Can Deodorant Kill Cockroaches? Let’s Find Out

Cockroaches are pests that are capable of wreaking havoc in homes. These creatures are able to destroy everything in their path, not to mention the diseases and allergic reactions they will bring along.

If you happen to encounter one of them in your hour of need, you might try to use deodorant just to make a quick escape while you try to find something more suitable for the job. But are deodorants capable of killing cockroaches effectively? Let’s find out.

Brown cockroach standing still on top of a transparent box
Brown cockroach standing on its back with legs straight up resting on a round transparent box.

Does Deodorant Kill Cockroaches?

Yes, some deodorants are capable of killing cockroaches. And how is that? It’s because some of them incorporate some of the substances with chemical compounds that are somewhat insecticidal.

In every case you’ll need to spray the deodorant directly into the cockroach for it to be “effective” and kill it. However, even if this ends up working, it will never be truly effective as a bug spray.

Cockroaches bug sprays and other pesticide solutions contain the proper chemicals to attack the cockroaches’ nerve system, this is the main reason why you don’t need to spray them directly into the bug.

There are far better solutions out there than deodorant to kill cockroaches. But if you happen to be without any, at a moment of need, just stunt the cockroach with some deodorant and kick it out of your house.

What’s the Best Solution to Kill Cockroaches (Without Deodorant)?

Cockroaches can be killed with many commercial solutions out there, but if you want some natural alternatives other than deodorant, here are some to try on.

Natural Solutions to Kill Cockroaches

  • Diatomaceous Earth: It acts as a drier, when in contact with roaches it will damage their exoskeleton and dries them to death.
  • Baking Soda: Roaches will eat the baking soda (when prepared with something else) and it will create a lot of gas in their stomachs, and they end up bursting.
  • Boric Acid: It is a natural component (safe for humans and pets) but it’s very deadly to roaches, when they ingest it, they end up dying.
  • Borax: Despite being a laundry product it is excellent at eliminating roaches. If you mix it with sugar, they will eat it and dehydrate to death.
  • Citrus: This juice will act as a repellent to cockroaches, the smell of lemon, is effective at deterring roaches. Humans don’t mind about it, but roaches will be packing.
  • Essential Oils: Another solution that shows great results against roaches, for better results use the lemongrass or peppermint essential oils

Did you know: Roaches can stand still for quite a while in inconvenient places, but you can prevent this.

How to Prevent Roaches From Entering Your Home Without Using Deodorant

If you want to prevent roaches from breaking into your place (and spend your deodorant), then you have to do some homework in order to keep them off for good.

1. Clean Everything Up

If your home is able to provide food, water, and shelter to the roaches, then it’s a positive welcome for them to stay. If you don’t make it easy for them to get these resources then they have no other choice than to leave. Make it less appealing for them and you are set to never see a roach so soon.

2. Use Cockroaches Traps

Sticky traps are one of the great ways to eliminate cockroaches and prevent them as well. Lay down some trap where you know they can potentially enter and you are good to go.

If you are not 100% sure where they are coming from, just hit some random locations and keep checking them every day until you’ve hit jackpot. After a while, you’ll get the hang of it.

3. Place Some Bait

You can place some bait outside your home to prevent roaches from coming in. This is probably one of the smartest things to do. Start fighting them from the outside. These baits tend to be very effective, especially if you place them in corners, ledges, fences, or in your home foundation.

If you only want to use bait inside your house, look out for pets and small children, and always read the instructions before going with a specific bait.

Fun fact: Can you eat cockroaches without dying? ☠️☠️☠️

4. Spray Pesticide

This is definitely one of the most effective ways to dispose of roaches. Just spray inside the perimeter you want to hit and it will do its job. Some of the sprays can last longing (up to 3 months or even more). They act by killing cockroaches on contact. If you want to go straight to the point, this is the path to follow.

5. Call an Exterminator

If nothing works, then you should call a professional who can handle it. There are many people out there who are specialized in the extermination of cockroaches. They will be able to do the proper extermination, and might even give you some advice on what you can do, so an infestation won’t happen again.

Conclusion

As a final thought, don’t rely on deodorant to kill cockroaches. Consider the use of a pesticide or any natural product that can aid you in this. Cockroaches can be though, but they are not invincible.