When it comes to household hacks, some unlikely combinations end up being surprisingly effective.

One such pairing is laundry detergent and sugar—a simple, budget-friendly method that works wonders in keeping household pests, especially cockroaches, at bay. It might sound odd, but this homemade solution has proven to be a powerful alternative to harsh or expensive chemical insecticides.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to keep your home roach-free, read on to learn how to use this mix to your advantage.

Why Mix Laundry Detergent with Sugar?

Sugar works as a natural lure for cockroaches. Its sweetness attracts them quickly, drawing them into the trap. The detergent, meanwhile, acts as a toxic agent: it disrupts the insect’s digestive system and damages its exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and ultimately death.

This combination is not only effective at killing roaches but also helps reduce their presence in critical areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or behind furniture.

Home Remedies Using Laundry Detergent and Sugar to Eliminate Roaches

1. Basic Trap with Detergent and Sugar

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent
• 2 tablespoons of regular sugar
• Bottle caps, small plates, or pieces of cardboard

How to prepare and use it:

1. Mix the detergent and sugar together in equal parts.
2. Place small amounts of the mixture on bottle caps or cardboard pieces.
3. Set these traps in areas where you’ve seen roach activity: under the fridge, behind the stove, under the sink, or near drains.
4. Replace the traps every 2–3 days to keep them fresh and effective.

2. Liquid Version for Hard-to-Reach Corners

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/4 cup of water
• Spray bottle (optional)

How to prepare and use it:

1. Dissolve the detergent and sugar in the water.
2. Apply the mixture directly into cracks, crevices, or underneath appliances.
3. You can also spray it in high-traffic insect zones using a spray bottle.

This method works especially well for vertical surfaces or tight spaces where dry traps won’t stay in place.

3. Thick Paste for Cracks and Corners

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent
• 1 tablespoon of water

How to prepare and use it:

1. Mix all the ingredients until you form a thick paste.
2. Use a spoon or spatula to apply the paste into corners and cracks where roaches usually hide.
3. Refresh the paste once a week.

Tips to Maximize Effectiveness

Clean the area thoroughly before placing the traps. A clean surface will make the sugar more enticing to the roaches.

Keep the mix away from food and kitchen utensils. While it’s a home remedy, detergent is still toxic to humans and pets.

Wear gloves when handling the mixture, and wash your hands afterward.

Keep the kitchen dry and free of food scraps to avoid attracting more insects.

Combine with physical barriers: Seal cracks, cover drains at night, and ensure proper ventilation.

This simple trick using detergent and sugar shows that sometimes the most effective solutions are found in everyday products. With consistency and care, you can keep your home roach-free without overspending or relying on dangerous chemicals.