Roaches are one of the most dreaded household pests, and once they’ve made themselves comfortable, they’re incredibly difficult to get rid of. While store-bought insecticides can be effective, they’re often filled with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to pets, children, and your home’s air quality.
The good news? There are natural remedies that can deter roaches and keep them from invading your space—without the use of toxic sprays or traps.
Here are 10 natural remedies to repel roaches and keep your home pest-free!
1. Keep Your Home Spotlessly Clean
Roaches thrive in dirty environments, especially where they have easy access to food crumbs, grease, and moisture. One of the most effective natural deterrents is simply eliminating their food sources.
How to do it:
- Wipe down countertops and stovetops daily to remove food residue.
- Sweep and vacuum floors regularly, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.
- Keep trash cans sealed and take out the garbage frequently.
- Store dry goods like flour, rice, and cereal in airtight containers to prevent access.
Pro Tip: Roaches love pet food, so don’t leave food bowls out overnight. Store pet kibble in sealed containers to keep pests away.
2. Use Bay Leaves as a Natural Repellent
Roaches hate the smell of bay leaves, making them an effective chemical-free deterrent. The scent acts as a natural repellent, but it won’t kill them—so this method works best for prevention rather than elimination.
How to do it:
- Place fresh or dried bay leaves in areas where roaches are commonly found, such as pantries, under sinks, and near trash cans.
- Crush a few leaves to release more of their natural oils for a stronger effect.
- Replace bay leaves every few weeks when their scent starts to fade.
3. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth (DE) in Problem Areas
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder made from crushed fossilized algae. It’s harmless to humans and pets but deadly to roaches—it dehydrates their exoskeletons and kills them within hours.
How to do it:
- Use food-grade diatomaceous earth (not the kind used for pools).
- Lightly dust DE in cracks, under appliances, behind cabinets, and along baseboards.
- Reapply after cleaning or if the powder gets wet.
Pro Tip: DE works best when roaches walk through it, so apply a thin, even layer rather than piling it up.
4. Make a Natural Roach Spray with Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, act as natural insect repellents. Roaches find these scents overwhelming and will avoid areas where they’re applied.
How to do it:
- Mix 10 drops of peppermint oil with 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray around doorways, windows, under sinks, and other entry points.
- Reapply every few days to maintain effectiveness.
Alternative: Citronella and lavender oil can also repel roaches naturally while leaving your home smelling fresh.
5. Set Out Cucumber Peels
Cucumbers release a chemical compound that repels roaches, making them an easy, natural deterrent.
How to do it:
- Place fresh cucumber peels near roach-prone areas, such as under sinks, in cabinets, or near cracks and crevices.
- Replace the peels every few days as they dry out.
Why it works: The natural scent in cucumber peels disrupts a roach’s ability to navigate, making your home less attractive to them.
6. Use Baking Soda and Sugar to Kill Roaches
Baking soda is harmless to humans and pets but deadly to roaches. When ingested, it reacts with their digestive system and kills them from the inside out.
How to do it:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar in a small bowl.
- Place small dishes of the mixture near entry points, under sinks, and behind appliances.
- The sugar attracts roaches, and the baking soda kills them after ingestion.
Bonus: This method is non-toxic and won’t harm children or pets.
7. Seal Cracks and Entry Points
Roaches can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps, especially around doors, windows, and pipes. If you don’t block their entry, they’ll keep coming back.
How to do it:
- Seal gaps and cracks with caulk or weather stripping.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors to prevent roaches from sneaking inside.
- Use steel wool to block holes around pipes and vents.
Why it works: Roaches love dark, hidden spaces—blocking their entry points forces them to look elsewhere for shelter.
8. Make a Vinegar and Lemon Cleaning Solution
Roaches hate the smell of vinegar and citrus, making them a great natural repellent. Regularly cleaning with these ingredients removes food residue and creates a scent barrier that keeps roaches away.
How to do it:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add the juice of one lemon for extra roach-repelling power.
- Use this mixture to wipe down countertops, floors, and kitchen surfaces daily.
Bonus: This doubles as a non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner that leaves your home smelling fresh!
9. Store Food in Airtight Containers
Roaches are attracted to open food sources, especially flour, sugar, cereal, and dry pet food. Even small crumbs can keep them coming back.
How to do it:
- Store all pantry items in airtight glass or plastic containers.
- Keep bags of rice, flour, and pasta sealed rather than leaving them in open packaging.
- Wipe up spills immediately and avoid leaving food out
Pro Tip: Roaches can chew through thin plastic and cardboard, so invest in thick, sturdy containers to protect your dry goods.
10. Set Out Catnip as a Natural Repellent
Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that roaches can’t stand. While it attracts cats, it naturally deters roaches without harming them.
How to do it:
- Place small sachets of dried catnip in kitchen cabinets, under sinks, and near trash bins.
- You can also make a catnip spray by boiling catnip in water, letting it cool, and spraying it around entry points and common roach areas.
Caution: If you have cats, they might get a little too excited about this method!
*This article is created with the help of AI.