No one wants roaches in their home, but these pesky little creatures can still find their way inside. In Mississippi and Tennessee, roaches are a particularly stubborn pest that can be a nightmare for homeowners.
So what can you do to get rid of them? Well, here is the good news: there are ways to keep these invaders at bay, and some solutions are simpler than you might think.
One way to get rid of cockroaches naturally is by using specific smells they just can’t stand. Unlike us, roaches have a highly sensitive sense of smell that guides them to food and away from threats. So, if certain scents make your home less inviting to them, you might be able to keep them out without much effort.
In this blog post, we will talk about some repellents and natural ingredients that can keep roaches out of your home.
Why Smells Work to Repel Roaches?
Roaches rely on their strong sense of smell for survival. They’re always sniffing out food sources, but on the flip side, certain odors are an instant “no-go” for them. By using the right smells, you can set up an invisible barrier that keeps roaches from feeling welcome in your space. Think of it as sending them a clear “not welcome” sign—only in scent form!
Now, natural deterrents aren’t foolproof, and they won’t eliminate an infestation on their own. This especially is true for certain roaches like German cockroaches, which thrive in a kitchen full of garlic, citrus fruits, and other spices that repel other species. However, they’re a great first step, especially if you’re dealing with minor roach activity.
Let’s go over some of the top scents that homeowners in Mississippi and Tennessee can use to keep roaches away. These are safe, affordable options you can try to discourage roaches from sticking around.
Top Scents that Repel Roaches
Using natural scents to keep roaches away can be surprisingly effective when you know which ones work best. Here’s a look at the top roach-repelling smells that are worth trying in your home:
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a top contender when it comes to repelling roaches. The intense minty aroma is refreshing to us but absolutely overwhelming to roaches. The reason peppermint is so effective lies in its menthol content, which irritates a roach’s sensitive respiratory system, making it hard for them to stay around.
Eucalyptus Oil
The fresh, woody smell of eucalyptus doesn’t just wake up your senses, it also sends roaches scrambling. Eucalyptus oil has a natural, pungent aroma that’s just too powerful for roaches to handle. What’s great about eucalyptus is that it lingers for a long time, making it a solid choice for repelling these pests over an extended period.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus scents (like lemon and orange), add a pleasant, clean smell to the home—but roaches can’t stand it. Citrus fruits contain limonene, a compound that repels roaches and other insects naturally. A bonus? Many cleaning products already have citrus-based ingredients, so they can double as roach repellent while keeping your home fresh and clean.
Lavender
Lavender is famous for its calming, soothing qualities, but it has the opposite effect on roaches. They find the floral scent of lavender to be too overpowering, and it’s particularly irritating to their sense of smell. Using lavender also has the bonus effect of keeping other insects, like flies and mosquitoes, at bay, making it a great scent for overall pest control.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is more than just a pantry staple—it’s a surprisingly effective roach repellent. The spicy, warm aroma is a turn-off for roaches, partly because it interferes with their ability to navigate. Roaches rely heavily on their scent receptors, and cinnamon’s strong, spicy smell essentially “scrambles” their navigation, causing them to avoid it altogether.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are another common kitchen item that roaches steer clear of. These leaves contain compounds that are naturally repellent to roaches and other pests. While bay leaves don’t have the strongest aroma to humans, they release a scent that is enough to make roaches uncomfortable, making them an ideal choice for placing in pantry areas or around food storage spaces.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its strong, pungent smell, which doesn’t just ward off vampires—it also works wonders on roaches. Roaches are highly sensitive to sulfur compounds, which are abundant in garlic. These compounds irritate and overwhelm their senses, making garlic an effective, natural repellent to keep them from feeling at home.
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper’s intense spiciness is more than a kick for your taste buds, it’s also an excellent roach deterrent. The capsaicin in cayenne, which gives it that fiery heat, irritates roaches’ respiratory systems and sends them packing. Cockroaches don’t even need direct contact with cayenne to stay away, the smell alone is enough to make them avoid treated areas.
How to Use These Smells Effectively
Using these roach-repelling scents can be straightforward, but applying them strategically will make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure these natural remedies work as well as possible:
For Essential Oils (Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender): Mix 10-15 drops of the essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray it along baseboards, in kitchen corners, behind appliances, and in any area where you’ve noticed roach activity. Reapply every few days for a continuous effect.
For Citrus Peels: Place lemon or orange peels in areas like cabinets or under sinks. You can also create a spray by mixing 10-12 drops of lemon juice with water.
For Powders (Cayenne and Cinnamon): If you do not have essential oils, powders can also do the job. Sprinkle cayenne powder or cinnamon near roach hotspots, especially around baseboards and entry points. Be cautious with cayenne if you have pets or children in the home.
For Bay Leaves and Garlic Cloves: Crush a few bay leaves or peel garlic cloves and place them in kitchen cabinets or pantry shelves. They work best in dry areas where the scent can be contained.
When Should You Call A Professional For Roach Extermination?
While these natural scents can help keep roaches away and are a great start for minor issues, they do have their limits. Roaches are tough, resourceful pests, and if they’re already established in your home, it often takes more than a few scented barriers to fully eliminate them. When you’re facing a persistent infestation or finding roaches in multiple areas, it’s time to consider a more effective, long-term solution.
If you’re in Mississippi or Tennessee and need a reliable way to get rid of roaches for good, we’re here to help. At Jamison Pest and Lawn, our professional pest control services are tailored to handle roaches quickly and effectively, giving you peace of mind and a roach-free home. Contact us today at (901) 452-1505 to discuss your options and take the first step toward a lasting solution!
