No, vinegar does not kill roaches. While it’s a great natural cleaner & deodorizer, vinegar is not strong enough to eliminate or repel cockroaches effectively.

Why People Use Vinegar

Many homeowners use vinegar in DIY pest control because it’s natural, non-toxic, and safe around pets and children. It’s often used to clean areas where roaches may travel, helping to remove food residue and scent trails. But it doesn’t kill them or keep them away.

What Vinegar Can Do

• Cleans up crumbs & food particles that attract roaches.

• Disrupts pheromone trails to some extent.

• Sanitizes surfaces, making your home less appealing to pests.

What Vinegar Can’t Do

• Doesn’t kill roaches on contact or over time.

• Doesn’t prevent infestations or repel roaches effectively.

• Won’t destroy nests or eggs.

Better Alternatives

If you’re looking for natural roach control methods, try…

• Boric acid

• Diatomaceous earth

• Baking soda & sugar baits

• Essential oils (like peppermint or tea tree)

• Sticky traps or gel baits

Use vinegar as part of a cleaning routine to reduce the chances of a roach problem  but combine it with more effective pest control methods for real results.