An Ingredient From Your Kitchen May Be Able To Solve Your Cockroach Problem

Having a cockroach issue is every homeowner and renter's nightmare. These creepy critters scuttle across everything from countertops to floors, leaving behind bacteria and dirt. Alarmingly, cockroaches are known to carry at least 30 different types of dangerous bacteria, which can cause anything from typhoid fever to dysentery to cholera, as per Northwest Exterminating. They can cause significant health consequences, so trying to eradicate them as soon as you see them is important. But as anyone who has had them in their apartment or house knows, that's easier said than done. While it might eventually require you to enlist professional help, you can first try the DIY route by using an ingredient right out of your kitchen: hot sauce.

That's right, the condiment that makes your wings spicy can also deter roaches from your house. This is a great hack to try since most people already have a bottle in their fridge or pantry, making it well worth the attempt. Curious how it works? Read on to see how to get rid of cockroaches.

While there is no definitive research that proves cockroaches hate hot sauce, there is a ton of anecdotal evidence. The spicy condiment seems to deter roaches for the same reason it deters other pests like rats and yellowjackets — they dislike the smell and the feel. Hot sauce contains capsaicin, which is what gives your mouth that heat when tasting it. It's incredibly uncomfortable for pests to encounter, making them scatter in the opposite direction. It's also a very pungent smell, which can deter them from wandering into the area. 

However, you don't want to simply scatter hot sauce droplets around sinks or entryways. Instead, dilute it with water and use a spray bottle to distribute it. All you need to do is mix 2 tablespoons of your preferred hot sauce with 1 quart of water. Pour it into your spray bottle, shake it to mix it thoroughly, and spray it in areas you have recently seen activity. This works best when you first begin to see cockroaches, as this will likely expel them from your house and deter more from coming in.

However, there is one caveat to keep in mind. This is best used in households with no pets or children. Capsaicin can cause stomach problems in dogs, cats, and little ones alike, but since most hot sauces are also made with garlic and onions, it can also be toxic to your pets.