches into the jar, but the petroleum jelly will prevent them from escaping. In the morning, empty the trapped roaches into a bucket of soapy water to dispose of them.
Cucumber Trap
All you need in this method is an aluminum can and some cucumber peels. Place them inside the can and leave them overnight. The juices from the cucumber will react with the aluminum and create a smell that cockroaches just can’t stand. Give it a try, and say goodbye to roaches!
3) Some Essential Tips to Keep in Mind
Eliminating cockroaches from your home can be challenging, but a few tips can help you tackle the task easily.
Using insecticides and chemicals prevents inhalation, as these substances can cause breathing problems and lung irritation.
Also, keep baits and chemicals out of reach of pets and children but accessible to roaches.
Maintaining a dry kitchen and bathroom environment can help prevent cockroaches from setting camp in your boat.
Clean counters and floors with disinfectant liquids to keep roaches at bay. You can also deny roaches access to food by sealing containers and washing dirty dishes promptly.
Roaches can only survive without water for one week, so fixing water leaks and storing cooking vessels upside down can also help.
If you eliminate cockroaches manually, i.e., using natural remedies, clean up thoroughly to prevent further infestations.
Placing naphthalene balls around the house can also help repel roaches. Likewise, pay attention to clutter so it doesn’t accumulate, as it can provide a breeding ground for roaches.
Lastly, if everything fails and you cannot eliminate the roaches on your own, don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals or pest controllers. They may help handle the task safely.
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide on how to get rid of cockroaches on your boat helpful. In our case, it took us a few days to see results, but we started noticing dead roaches on their backs, which was a clear indication that the remedies were working. Good luck!
