Cockroaches are some of the most resilient pests around. They’re adaptable, they’re persistent, and once they’re in your house, they can be incredibly difficult to get rid of.
But what if you could repel cockroaches with something simple, natural, and already in your home? It turns out that certain smells are naturally offensive to roaches, making them an easy and effective way to keep these pests at bay.
In this article, we’ll explore what smell do cockroaches hate the most, along with a few other scents that can send those roaches packing.
Why do smells keep roaches away?
Cockroaches use their sense of smell to find food and mates. They also use it to avoid danger. So, strong smells can overwhelm their senses, making it hard for them to find food or even move around.
It’s important to know the difference between a repellent and an insecticide. Repellents keep roaches away, while insecticides kill them. This article is about repellents.
The smells listed below are all scents that cockroaches generally avoid.
Top Scents that Repel Roaches
If you’re looking for a more natural way to discourage roaches from taking up residence in your home, you may be interested to know that they’re not fond of strong scents. Here are some of the aromas that can send them scurrying:
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a strong, minty, and wonderfully refreshing scent. Cockroaches, on the other hand, can’t stand it.
To use peppermint oil as a repellent, mix 10 to 15 drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution in areas where you’ve seen roaches, and reapply every few days to keep the effect going.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has a strong, medicinal, and somewhat camphorous scent that many people find invigorating. Cockroaches are repelled by its potency.
As with peppermint oil, you can mix 10 to 15 drops of eucalyptus oil with water and spray it in areas where roaches tend to congregate or enter your home.
Citrus Fruits
The fresh, zesty, and invigorating scent of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges is appealing to most people, but cockroaches dislike the acidity and the strong scent.
You can place lemon or orange peels in cabinets or under sinks to discourage roaches. You can also create a citrus spray by mixing lemon juice with water.
Lavender
With its floral, sweet, and calming scent, lavender is a favorite of many. Cockroaches, however, are repelled by the strong floral aroma.
Mix 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil with water and spray in areas where you’ve seen roaches. You can also place dried lavender sachets in drawers and closets.
Cinnamon
Most people enjoy the warm, spicy, and sweet aroma of cinnamon, but cockroaches are deterred by its potency.
Sprinkle cinnamon near roach hotspots, or place cinnamon sticks in cabinets and pantries.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves have a herbaceous, slightly bitter, and aromatic scent that cockroaches dislike.
Crush bay leaves and place them in cabinets or on shelves, or simply place whole bay leaves in areas where roaches are likely to hide.
Garlic
With its pungent, strong, and savory aroma, garlic is a favorite ingredient in many cuisines, but cockroaches are repelled by its intensity.
Peel garlic cloves and place them in cabinets or on shelves. You can also use garlic-infused water to spray potential entry points.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has a spicy, pungent, and irritating aroma that cockroaches find extremely unpleasant.
Sprinkle cayenne pepper powder near roach hotspots. You can also create a cayenne pepper spray by mixing it with water.
How to Use These Smells Effectively
If you want to try using scent to repel cockroaches, here’s what you need to know:
- Application: Spray essential oils directly onto surfaces, in cracks, and anywhere else you think roaches might be hiding or moving. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Consistency: You’ll need to reapply frequently, especially after you clean. Natural repellents only work if you use them consistently. It may take a while to notice a difference.
- Combinations: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of scents. Roaches might find some scents more offensive than others.
- Cleanliness: The most important thing is to eliminate roaches’ food sources. Clean up spills and crumbs immediately. Store food in airtight containers. Empty your trash cans often.
Scent repellents aren’t a magic bullet, but they can be part of a broader pest control strategy.
When to call a professional
Knowing when to call a professional pest control service can save you time, money, and stress. Natural roach repellents can work for minor infestations. But if you see these signs, you likely need professional help:
- Seeing cockroaches during the day
- Finding lots of droppings or egg casings
- A musty smell in your home
Professionals have access to more effective treatments. They can also find the source of the infestation and provide the best solution. After treatment, seal cracks to prevent reentry. Keep your home clean to reduce food sources. You can also keep using natural repellents to prevent future infestations.
Putting It All Together
To recap, cockroaches are repelled by a variety of strong smells. Peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus, and bay leaves are all scents that cockroaches tend to avoid. You can use these as essential oils, sprays, or even just place the fresh or dried herbs around your home.
However, it’s important to remember that consistent application and cleanliness are key. These methods work best when used regularly and in conjunction with keeping your home clean and free of food debris.
If you have a persistent cockroach infestation, it’s always best to call a professional pest control service. They have the expertise and tools to eliminate the problem effectively.