Peppermint oil, citronella oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil are essential oils used to repel cockroaches. These oils work by masking the pheromones that cockroaches use to communicate with each other and locate food and shelter. In addition to essential oils, boric acid, diatomaceous earth, ammonia, and bleach are chemicals that can be used to kill or repel cockroaches. These substances can be effective at controlling cockroach infestations, but they can also be toxic to humans and pets, so they should be used with caution
What Do Cockroaches Hate?
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is derived from the peppermint plant and has a refreshing aroma. It has been shown to repel cockroaches and other pests, likely due to the presence of compounds called terpenes, which give peppermint its distinctive smell. To use peppermint oil as a repellent, mix a few drops of the oil with water and spray it in areas where cockroaches are present. You can also place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil near entry points or where cockroaches are known to congregate.
Citronella oil
Citronella oil is extracted from grass and has a lemony scent. It is often used in candles and other products to repel insects, including cockroaches. Citronella oil works as a repellent by masking the pheromones that cockroaches use to communicate with each other and locate food and shelter. To use citronella oil as a cockroach repellent, you can mix a few drops of the oil with water and spray it in areas where cockroaches are present.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil is derived from the lavender plant and has a sweet, floral aroma. It has been shown to have insect-repellent properties, including against cockroaches. Lavender oil may repel cockroaches by masking the pheromones that the insects use to communicate with each other and locate food and shelter.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and has a strong, refreshing aroma. It is the best product to repel cockroaches due to its smell. The application method of this product is the same as other essential oils.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the tea tree leaves and has a strong, medicinal aroma. The cockroaches hate its strong smell, and due to this property, it is considered the best cockroach repellent.
Boric acid
Boric acid is a common ingredient in pest control products and is effective at killing cockroaches and other pests. It works by disrupting the insects’ nervous system and causing them to become dehydrated. Boric acid is often used as a powder or bait, which the cockroaches ingest and then carry back to their nests, where it can kill other cockroaches as well. However, boric acid can also be toxic to humans and pets, so it should be used cautiously and kept out of reach of children and pets.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized shells of tiny aquatic organisms. It can be effective at killing cockroaches and other insects by drying out their exoskeletons and causing them to die from dehydration. Diatomaceous earth can be applied as dust or mixed with water and sprayed in areas where cockroaches are present.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a strong, pungent chemical that can be used to repel cockroaches and other insects. The strong smell of ammonia can deter cockroaches from entering certain areas and kill them on contact.
Bleach
Bleach can be effective at killing cockroaches and other insects on contact. It disrupts the insects’ nervous system and causes them to die. Bleach can be applied directly to cockroaches or mixed with water and sprayed in areas where cockroaches are present.
Safety Measures
There are a few precautions to keep in mind when using cockroach repellents.
Keep the product out of reach of children
Many cockroach repellents can be toxic if ingested or inhaled, so it is important to store them in a secure location where children cannot access them.
Use the product as directed
Follow the instructions on the label carefully, and do not use more of the product than is recommended. Overusing a cockroach repellent can increase the risk of toxicity and may not be more effective at controlling the infestation.
Wear protective clothing
Depending on the product, you may need to wear gloves, a face mask, or other protective clothing to avoid contact with the repellent.
Ventilate the area after applying the product
If you are using a spray or other product that releases fumes, open windows, and doors to allow for proper ventilation.
Keep the product away from food and drinks
Do not apply the product directly to food or drink, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the product to avoid contaminating food or drinks.
FAQs
What are cockroaches afraid of?
Cockroaches are not afraid of much, but they may be deterred by bright light, strong smells, tight spaces, predators, and chemicals. However, they are highly adaptable and can survive in various environments.
What kills cockroaches instantly?
Instant methods for killing cockroaches include pesticides, boric acid, diatomaceous earth, and hot water. Pesticides and boric acid can be applied as sprays, baits, or dust, while diatomaceous earth can be used as dust. Hot water can be applied directly to the cockroach to kill it instantly.
Do cockroaches hate the light?
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects and generally prefer to be active in the dark, but they can be attracted to light and are not necessarily afraid of it. However, they may avoid bright light if it is too intense or if they feel threatened by it.