From dwellers in small houses to large multi-story dwellings, keeping six-legged creatures out of your space is essential to maintaining a pest-free home. Luckily, there’s another way to keep those filthy critters from sticking around: arm yourself with some herbs that naturally ward off cockroaches. In this article, we are going to see which plants are able to keep cockroaches at bay and we are also going to take a closer look at why these particular species have such a superpower!
Did you know ?
The cockroach is believed to be the only insect species that managed to survive the devastating atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima during World War II? (Just to know who you are dealing with đ ). The ability of this incredibly resilient creature to persevere through such a powerful and destructive blast amazes scientists even today. Not only were these insects able to survive in an extremely hot and irradiated environment, but they also adapted quickly. As evidenced by the fact that their exoskeletons began to darken just days after the bomb was dropped.
What makes these hardy creatures so capable of withstanding such conditions is still being studied. But some think that it could be due to the thick layer of wax that covers their outer shell and insulates them from heat and radiation. It should also be noted that most cockroach species are nocturnal, meaning they hide during the day when radiation levels are highest.
Also, despite being an insect, the cockroach has exceptional regenerative abilities that allow it to regrow lost limbs or antennae where other insects are unable to do so effectively. This remarkable ability to recover may play a key role in why they were able to survive nuclear bombardment while other creatures perished.
How to get rid of cockroaches from your property naturally and effectively?
Catnip:
Catnip isn’t usually associated with pest control, but its effectiveness in repelling cockroaches cannot be overstated. With proper use, catnip can be a natural and safe way to permanently eliminate them from your home. The key is in the chemical compound called nepetalactone, which is generally harmless, but acts as an irritant to cockroaches.
To use as a repellent, sprinkle catnip near dark corners or cockroach hiding places, or mix it with other seasonings and oils to create a repellent spray. Whichever method you choose, results from using catnip should be visible after just a few days. So there’s no need to worry about harmful toxins or long-term effects on your family and pets.
Lavender:
Likewise, lavender contains compounds such as linalool and geraniol, which are also great deterrents to these pests. The wonderful thing about using lavender to repel cockroaches is that you can use it in so many ways.
For example, you can make sachets filled with dried lavender and place them around the house. You can also put a few drops of lavender essential oil on cotton balls and leave them in the room. Or create a solution with water, vinegar and essential oils and spray it all over the house!
Laurel :
Bay leaves are a great item to have around the house, not only for cooking, but also for pest control. To repel cockroaches from a specific area, simply place 2 or 3 bay leaves in any cracks or crevices that might serve as their entry point. You can also scatter crushed bay leaves in each room as a preventative measure against a cockroach infestation.
The potent smell these leaves give off will inevitably ward off pests, while their taste will also be unattractive and unappealing to them. By doing this, you’ll be able to stave off potential cockroach problems before they start and even keep your home bug-free.
Garlic:
Garlic is another herb that is said to be effective in keeping cockroaches away, as its pungent smell upsets their nervous system and scares them away. To use it, you need to separate the cloves from their own skin and extract the garlic juice. Then, spray the mixture directly on any areas where roaches might linger or anywhere you want to keep them away. Pay particular attention to dark corners or crevices in your home and also around windows. The strong smell of garlic will disperse quickly and act as a deterrent to your unwanted visitors, driving them away with a bang!
Cedar wood:
Using cedarwood essential oils as a natural insect repellent is a simple and effective method to repel those pesky cockroaches. It works thanks to the strong smell that the oil releases on contact with them, which makes them flee! To use this method successfully and safely, start by diluting cedarwood essential oil in warm water. This will reduce the risk of irritation and burning when applied directly to the skin, as some essential oils can be very potent.
For best results, keep spraying into corners, wall cracks, and other outdoor areas where cockroaches often congregate. By doing this regularly, you ensure that your home remains pest-free.
Pyrethrum:
Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide, derived from daisies, which can be used to deter cockroaches in homes, closets and other areas. It can be applied as a spray, dusting powder or even mixed with water and added to surfaces.
To use pyrethrum effectively, it is essential to understand the life cycle of cockroaches; this will help you determine where to focus your treatments. Applying the product according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer is often the most effective way to achieve the desired results. Also, frequent vacuuming combined with Pyrethrum can increase the effectiveness of removing these intruders from private areas.
Using a combination of these plants in strategic locations of a home or property can help keep cockroaches out and cause infestations. While chasing the existing ones â maybe even permanently if you continue to use the plants regularly.
