Prevention is often the best medicine when it comes to pest control. A simple way to avoid a cockroach problem is to find ways to dissuade them from entering your home in the first place.
One natural way to do this is to take advantage of plants that deter cockroaches. There are many plants that repel roaches away from your home. Each one has its own unique properties that make it effective against cockroaches.
If you’re looking for a natural way to deter roaches out of your home, then consider using one of these plants.
Table of Contents
Best Plants That Repel Cockroaches
1. Plant Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
This plant is a member of the mint family and is native to Europe and Asia. It is well known for its ability to repel cats, but it is also one of the most effective plants that repel roaches. In fact, studies have shown that catnip is more effective at repelling cockroaches than some commercial pesticides.
2. Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Rue is a hardy perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a strong, pungent odor that roaches hate. In addition to being able to repel roaches, rue is also effective against mice, rats, and snakes.
3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
This popular ornamental plant is not only beautiful, but it also repels cockroaches. The strong scent of lavender confuses and discourages cockroaches from entering your home. You can plant lavender or use dried lavender or essential oils to repel roaches.
Read More: How To Use Lavender to Repel Roaches.
4. Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
This plant is best known for its use in mosquito repellents. It acts like a natural insect repellent, and is also effective against cockroaches. The strong citrus scent of citronella repels cockroaches and other pests.
5. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
This plant is a member of the mint family and is native to Europe and Asia. Peppermint has a strong, refreshing scent that cockroaches find offensive. It is not just roaches that dislike this repellent; peppermint is also effective against ants, mice, and rats.
In addition to the plant, peppermint oil is also an effective way to combat roaches.
6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This plant is a member of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean region. Rosemary has a strong, pungent odor that cockroaches find offensive. While it is effective as a cockroach repellent, rosemary is also effective against ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
7. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
This plant is a member of the mint family and is native to Europe and Asia. Thyme has a strong, pungent odor that roaches hate. In addition to being a cockroach repellent, thyme is also effective against ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
8. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
This plant is a member of the grass family and is native to Asia. Lemongrass has a strong citrus scent that cockroaches find offensive. The pungent smell of lemongrass is also effective at repelling ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
9. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
These flowering plants are members of the geranium family and are native to Africa. Scented geraniums have a strong, pungent odor that cockroaches find offensive. As well as being a cockroach repellent, scented geraniums are effective against ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
10. Garlic (Allium sativum)
This plant is a member of the onion family and is native to Central Asia. Garlic has a strong, pungent odor that cockroaches find offensive. In addition to repelling roaches, garlic is effective against ants, flies, and mosquitoes.
11. Bay Leaf Plant (Laurus nobilis)
The bay leaf plant is a popular herb that has many uses in cooking. It is also effective at repelling roaches. Bay leaves release oil that helps repel roaches and other insects. This oil is also toxic to roaches, so they will avoid areas where it is present.
Benefits of Choosing Plants (Natural) Repellents
There are a few reasons why plant cockroach repellents are better than commercial roach repellents:
- Natural cockroach repellents are typically less toxic than commercial roach repellents.
- Natural cockroach repellents generally are less expensive than commercial roach repellents.
- Many people believe that natural cockroach repellents are more effective than commercial roach repellents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are roach repellent plants effective against a roach infestation?
No, plants are not effective against a cockroach infestation. While the plants may be effective at repelling roaches away from common areas of your home, a cockroach infestation means they are likely hiding somewhere dark within your house.
If you suspect you have a serious cockroach infestation, we suggest researching a comprehensive DIY approach or contacting a local pest control company.
What makes plants repel roaches?
Some plants have a strong natural odor that repels roaches. Because of this, many people place plants in their homes as a way to repel roaches. Additionally, many plants have sharp edges or spines that can harm or kill a roach if they come into contact with them.
What are some other natural cockroach repellents?
Some natural cockroach repellents that are not plants include:
- Boric acid
- Diatomaceous earth
- Bay leaves
- Essential Oils
– Citrus oil
– Peppermint oil