How did the Amish get rid of roaches?

The Amish get rid of roaches using a combination of traditional, low-chemical methods that align with their simple lifestyle, plus some modern methods when infestations are severe, similar to how they handle bedbugs. Traditional Amish roach control emphasizes intense sanitation, which is considered the foundation, including daily sweeping and mopping with hot water and lye soap or vinegar, storing all food in sealed glass or metal containers, cleaning crumbs and grease immediately, and removing clutter like cardboard boxes where roaches hide and lay egg cases. They often use natural repellents and desiccants such as diatomaceous earth, a fine powder made from fossilized algae that dehydrates cockroaches when sprinkled in cracks, behind appliances, and under sinks, as well as boric acid powder mixed with sugar or flour as a bait that is low toxicity to humans but lethal to roaches when ingested. Many Amish families use bay leaves, cucumber slices, and peppermint oil as mild repellents, though these alone are not highly effective. For killing, they pour boiling water into cracks and crevices where German cockroaches hide and use homemade traps with sugar and baking soda. Some Amish communities also build tight-fitting wooden cabinets to deny roaches food and use wood-fired heat to dry out damp areas. While some avoid synthetic pesticides for health and religious reasons, others do use commercially available gel baits and hire professional pest control companies for severe German cockroach infestations, because cockroaches are notoriously resistant and reproduce quickly, with one female producing up to 30,000 offspring per year. Prevention through cleanliness and sealing entry points is emphasized.