You can also eliminate rats and cockroaches without the use of harmful chemicals provided you have normal household items that are readily available in your kitchen.
Rice is one of the most useful and cheap household remedies that when mixed with other components can prove to be a very strong solution in fighting these pests.
Not only is this technique safe in the house, but it is also environmental friendly, since it does not involve any toxic chemicals.

Raw rice is a deadly bait when combined with plaster (which is lime or white cement).
It is made by mixing an equal quantity of ground dry rice with powdered plaster.
When you are ready you can put it in small containers or even bottle tops in places where you have seen rats and cockroaches frequent like corners, behind furniture or drains.
A container of water should also be kept close to the bait, because once the rodent or insect has consumed the mixture and proceeds to drink water, the plaster sets in the stomach causing death to them.

These animals are drawn to rice since it neither smells nor tastes bad, and thus forms an enticing bait. It is also easy to ingest by small cockroaches and young rats when it is ground.
This treatment is patient and it may take between 2-5 days before one sees the results depending on the degree of infestation.

To add to the effect of the remedy, it is advised to maintain a clean house, seal cracks, and place food in air-tight containers.
A repetition of the procedure every week over a month will assist in the total elimination of the problem.
It is a very efficient, cheap and natural method which is not dangerous to humans or pets, provided that it is used carefully.
When mixed with plaster, rice therefore serves as a sure home remedy in preventing these undesired pests.