To Destroy Cockroaches
The following is said to be effectual: These vermin are easily destroyed, simply by cutting up green cucumbers at night, and placing them about where roaches commit depredations. What is cut from the cucumbers in preparing them for the table answers the purpose as well, and three applications will destroy all the roaches in the house. Remove the peelings in the morning, and renew them at night.
Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie
Roach Remedy
A few drops of turpentine sprinkled around where roaches gather will exterminate them at once.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Death to Insects
Two pounds of alum dissolved in three or four quarts of boiling water and applied to all cracks and crevices, will keep out ants, roaches, spiders, bedbugs, etc., etc.
Source: 76: A Cook Book