We’ve all been there — you see a trail of ants on the counter or a cockroach dart across the floor, and your first thought is to head online for a quick DIY fix. From vinegar sprays to coffee grounds, the internet is full of “guaranteed” pest control hacks.
But here’s the truth: most of them don’t actually work — at least not for long. In fact, some popular home remedies can make the problem worse.
At Frazier Pest Control, we’ve helped homeowners across the Coachella Valley, Inland Empire, and Morongo Basin clean up after these failed DIY attempts. Let’s take a look at the biggest myths out there and what you should do instead.
Read more: Mice in Coachella Valley Homes: Signs, Risks, and Removal
Myth #1: Vinegar or Lemon Juice Kills Ants and Cockroaches
Vinegar and lemon juice might make your counters smell fresh, but they won’t eliminate an infestation. At best, the strong scent may temporarily disrupt an ant trail — but once it fades, the ants will be right back.
Cockroaches are even tougher. They can survive nearly anything — vinegar included. You might see one scurry away after spraying, but it’s not dead. These pests simply avoid the treated area for a while and then return.
Read more: Why Subterranean Termites Often Go Undetected in Coachella Valley Homes
Myth #2: Baking Soda and Sugar Mixtures Eliminate Colonies
This is one of the most common “home remedies” you’ll find online. The idea is that sugar attracts ants or cockroaches, and baking soda kills them. While it may kill a few individual insects that consume it, it doesn’t reach the nest.
Both ants and roaches live in colonies with hundreds or thousands of members. Killing a handful won’t make a dent in the population. Real pest control targets the source — not just the scouts.
Read more: Argentine Ants in the Coachella Valley: The Unstoppable Invasion
Myth #3: Coffee Grounds Repel Cockroaches
Some DIY blogs claim that coffee’s strong aroma drives roaches away. Unfortunately, it’s not true. In fact, roaches are often attracted to the smell of organic material, including coffee. If you leave used coffee grounds in your trash can or compost bin, you might actually be inviting them in.
Read more: Pest Control in Coachella Valley: Why Professional Services Matter for Your Property’s Safety
Myth #4: Borax or Boric Acid Alone Will Solve the Problem
Borax and boric acid can kill ants and cockroaches, but only if they’re applied correctly and reach the hidden nesting sites. Many homeowners sprinkle too much or place it where pets or children could come into contact. Misuse can be ineffective or even unsafe.
Professional pest control companies use borate-based treatments in carefully measured amounts as part of a larger plan — not as a standalone fix.
Read more: Scorpions in the Desert: Vigilant Strategies for Coachella Valley Homes
Myth #5: Essential Oils Keep Ants and Roaches Away
Peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils are popular natural deterrents. While they can temporarily repel ants or roaches from specific areas, they don’t eliminate the source or prevent them from coming back. Think of them as short-term air fresheners — not actual pest control.
The Real Problem With DIY Remedies
DIY pest control might sound appealing, but it rarely gets to the root of the problem. Ants and cockroaches hide deep inside walls, cabinets, and floorboards where sprays and home mixtures can’t reach. Meanwhile, their colonies keep growing.
By the time you realize your “natural” or “homemade” remedy isn’t working, the infestation may be far worse — and more expensive to treat.
Read more: Why Squishing Ants Can Make Your Infestation Worse
Professional Ant and Cockroach Control That Works
At Frazier Pest Control, we don’t rely on guesswork. Our trained technicians know exactly how to identify infestations, target nests, and apply safe, effective treatments that stop pests fast.
We use integrated pest management techniques designed for the Coachella Valley’s unique desert environment — because what works in one region doesn’t always work here.
If your DIY methods aren’t working, it’s not your fault. Ants and cockroaches are resilient pests. But with professional help, you can eliminate them for good — and keep them from coming back.
Call Frazier Pest Control today for a professional inspection and treatment plan. (760) 328-6115
FAQ: DIY Pest Control Mistakes
Q: Why don’t DIY sprays work on cockroaches?
A: Most store-bought sprays only kill roaches on contact. They don’t reach hidden eggs or nesting areas, so the population rebounds quickly.
Q: Are natural remedies like vinegar or essential oils safe?
A: Yes, they’re generally safe — but they’re not strong enough to stop an infestation. You can use them for light cleaning, but not as a replacement for pest control.
Q: Can DIY methods make things worse?
A: Sometimes. Spraying the wrong products can scatter colonies, making ants and roaches spread deeper into your home.
Q: What’s the most effective way to get rid of them permanently?
A: Professional pest control that targets nests, breeding areas, and entry points — not just the visible insects.
Q: How soon can I expect results from professional treatment?
A: Most homeowners notice improvement within days, with full elimination depending on the infestation’s size and severity.
Recent Comments