Cleanliness and Dry Spaces

Roaches thrive in dirty, cluttered, & damp environments. They’re always on the lookout for food, water, & hiding spots. That’s why…

• They hate clean, dry homes.

• Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces removes food particles and moisture they depend on.

• Fixing leaks and eliminating standing water makes your home less inviting.

Tip – Keep your kitchen and bathrooms especially clean, these are prime roach hotspots.

Strong Scents

Roaches have a strong sense of smell, & many natural scents are overpowering or even toxic to them. Here are some they hate…

• Peppermint Oil
  • The strong menthol scent of peppermint oil repels roaches effectively. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it around entry points, under sinks, and in cabinets.

• Eucalyptus Oil
  • This refreshing oil not only smells great to humans but is a strong deterrent to roaches.

• Lavender & Citrus
  • These scents are pleasant for people but disliked by roaches. Citrus peels and lavender sachets can act as mild repellents.

• Vinegar
  • Roaches hate the smell of vinegar, especially white vinegar. Use it as a cleaning agent in the kitchen and bathroom to keep them away.

Light

Roaches are nocturnal & prefer darkness. They tend to scatter when the lights come on, which is why you rarely see them during the day.

• Leaving lights on in heavily infested areas overnight may disrupt their activity, but this is only a temporary deterrent.

• Roaches still need food and shelter, so lighting alone won’t drive them out entirely.

Certain Herbs and Plants

There are a few plants and herbs that naturally repel roaches due to their scent or chemical makeup…

• Bay leaves – Crushed bay leaves can be placed in cabinets or pantry corners.

• Catnip – Contains nepetalactone, which repels roaches.

• Osage orange & chrysanthemum – These plants have natural insecticidal properties.

Boric Acid & Diatomaceous Earth

While these aren’t necessarily things roaches “hate” in the sensory sense, they are deadly to them…

• Boric acid is a common roach-killer that sticks to their legs and poisons them when they clean themselves.

• Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that cuts through the roach’s exoskeleton and dehydrates them.

Both are low-toxicity options for humans and pets when used properly.

Fresh Air & Minimal Clutter

Roaches love warm, stale air and places to hide. That’s why they hate…

• Well-ventilated spaces

• Organized, clutter-free areas

• Homes where they can’t find easy hiding spots

Decluttering and organizing your home, especially storage areas makes it harder for roaches to establish themselves.

While roaches are tough, they’re not invincible. By understanding what they hate; from clean environments to strong scents, you can create a home that’s far less appealing to them.