Because they spread harmful pathogens, such as salmonella, cockroaches are not very likable. They pepper contaminated fecal matter everywhere they go. Additionally, up to 60 percent of asthmatics are sensitive to cockroach allergens. Fortunately, if you have a cockroach infestation — even on a tight budget — you can get rid of those troublesome pests by following the three tips below.

1. Stop Feeding Them

Much like stray dogs, if you feed the roaches, they will keep returning. Unfortunately, roaches are nowhere near as pleasant as dogs, and the tiny pests are enticed by much less food. To make sure that cockroaches aren't using your property as an all-you-can-eat buffet, store all of your food in sealed containers.

You may be surprised to learn that cockroaches also like to eat cardboard and other sources of paper. Cardboard boxes provide roaches with both food and shelter, so get rid of any old cardboard boxes that you don't use anymore.

Clean your entire property from top to bottom to get rid of grease and old food crumbs. Be sure to move furniture, fridges, stoves, and other large objects to clean underneath them.

After consuming cardboard and old food crumbs, cockroaches are sure to be thirsty, so it's also important for you to get rid of the water sources the roaches are using. Dry off wet tubs, sinks, and showers with a towel, and never leave stagnant water lying around.

2. Get Rid of Roaches With Water and Vinegar

After removing food and water from the equation, you want to hit the cockroaches with something they hate — vinegar. Combine water and vinegar in equal parts, and use the mixture to wipe down countertops, sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs. This will leave a sour flavor in the roaches' mouths that they don't like.

3. Wipe Out the Roaches With Boric Acid

Boric acid is a cheap, effective tool for getting rid of roaches. Sprinkle boric acid behind furniture, toilets, fridges, and other places that you frequently find the pests. When sprinkling the boric acid, you need to use a thin layer that roaches will walk through. If the layer is too thick, cockroaches will simply walk around it.

Once the cockroaches walk through the boric acid, they'll carry it back to the nest, where the powder will dehydrate and wipe out the entire colony.

You don't have to live with roaches just because you're on a tight budget. Grab some vinegar and boric acid, and get rid of those harmful pests today. For more information on affordable pest control, contact a company like BUG Busters-Do IT Yourself Pest Control.

Share