Roaches, slugs, and snails are arguably the most repulsive trio of home and garden pest. Luckily, a number of natural solutions exist to eradicate or repel them.

Roaches
Close off all gaps around pipes and electric lines where they enter the house by using cement or screening. Caulk small cracks along baseboards, walls, cupboards, and around pipes, sinks, and bathtub fixtures.

Seal food tightly. Rinse food off dishes that are left overnight. Do not leave pet food out overnight.

Hedge Apples (Osage Orange). Cut hedge apples in half and place several in the basement, around in cabinets, or under the house to repel roaches.

Flour, Cocoa Powder & Borax. Mix together 2 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons Borax, and 1 tablespoon cocoa. Set the mixture out in dishes but at a safe distance away from the reach of children and pets.

Borax and Flour. Mix 1/2 cup Borax and 1/4 cup flour in a glass jar. Punch small holes in the jar lid, and sprinkle the powder along baseboards and doorsills. Do not use around children or pets.

Oatmeal, Flour & Plaster of Paris. Mix equal parts of each and set in dishes. Keep the mixture out of the reach of children and pets.

Baking Soda & Powdered Sugar. Mix equal parts of both and spread around the infested area.

Slugs & Snails
For Nature's solution, garden snakes, grass snakes, ground beetles, box turtles, salamanders, ducks, and larvae of lightning bugs all feed on slugs and snails.

Clay Pots. Place overturned clay flower pots near the shady side of a plant. Rest one edge on a small twig or make sure that the ground is irregular enough for the slugs and snails to crawl under the rim. They will collect there during the warmest part of the day. Remove them and drop them in a bucket of soapy water.

Sand, Lime, or Ashes. Snails avoid protective borders of sand, lime, or ashes.

Courtesy MSU Extension