10 Plants that naturally repel roaches from your home

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10 Plants that naturally repel roaches from your home

Cockroaches are one of the most disgusting insects that can infest your homes.

When it comes to household pests, few are more reviled than the cockroach. These creepy crawly critters are not just unsightly but can also pose a threat to your health as they contaminate food and surfaces.

While there are many chemicals available to keep them at bay, natural methods are much better and more sustainable.

Most insecticides are not only expensive, but they can also be harmful to the environment, pets, beneficial insects and even humans with long-term exposure. This is where natural remedies come in handy because they are affordable, safe and environmentally friendly.

One of these ways is by using plants that naturally repel cockroaches.

Not only do they keep your space pest-free, but they also add some greenery to your living spaces. Here are ten plants you can plant or sprinkle around your house to repel cockroaches naturally.

1. Catnip

Catnip is an excellent repellent for roaches and other pesky insects such as mosquitoes and flies. This herb contains nepetalactone, which is non-toxic to human beings but has a powerful effect on cockroaches’ sensory glands. Plant catnip in your garden or make a DIY repellent spray and use it as needed.

2. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves contain eucalyptol that makes them an excellent option to deter cockroaches. These leaves emit a strong fragrance that makes it difficult for roaches and other insects to breathe properly and hence suffocating them. Use bay leaves in your pantry or keep some in the kitchen cabinets.

3. Lavender

Lavender is primarily used to repel moths and mosquitoes. However, it’s an excellent roach repellant too. It emits a unique scent that irritates the senses of these insects, keeping them away from your home. Keep fresh lavender bunches around your house or make a DIY spray to get rid of these pests.

4. Lemon Balm

Like lemon, lemon balm, also known as mint balm, has a unique citrus-like fragrance that roaches cannot stand. Keep the plant close to your windows or doors, or use its dried leaves in sachets, and watch the roaches flee.

5. Mint

Another herb that has a highly aromatic scent that keeps roaches at bay is mint. Its fragrance is known to be hateful to these insects, making sure they don’t come anywhere near your home. Crush some fresh leaves and sprinkle them on entrance points and around doorways.

6. Osage Orange Tree

Osage orange, also known as Maclura pomifera, grows in warm climates and produces fruit with a citrusy fragrance. Roaches are sensitive to citrus and any acidic compounds. Therefore, placing the berry onto the areas of the house with the most roaches should quickly repel them away from your home.

7. Rosemary

Apart from adding flavor to your cooking, rosemary emits a unique aroma that is offensive to roaches. Use it in various forms, such as fresh bunches or dried leaves, around potential entry points of the house, beneath sinks, and behind appliances where roaches hide.

8. Sage

Frequently used in cooking, sage has a pungent smell that many insects find repuve. The herb's leaves can be purchased at any supermarket and should be crushed before placing them around areas of infestation so that their odor is more efficiently dispersed.

9. Cucumber Plant

An unlikely addition to this list of natural repellants, cucumbers may have moisturizing properties that make them an excellent insecticide. Using cucumber slices or peels, you may discourage roaches from entering your home by positioning them strategically in areas of high cockroach activity.

10. Garlic

Garlic's strong pungent smell might bring tears to your eyes, but it works wonders against roaches! Roaches are sensitive to smells, and garlic is one among many scents they find unbearable. Crush some cloves and spread the garlic bits around the house.

In short, planting these natural roach repellent plants throughout your home or garden is a great way to keep unwanted insects at bay. Making use of these plants could also bring about a refreshing scent to your home instead of that awful chemical smell from insecticides.

Not only do these plants smell amazing, but they can also add a beautiful and functional touch to your living space.

1. How do these plants repel cockroaches?

These plants emit strong fragrances that are repuve to roaches' senses, pushing them away from the vicinity.

2. Do I need to use all the plants mentioned?

No, you can choose one or the combination of two in your garden or within your house.

3. Are these plants safe for pets?

Yes, most of the plants mentioned are harmless to pets, but it's safer to ask a veterinarian for advice.

4. How often do I need to water them?

Typically, these plants need watering when their soil is becoming dry or parched.

5. How long does it take for these plants to work?

Sooner or later, you'll start noticing roaches fleeing from your home after the plants have been placed.

6. Should I place them inside or outside of my home?

That depends on where the infestation is mainly harbored. If you'd like to prevent them from entering either way, utilize them strategically throughout the house.

7. Are there any other benefits to having these plants besides keeping roaches away?

Besides being aesthetically pleasing, some of these plants serve additional purposes, such as adding fragrance to dish seasonings and helping with respiratory problems.

8. What happens if I don't have a green thumb?

Don't fret; utilize the dried leaves in sachets or make your natural repellent spray.

9. Can these plants be grown in small apartments?

Definitely! Some of these plants could be grown indoor on windowsills or living spaces by selecting specific pots and healthy soils.

10. Is there a specific time of year that I should plant these?

Most of these plants are growing throughout the year and can be found in local nurseries or home depots. Plant them whenever you are set to make your garden pest-free.