Discover what scent do roaches hate and how to repel them naturally with effective, simple solutions to keep your home pest-free.
Let’s be real—cockroaches are the worst thing ever. Whether it’s when you flip on the light switch and you can see them racing around, their seemingly invincible power to survive almost everything, or that cockroaches suddenly appear when you least expect it, these annoying insects are unwelcome guests in every home.
I recall firsthand the frustration of having to deal with roaches. I once rented a dilapidated apartment in a bustling city. It had personality and character, but it had an uninvited guest: cockroaches. I used it all—over-the-counter bait traps, sprays, even midnight cleaning frenzies—but no matter what I did, they always seemed to come back. That’s when I started researching natural ways to keep them away. And guess what? Smells—yes, certain smells—were a game-changer. If you ever found yourself wondering what scent do roaches hate, you’re about to learn.
If you are like me and you would like to eliminate these unwanted critters without having to use chemicals, you have come to the right place. Come with me as I delve into the world of scents that not only bid farewell to these annoying critters but make your home smell amazing.
Article Breakdown
Why Do Cockroaches Dislike Specific Smells? The
Let’s talk first of all about why smells are so effective as a deterrent. Cockroaches have a very sensitive sense of smell that they use to locate food, water, and shelter. There are smells that are so overpowering to cockroaches that they will actually move away from them. So if you have been wondering what scent do roaches hate, you can look to their sensitive sense of smell. These are smells that are pleasant to us, but are natural cockroach deterrents.
Below are the most detested smells by cockroaches and how you can use them to your advantage.
1.Lavender: The Soothing S
Lavender has been a favorite of mine since forever. I just love that it is so fresh and calming and reminds me of my grandmother’s garden. But you would be surprised to discover that while lavender relaxes us, it has a very opposite effect on cockroaches. They detest it!
Here is what I did to reclaim my kitchen with lavender: I took a small quantity of essential oil of lavender and mixed it with water and wiped down countertops and cabinets. Not only did it smell wonderful in my kitchen, but I had fewer roaches. If you are still wondering what scent do roaches hate, you need to have lavender at the top of your list. Diffuse lavender oil or have a potted plant of lavender in places where you have entry points. Added bonus? It is a beautiful decoration!
2. Citronella: More than a Mosquito Repellent
Most of us associate citronella with balmy summer evenings and mosquito-less outdoor barbecues. Guess what else? Cockroaches don’t like it either! Its citrusy aroma is just overpowering to them.
I started burning citronella candles where I had seen roaches (in the kitchen and bathroom especially), and it made a huge difference. If burning candles is not something you prefer to do, you can plant citronella in your backyard or have potted ones inside. If you have been wondering what scent do roaches hate, citronella is one of the most powerful solutions. It is a natural and efficient way to keep the pests at bay.
3. Catnip: Two Benefits to Cat Lovers
If you have a cat at home, you most likely have catnip in your possession. Catnip is not only used on cats. Catnip makes a fine cockroach repellent.
I stumbled on this by accident when a friend who has two naughty cats made a remark that she never has roaches in her home. I found myself curious and started leaving a small pot of catnip on my windowsill. Not only did it keep the roaches away, but guest cats were having a blast! So if you are wondering what do roaches hate, use catnip—it is a win-win for you and your pets.
4.Mint: Refreshing Scent with Roach-Repelling Properties
Who doesn’t love the smell of mint? It is so fresh and invigorating and is found in everything from tea to sweets. But to a cockroach, it is a total nightmare.
I made a switch to mint-scented cleaning products and had fresh mint in small pots in my kitchen. The transition was simple and I noticed a difference. If you are in the middle of looking for what do roaches hate to smell, something you might look at is mint. Mint leaves can be crushed and placed where you have a roach problem. The plus is that your home will have a spa scent.
5. Pine: Woodsy Scent Cockroaches Don
You like that fresh woodsy smell of pine. Me too! Cockroaches, however? Not so much. Using pine-scented cleaners like Pine-Sol is an easy and effective way of deterring them.
I started mopping with a pine-scented cleaner and not only did it keep the roaches away, it made my apartment smell fresh and clean. If you are ever wondering what do roaches hate, pine is definitely a frontrunner. If you are a candle burner and like burning candles, pine-scented ones are a marvel as well.
6. Citrus: A Refreshing Roach Barrier
When life gives you lemons. use them to keep cockroaches out of the house! Citrus smells, especially lemon and orange, are reported to be a cockroach deterrent.
I employed this when I had a terrible infestation. I left lemon rinds on the edges of my kitchen and bathroom and it worked like a dream. If you are still wondering what scent do roaches hate, citrus aromas are among the most effective. Leave a small saucer of lemon juice on your countertop or diffuse citrus essential oils. Your kitchen will be zesty and fresh and the roaches will be kept at bay.
7. Garlic: Roach Killer with a Kick
Everyone is familiar with vampires being repelled by garlic, but you might not have known that it has a similar effect on cockroaches. Its pungent smell is more than they can handle.
I started adding more garlic to food (any excuse for more garlic, right?) and noticed that there were fewer roaches in the kitchen. A more targeted solution involved mashing a handful of garlic cloves and placing it in places where I had seen roaches. If you are struggling what do roaches hate, tell them that it is garlic—it is a potent deterrent!
8.Chrysanthemums: A Blend of Beauty
Chrysanthemums are beautiful flowers that can brighten a room. But here is a surprise—they are natural cockroach killers. Chrysanthemums contain a chemical known as pyrethrum found in most insecticides.
I brought in a few pots of chrysanthemums and placed them near my windows and doors. Not only did it add a splash of color to brighten up my home, but it kept the roaches away. A win-win! So if you ever get asked what do roaches hate to smell, chrysanthemums are a surprisingly beautiful solution.
9. Oregano: The Spice with Insecticidal Properties Used in
Oregano is not just used on pizza and pasta. Oregano is a cockroach repellent as well. Cockroaches don’t like the pungent earthy odor of oregano.
I quickly made a spray by mixing a few drops of water and a few drops of oregano essential oil and sprayed it where I had seen roaches. Easy, natural, and it worked like a dream! If you are still wondering what do cockroaches detest, oregano definitely has to be on that list.
10. Cucumbers as an Unlikely Roach
I had not heard of this. Cucumbers and at least their peel are said to keep cockroaches away. While the theory is questionable, I decided to try it.
I had a bowl of cucumber skins on my kitchen counter and while it didn’t fix things completely, I definitely noticed a reduction in roaches in that area. Anyone looking for what do roaches hate might be surprised to discover that cucumbers are a cheap and easy solution to try.
11. Eucalyptus: A Refreshing and Upl
Another smell that cockroaches detest is eucalyptus. Place fresh eucalyptus in your shower or diffuse eucalyptus oil and you’ll find that not only is it a lovely aroma, it is a pest repellent.
I started placing a small bundle of eucalyptus in the bathroom and it made that section of the house a mini spa. Other than that, it kept those cockroaches from creeping in. So if you are still wondering what do cockroaches hate, eucalyptus is a great solution.
Key Takings:
- Cockroaches are so annoying to deal with, but don’t worry when I let you in on a secret. With these natural scents, you can make your abode a pest-free and pleasantly smelling sanctuary.
- The beauty is that these are harmless, eco-friendly and easy to use.
- In retrospect, I never thought that I would be cockroach-free without resorting to chemicals. With a lot of imagination and a lot of scent power, however, I made it.
- If I can make it through, you can. The next time you have someone ask you what do roaches hate, you’ll be prepared.
- Pick up a bottle of eucalyptus, mint, or lavender and let nature do its thing. Your abode will thank you—and so will your nose!
Additional Resources:
- What Scents Do Cockroaches Hate by Natran Green Pest Control: This article discusses how cockroaches’ strong sense of smell can be used against them by utilizing natural, non-toxic scents to deter them from your property.
- What Smells Do Cockroaches Hate? by The Pest Rangers: This article explores how strong scents like lavender and mint can repel cockroaches and suggests growing these plants or using essential oils as deterrents.
- Smells That Roaches Hate to Keep Them Away From Your House For Good by The Spruce: This recent article identifies five essential oils—rosemary, oregano, eucalyptus, mint, and yarrow—that are particularly effective in deterring cockroaches.
