Cockroaches are among the most hated pests, often invading our perfect homes and workplaces, searching for food and cover.
Treating the issue with chemical solutions is usually the most common approach to getting rid of them. However, employing smells they detest is a more natural way of keeping these unwelcome crawlers away.
Let’s go over eight smells cockroaches hate and how they can help control this annoying issue for good.
1. Peppermint Oil
People often find its strong and fresh smell appealing, while cockroaches find it overwhelming. The menthol within the oil disorients their sense of direction.
You just need to mix 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with some water and dish soap.
Mist the solution via a spray bottle at baseboards, entry points, and places where you have noticed high activity. Finally, cotton balls soaked completely with the oil can be placed where they like to hide.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
This is another well-known technique to deter cockroaches away. This oil gives off a cool medicine-like smell that confuses and repels cockroaches. So, your house becomes less appealing.
You only need 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil combined with water in a spray bottle. Apply it wherever you can find them crawling.
Furthermore, add some drops to a diffuser and set it in areas where cockroach activity is frequent. They’ll keep their distance because of the constant smell.
3. Lavender Oil
Although this is frequently used to induce sleep and relaxation, cockroaches cannot bear its smell. It can actually kill them.
Simply add about 10 drops of lavender oil to water and rubbing alcohol. Spray it in areas that are prone to cockroach invasions, like bathrooms and cracks around pipes.
In addition, dry lavender leaves will also do the trick. Put them within sachets, which you can then hide in different places to effectively repel these awful pests.
4. Citrus
The sour smell of citrus fruits is too much for cockroaches. The acidity effectively throws off their pheromone trails.
That’s why fresh citrus peels should be kept in cabinets, under the sink, and any other places cockroaches find appealing. Replace the peels every few days to maintain effect.
You should also clean surfaces regularly, such as counters and floors, using a citrus-based cleaner. Your house will stay clean, and the aroma will repel cockroaches.
5. Tea Tree Oil
There’s no denying that tea tree oil has a distinctive scent. Cockroaches are quite disgusted by it, which you can use to your advantage.
In addition, it also has amazing antibacterial properties. This makes it not only ideal for cleaning your home, but also getting rid of creepy crawlers for good.
You just require from 8 to 10 drops of tea tree oil mixed with water and a little dish soap. Spray it generously on active spots around the house.
Furthermore, another idea that will make a lot of difference for sure is adding the tea tree oil to your mop water.
6. Cedarwood Oil
Derived from cedar trees, it smells strongly of woody, earthy goodness that works incredibly well for cockroach prevention.
The oil is a strong natural repellent as it includes toxins for cockroaches. Mix it with water in a spray bottle and mist their hiding locations and entry points.
Store cedar chips or blocks in closets, drawers, and other spaces to deter cockroaches and maintain fresh smells in your house.
7. Bay Leaves
These are quite nasty to cockroaches. Bay leaves are a simple and natural repellant, since their aroma turns bugs away.
Place full bay leaves in kitchen cupboards, pantries, and other food storage spaces. To maintain a strong smell, replace the leaves every few weeks.
Additionally, crush them and distribute the powder under appliances, in other covert areas where cockroaches might hide, and in corners.
8. Cucumber
Surprisingly powerful for cockroach prevention, cucumbers have a fresh pleasant aroma. Although it’s not totally apparent why cockroaches detest cucumbers, it’s a natural and safe approach to deter them from visiting specific locations.
Fresh cucumbers should be placed where you have witnessed cockroach activity. Replace the slices often, as they will dry out over time and lose their efficacy.
Use cucumber peels in a similar manner.
How to Maximise Their Effectiveness
Although these smells can help discourage cockroaches, their best use is in conjunction with a more comprehensive control plan.
These guidelines can help you maximise their impact:
- Combining these fragrances will produce a more potent barrier for repelling action. For example, you can combine eucalyptus and peppermint oils or alternate between lavender and tea tree oil.
- Keep clean surroundings, as cockroaches are drawn to food and drink. Preventing pests relies on keeping your house clutter-free and clean. To eliminate possible attractants, routinely clean surfaces, sweep floors, and toss the trash.
- Cockroaches can find their way into your house via cracks, gaps, and other openings. Seal wall cracks around windows and doors, as well as near plumbing fixtures, using caulk. Door sweeps also help in stopping cockroaches from getting in.
- Track cockroach activity, even with natural repellents on hand. Search for droppings, shed skins, and any other evidence. Act quickly to solve any present infestation problem.
- Natural repellents must be reapplied regularly to maintain effectiveness. Essential oils, for instance, will fade with time. So, it is advisable to clean your diffusers and sprays every few days.
When to Call a Pest Control Company
Although these natural smells can help deter cockroaches, they might not be sufficient to eradicate a major outbreak.
You should give pest control services some thought if you have a lot of cockroaches or if the infestation lasts even with your best efforts.
A professional exterminator will examine the matter, determine the degree of the infestation, and put a thorough treatment plan into effect. They will also advise you on environmentally-friendly solutions.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are an illness to any home. Absolutely everyone wants to find a way to get rid of these detestable creatures.
However, if you have kids or pets, or are simply against chemical solutions, you will find yourself at a hazard. Don’t worry though, these natural solutions will guarantee a pest-free home.