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Homemade Paste for Killing Roaches

Author

Andrew Adams

Updated on March 12, 2026

Roaches pose the risk of disease exposure and asthma problems. Sprays are a short-term solution to roach problems; a better method of control is to purchase or make a bait paste. Attractants in the paste -- such as sugar -- will entice the roaches to eat it.

Roaches are off-putting pests attracted to food sources.

Things You Will Need

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  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Boric acid
  • Disposable container
  • Plastic spoon
  • Milk
  • Vacuum

Poisons in the paste -- like boric acid -- will slowly kill them. Roaches will also take the bait paste back to other roaches and share, creating a domino effect in eliminating the pest.

  1. Mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup boric acid in a disposable container.

  2. Add just enough milk to create a paste, and mix well.

  3. Vacuum the areas in which you have seen cockroaches. This will remove any of the insects that are dead or exposed.

  4. Place a small amount of roach-killing paste in areas where you've noticed evidence of infestation. This evidence could take the form of live roaches or roach droppings. Make sure the paste is inaccessible to children and pets, as boric acid is harmful if ingested.

  5. Allow three to four weeks before expecting a major change in roach activity. Monitor the paste locations, and replace the poison as roaches eat and deplete it.

  6. Tip

    Moisture and food attract roaches. Keep surfaces clean and dry to prevent other roaches from coming into your home.