Cockroaches are one of those pests no one wants to deal with—they’re sneaky, fast, and love to pop up in kitchens and bathrooms when you least expect it. Getting rid of them can be tricky, and while chemical sprays might seem like the easiest fix, they’re not always safe, especially if you’ve got pets or little kids around. But here’s the good news: you can fight back using nature! That’s right—some plants are actually great at keeping cockroaches away.
In this article, we’ll show you which ones work best and how to use them to help keep your home roach-free, naturally.
Why Choose Plants to Repel Cockroaches?
If you want a safe, eco-friendly way to keep cockroaches out of your home, plants are a smart (and stylish) choice! Lots of plants give off strong scents or oils that roaches can’t stand, so they naturally help keep those bugs away. The best part? Unlike chemical sprays, plants won’t bring any toxic side effects—and they make your home look and smell amazing while freshening the air. It’s a win-win!
How Do Plants Repel Cockroaches?
What makes certain plants so good at keeping cockroaches away? It’s all in their natural compounds! Many of these plants give off strong smells or essential oils that roaches really don’t like. These scents can confuse them, irritate them, or just make the area feel too uncomfortable for them to stick around. Whether you grow the plants or use their oils, you’re getting a natural, safe way to fight pests—no harsh chemicals needed.
The Top Plants That Repel Cockroaches
Some plants do an awesome job when it comes to keeping cockroaches away. If you’re ready to give your home a natural pest-repelling boost, here are some of the top plant picks to try out:
Lavender
Lavender isn’t just for helping you chill out—it’s also a great way to keep cockroaches away! While we might love its relaxing scent, cockroaches definitely don’t. The strong smell sends them running, making lavender a natural pest repellent.
You can grow it in a pot indoors, use the essential oil in a diffuser, or mix a few drops with water to make a quick DIY spray. Plus, your home will smell amazing!
Citronella
You’ve probably heard of citronella as a go-to for keeping mosquitoes away, but guess what? It works on cockroaches too! The bold, citrusy scent of citronella is super annoying to pests, so it helps keep them out of your space.
You can grow the plant indoors or outside, or even use citronella candles or oils for a quick fix. Try placing the plant in spots like the kitchen or bathroom—places cockroaches love to sneak into—and it can seriously cut down on unwanted visitors.
Peppermint
Peppermint might smell super fresh to us, but cockroaches can’t stand it! The strong minty scent is a natural turn-off for them, making peppermint a great plant to have around.
You can use peppermint essential oil by mixing a few drops with water and spraying it near doors, windows, and other spots bugs try to sneak in. Or, keep things simple and grow peppermint in pots around your home. Either way, your space will smell clean and stay roach-free!
Catnip
Catnip might be your cat’s favorite treat, but it’s a total turn-off for cockroaches! It contains a compound called nepetalactone that roaches really can’t stand. Growing catnip indoors can help keep bugs away, and you can also use dried catnip or a few drops of the essential oil in spots where cockroaches like to hide. It’s a fun, natural way to fight pests—plus, your kitty might thank you too!
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves aren’t just for soups and stews—they’re also awesome at keeping cockroaches away! Roaches really dislike their strong, spicy scent, which makes bay leaves a super simple and natural repellent. Just tuck a few dried ones into kitchen cabinets, behind your fridge, or in drawers where bugs might hang out. It’s an easy fix that actually works!
How to Get the Most Out of These Plants
Now that you know which plants can help keep cockroaches away, let’s talk about how to use them for the best results.
Place Them in the Right Spots
To get the most out of your roach-repelling plants, it’s all about placement! Cockroaches love dark, damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and behind appliances. Try placing potted plants in these spots, or use dried herbs in cabinets, drawers, or pantry areas. Keeping them close to entry points—like doors and windows—can also help stop roaches from sneaking in.
Essential Oils Are a Quick Fix
If you don’t want to deal with caring for plants, essential oils are a great alternative. You can mix a few drops of oils like peppermint, citronella, or lavender in water and spray it around areas where roaches tend to hide. You can also use a diffuser to spread the scent throughout your home for continuous protection.
Live Plants vs. Dried Herbs
Live plants not only look great, but they’ll keep working 24/7 to repel pests. However, dried herbs like bay leaves or lavender are low-maintenance and still super effective. Use dried leaves in places like pantry shelves or kitchen drawers, or place live plants in areas where you’re likely to see roaches.
Extra Tips for Keeping Roaches Away
Plants are a great start, but there are other simple things you can do to keep your home free of roaches.
Keep Your Home Clean
Roaches love food scraps and moisture, so make sure to keep your home clean. Wipe down surfaces, sweep up crumbs, and empty trash bins regularly. Don’t forget to clean under the fridge and behind the stove, since these dark corners are perfect hiding spots for roaches.
Seal Entry Points
Cockroaches can sneak into your home through the tiniest cracks and gaps. Check doors, windows, and walls for any potential entry points, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. The fewer openings, the less chance roaches have of getting inside.
Combine Methods
For extra protection, try combining your plants with other natural pest-control methods like diatomaceous earth or boric acid. These can be safely used around your home to target roaches while your plants keep them at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best plant to repel roaches?
Lavender and bay leaves are two of the best plants to repel roaches. They both have strong scents that cockroaches find unpleasant and tend to avoid.
What smell do cockroaches hate?
Cockroaches hate strong smells like lavender, peppermint, and citronella. These scents confuse or irritate them, making them stay away.
What leaf do cockroaches hate?
Cockroaches really dislike bay leaves. The strong smell of the leaves can keep them away when placed in areas like kitchens and cabinets.
Do roaches avoid lavender?
Roaches avoid lavender. Its strong, calming scent is too much for them, and they’ll steer clear of areas where it’s used.
