Probably you are tired of seeing roaches scurrying across your kitchen floor or hiding in the corners of your pantry.
As being overwhelmed by these pests, you are eagerly searching for affordable and non-toxic ways to get rid of them.
Well, Pest control is a frustrating and overwhelming task, especially when it comes to finding a solution that is both effective and safe for your family and pets.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to chemical pesticides, essential oils may be the answer.
These plant-based oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and medicinal properties, and they can also be effective at repelling and eliminating pests like roaches.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using essential oils for roach control and provide you with some easy and effective recipes you can use to create your own non-toxic pest control solutions.
Let’s dive in!
Essential oils as a non-toxic solution for pest control
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are made by distilling the leaves, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants.
They are highly fragrant and have been used for centuries for a variety of purposes, including perfumery, aromatherapy, and natural medicine.
Essential oils are also popular for their natural pest control properties, and they can be an effective way to repel roaches without the use of toxic chemicals.
How Essential Oils Work to Repel Roaches
Essential oils work to repel roaches by releasing a strong, pleasant aroma that roaches find unpleasant.
Each essential oil has a unique chemical composition that gives it, its characteristic scent and properties.
Some essential oils, such as peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil, contain compounds that are toxic to insects, while others, such as lavender and tea tree, have natural repellent properties.
When applied to surfaces or diffused in the air, the strong odors of these oils can deter roaches and other pests from entering or lingering in treated areas.
Top Essential Oils for Cockroaches
Here are some of the top essential oils to get rid of roaches:
Peppermint oil:
Does it repel roaches?
Yes
Peppermint essential oil is often used by homeowners as a natural way to repel cockroaches and rodents.
It is a powerful deterrent for roaches because of its strong aroma.
However, it can also be irritating to the skin if left in contact for a prolonged period of time.
In fact, research has shown that using peppermint oil for roaches can not only repel them but can also be toxic to certain species, including German and American cockroaches, resulting in their elimination.
The research was done by the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama (view the study in pdf, via archive.org)
To use peppermint oil as a natural roach repellent, try the following methods:
- Blend peppermint oil with water and spray the mixture on surfaces where roaches are commonly found, such as in the kitchen or near trash cans.
- To set roach traps, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them around areas where roaches are commonly seen.
- To create a stronger solution, mix a few drops of peppermint oil with 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water.
This mixture will create a pleasant aroma in your home while also killing roaches on contact.
Rosemary Oil for Roaches – The most toxic & effective oil
Does it repel roaches?
Yes
Rosemary is a great popular herb to have in your kitchen for cooking purposes, like for adding flavor to dishes (roasted chicken or turkey).
But In addition to its culinary uses, rosemary essential oil has been found to be toxic to cockroaches and traditionally used as a natural roaches repellent.
Rosemary oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the rosemary plant, which is a woody, perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region.
A study published in 2016 found that rosemary oil was one of the most effective essential oils at killing cockroaches (Brown-banded cockroaches), with a 100% mortality rate at a concentration of 2.5% to 30%.
To use Rosemary oil as a natural roach repellent, try the following methods:
- Dilute the rosemary oil with water by mixing a few drops of rosemary oil with a cup of water and shaking well to combine.
- Spray the mixture on surfaces where you have seen roaches. Focus on areas such as corners, behind appliances, and underneath sinks.
- Repeat the process every few days. Rosemary oil can evaporate quickly, so it’s important to reapply the mixture regularly to keep the roaches at bay.
- Consider using rosemary oil in traps.
- You can mix a few drops of rosemary oil with water and place the mixture in a shallow dish or on a piece of paper. Roaches will be attracted to the scent and may crawl into the trap, where they will come into contact with the rosemary oil and die.
Tip: You can also add a few drops of rosemary oil to water and use as a natural cleaning solution.
Eucalyptus Oil
Does it repel roaches?
Yes
Eucalyptus essential oil has a fresh fragrance that can effectively repel cockroaches and is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia.
Eucalyptus oil has a strong, woody aroma and can be used as a natural cockroach repellent. Besides being used as roach repellent it is commonly used in aromatherapy, and cleaning products.
Some Studies have also revealed that eucalyptus essential oil is toxic to roaches, making it an effective and natural solution for preventing their presence in your home.
Try the following methods to use eucalyptus oil as natural roach repellent:
Create a spray:
Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle, and use it to spray areas where you have seen roaches or where they might be likely to hide.
Be sure to spray in corners, behind appliances, and in any cracks or crevices.
Use as a deterrent:
Dip some cotton balls in eucalyptus oil and place them in areas where you have seen roaches or where they might be likely to hide.
The strong scent of the eucalyptus oil will deter the roaches from entering those areas.
Use in combination with other natural pest control methods:
Eucalyptus oil can be used in combination with other natural pest control methods, such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth, for a more useful approach to controlling roaches.
Lavender oil
Does lavender oil repel roaches?
Probably Not…If Used Alone
Lavender is known for its calming scent.
While Lavender oil has been found to be effective at repelling flies and gnats. It has only moderate success in repelling cockroaches.
According to research; to increase its effectiveness against cockroaches, it is recommended to mix lavender oil with essential oils.
Essential oils with whom you can use lavender oil for better results:
- Citronella oil
- Lemon oil
- Rose oil
- Basil oil
Method of using Lavender oil as roaches repellent is the same as the method used for the above essential oils:
- Take a bottle, lavender oil, water, and anyone of these four (Citronella oil, Lemon oil, Rose oil, Basil oil).
- Mix all of them together.
- Use a diffuser to disperse the solution in the air.
- Spread along areas where needed.
- Place at major areas in a bowl.
Note: Keep in mind that using lavender oil in this way may be messy due to its oily nature, but the oil can help keep cockroaches away from treated surfaces.
Tea Tree Oil
Does tea tree oil repel roaches?
Very likely…Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and insect repellent.
It is toxic to cockroaches and can be mixed with water and vinegar to create a solution that can be sprayed in cracks and gaps to keep them away.
It may not be effective on its own,
As cockroaches can be strong enough to recover back. It may be more useful when used in combination with other oils or preventive measures.
To use tea tree oil as a natural roach control solution,
- Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add two drops of tea tree oil to the mixture.
- Spray the solution in areas where you have seen roaches, such as the kitchen, living room, or bathroom.
The diluted mixture will have a weaker smell than undiluted tea tree oil, and it will be less likely to stain surfaces.
However, it can still be efficacious at repelling roaches and can be used to spray directly on any roaches that you face.
Citronella Oil
Does it repel roaches?
Maybe
Citronella is often used in outdoor products, such as insect-repellent candles, to help keep insects like mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying bugs at bay.
Some people have also tried using it to deter roaches, but it may not be as effective in this case due to its quick evaporation.
Citronella essential oil’s effects only last for a short period of time, usually an hour or two.
The effectiveness of citronella oil against cockroaches is not well understood, so it is best used in combination with other essential oils when trying to repel cockroaches.
Mix citronella oil with other essential oils, dilute with water and spray the mixture onto surfaces where roaches are active.
Cedar Oil
Does it repel roaches?
Yes
Cedar is often used in closets and storage areas because it has a pleasant aroma and helps keep clothes and other stored items fresh.
Cedar oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to repel and kill cockroaches.
To use cedar oil to repel and kill cockroaches,
- you can dilute a small amount of the oil with water and spray it in areas where you have seen cockroaches or want to prevent them from entering.
It is important to follow the instructions on the bottle for dilution and use, as using too much cedar oil can be toxic to humans and pets.
Cedar oil is also known for its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, making it a useful tool for maintaining a clean and healthy home environment.
Catnip Oil
Does it repel roaches?
Yes
Catnip oil, which is extracted from the catnip plant, is commonly used to entice house cats.
Other than that, it can also be used as a natural cockroach repellent due to its strong odor that cockroaches find unpleasant.
To use catnip oil as a natural insect repellent in your home,
- Mix a few drops with equal parts water and rubbing alcohol.
- Spray the solution in areas where you wish to repel cockroaches.
Alternatively, you can mix catnip oil with rosemary oil for an extra powerful roach repellent.
Oregano Oil
Does it repel roaches?
Yes
Oregano essential oil is the most efficient natural repellent against cockroaches that can last for up to a week after application.
A study by the National Library of Medicine showed that oregano oil was more effective for brown-banded cockroaches.
And in the conclusion, they also found that oregano and rosemary oils were more efficient at a concentration of 2.5% with 99.1% and 94.5% repellency.
To use it as a prevention method,
- Mix a few drops of oregano oil with water.
- Spray it in areas where cockroaches are present or areas you want to keep them away from.
It will help to keep the cockroaches at bay for a few days.
Cypress Oil
Does it repel roaches?
Yes
The essential oils derived from the Mediterranean cypress tree are often used for their insect-repelling properties.
Cypress mulch is a popular recommendation for landscapers due to its natural ability to deter bugs.
To utilize the insect-repelling effects of cypress oil in your home, consider mixing it with water and spraying it in areas where cockroaches have been spotted.
Adding some peppermint oil to the mixture would enhance its effectiveness.
Tips for Using Essential Oils to Repel Roaches
Here are some tips for using essential oils to repel roaches:
Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil before application:
It’s a good option to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil, before applying them to surfaces.
This helps to reduce the risk of skin irritation and helps the essential oils to spread more evenly.
But be sure to not walk over the disinfected area when using a carrier oil, as it can be slippery
Applying essential oils to areas where roaches are commonly found:
To actually repel roaches, it’s important to apply essential oils to areas where roaches are normally found, such as crevices, corners, and under appliances.
Using a combination of essential oils for maximum effectiveness:
Using a combination of essential oils can be more helpful in repelling roaches than using just one oil.
For example, you could mix peppermint oil with eucalyptus oil for a double dose of insect-repelling power.
Apply essential oils for repelling roaches at night:
Roaches are most active at night, so applying essential oils during this time can be more effective at repelling them. This is because the strong aroma of the essential oils will be more noticeable to the roaches and can help to deter them from entering your home.
Moreover, applying essential oils at night can help to reduce the risk of skin irritation, as you are less likely to come into contact with them during this time.
But be sure to use caution when applying essential oils at night, as they can be slippery and you don’t want to accidentally stumble or spill over the oils.
Overall, applying essential oils at night can be a convenient way to repel roaches and keep your home free of these annoying pests.
Pros of Using Essential Oils as Roach Repellent
There are several pros to using essential oils as a natural roach repellent:
They are non-toxic:
Essential oils are a safer, more natural option to chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to humans and pets.
They are effective:
Essential oils can be efficient at repelling roaches when used properly.
They have a pleasant aroma:
Many essential oils have a pleasant aroma that is enjoyable to humans while being unpleasant to roaches.
Cons of Using Essential Oils as Roach Repellent
There are a few cons to using essential oils as a roach repellent:
Need to be reapplied regularly:
Essential oils tend to lose their efficiency over time, so they need to be reapplied regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
May not work for severe infestations:
If you have a severe roach infestation, essential oils may not be enough to completely get rid of the problem.
In this case, it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional pest control company.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be an effectual, harmless way to repel roaches and prevent infestations.
While they do need to be reapplied regularly to maintain their effectiveness, they offer a safer, more natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of roaches, give essential oils a try.
FAQS
What essential oils kill roaches?
The best essential oils for killing roaches are rosemary oil, cedar oil, and eucalyptus oil.
what essential oils repel roaches?
The best essential oils for repelling cockroaches are peppermint oil, oregano oil, and catnip oil.
