14 Awesome Plants That Repel Roaches In Your Garden

Insects like roaches have always been a nuisance in the home. Luckily, nature has provided us with a natural and effective way to repel insects: plants. Several insect-repelling plants have natural properties against roaches, making them an eco-friendly and healthy way to keep these pests away. Moreover, they can be used in any combination, and can be safely used around the home to prevent roaches from entering.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best plants that repel roaches and how to use them effectively in your home.

Whether you’re looking for a natural pest control solution or just want to add some greenery to your space, these plants will provide you with both benefits.

Best Plants That Repel Roaches

Having a roach problem in your home can be a major source of stress and anxiety. Not only are roaches unsightly and unpleasant, but they can also spread germs and disease.

Fortunately, there are some pest-repellent plants that can help against roaches and keep them away.

From herbs that repel roaches like rosemary and mint to flowers like lavenders, there are a wide variety of natural options available to help you keep roaches away.

1. Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

Lavender is a great flower that repels roaches because it has a strong scent that roaches find unpleasant.

Additionally, you can break off these fragrant plants and place them in areas where roaches are likely to be, such as near the sink, stove, or other areas where food is prepared.

plants that repel roaches — Lavender (*Lavandula Angustifolia*)

To plant lavender to repel insects and roaches, you should place it in areas where roaches are likely to be, such as near windows, doors, or other entry points during April and May.

You should also have this roach-repellent plant in a pot or container with good drainage and make sure it is watered regularly.

2. Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus)

The fragrant rosemary plant is first on our list. The most effective roach-repellent plant is probably rosemary, whether these fragrant plants are grown or used as an essential oil.

Roaches are quite poisonous to this roach-repellent plant.

Moreover, pests seeking refuge and water will find it uninviting because it needs little water and lots of sunlight. To plant rosemary to repel roaches, you will want to place the rosemary in areas where roaches are commonly found, such as around cabinets and baseboards.

Be sure to keep these pest-repellent plants well watered and provide plenty of sunlight. We suggest you plant rosemary during spring months.

3. Cucumbers (Cucumis Sativus)

Cucumbers are plants that roaches hate and are effective natural bug repellent. They contain a compound called cucurbitacin which gives off an odor that roaches find unpleasant.

The smell repels cockroaches and can be strong enough to keep them away.

To plant cucumbers to repel roaches, simply plant them during May until late summer and place cucumber slices or peels in areas where roaches are seen. The slices or peels should be replaced every few days to keep the smell fresh.

Additionally, cucumber plants can be planted in the garden as they will produce cucumbers, providing an ongoing supply of cucurbitacin to repel roaches from your garden.

4. Catnip (Nepeta Cataria)

Roaches, ants, aphids, and flea beetles can all be repelled naturally by catnip plants. Catnip repels roaches by the chemical nepetalactone, which is responsible for its success.

If you have cats in your house, this plant might not be the ideal option because of how strongly reactive it is to them.

Additionally, this plant needs little water and plenty of sunlight. Consider planting other natural cockroaches repellents near your catnip plants such as lavender and garlic to increase the bug repellent ability.

Plant the seeds about ½ inch deep and keep the soil moist in spring. However, you may also utilize it in oil form if you don’t want to keep this plant in your house.

5. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus)

Lemongrass is one of the best plants that roaches hate because of its strong citrus scent. Its natural oils repel roaches and other pests from entering the home.

To plant lemongrass to repel roaches, start by purchasing a few live lemongrass plants or rhizomes at your local garden center. Plant the rhizomes in spring.

Choose a sunny spot in well-draining soil. Water the plants regularly and keep them in an area where they can get plenty of sun.

As the plants mature, they will produce a strong citrus scent which will help to repel roaches and other pests.

6. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum Cinerariifolium)

It turns out that chrysanthemums have more to offer than just their attractive appearance.

Pyrethrins, a naturally occurring insect repellent compound that works to deter roaches, mosquitoes, ants, fleas, and many other pests, are present in the gorgeous and fragrant blossoms of this plant.

Make sure these drive away common plants have plenty of space to grow, as overcrowding them can reduce the effectiveness of the scent.

Be careful that this chrysanthemum chemical is poisonous to both people and animals and should never be consumed before planting. We recommend you plant chrysanthemums in early spring.

7. Bay Leaf Plant (Laurus Nobilis)

Bay leaf plants are known to have natural cockroaches repellent properties. The strong aroma of the bay leaves is believed to help repel roaches and other insects.

To use bay leaf plants to repel roaches, you can plant them during the spring season. Plant them around the perimeter of your home or in areas where roaches are known to frequent.

Alternatively, you can also place dried bay leaves in areas that roaches are likely to enter. This will help to repel the roaches and keep them away.

8. Osage Orange (Maclura Pomifera)

If osage oranges are foreign to you, they are a small tree or large shrub that normally grows between 8 and 15 meters high. The compounds present in the huge, odd-looking fruits that this tree produces have long been said to have repelling roaches properties.

Osage orange has been known to repel cockroaches and many other insects such as flies and spiders.

Just plant these trees in your yard, and the roaches will start to fly away! Osage is ideal to be planted any time between the spring and fall.

Roaches dislike the strong smell of the Osage orange and will avoid it. This is a natural insecticide that can be used to repel roaches.

9. Garlic (Allium Sativum)

Garlic is a natural insect repellent and can effectively repel roaches. It contains compounds such as allicin, which is toxic to roaches and other insects.

Garlic can be planted around the perimeter of your home or in containers and pots on your balcony or patio to help keep roaches away.

Garlic (Allium Sativum) — *Allium Sativum*

To plant garlic, purchase bulbs that are already broken apart into cloves. Plant them during late September and November, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) deep in moist, well-drained soil, allowing several inches between each clove.

Water the soil lightly, and keep it moist until the garlic begins to sprout. Garlic is easy to grow and can be harvested when the tops turn brown and dry.

10. Mint (Mentha)

Keep mint plants to repel cockroaches, not just making mojitos, though! This herb’s odor is too potent for cockroaches to handle. Along with beetles, fleas, and other insects, roaches are deterred by the scent of mint.

To keep off pests, you can either plant mint outdoors, bring a potted mint plant inside, or use mint essential oils.

You can plant mint in containers or pots that can be moved around the garden or house during late winter. Make sure to keep the mint plants well-watered, as dry mint plants won’t be as effective repellent.

11. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum Majus)

If you want to cultivate vibrant, colorful flowers that deter roaches, whiteflies, beetles, cabbage loopers, aphids, and squash bugs, nasturtiums are your best bet.

These flowering plants are great for borders and containers because they produce beautiful red, orange, white, yellow, and pink flowers from spring through October.

To plant Nasturtium to repel roaches, choose a sunny spot in your garden or flower bed and make sure the soil is well drained. Plant your Nasturtium seeds or seedlings in early spring or fall near areas where roaches are most likely to be found.

Water your Nasturtium plants regularly and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.

12. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

Basil is one of the best plants that repel roaches because of its strong aroma. The strong smell of the basil plant deters roaches from entering your home.

Start by getting some basil seeds or starter plants while planting basil. Plant the basil in February until mid summer. Choose an area that is away from any roaches and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight.

Water the basil regularly and keep it pruned. The strong smell of the basil will help to repel roaches from entering your home.

13. Marigold (Tagetes)

One of the most well-known plants for repelling insects in spring through midsummer is the marigold. And for good reason: marigolds have a smell that deters pests like mosquitoes, nematodes like cabbage worms, and other pests.

The pungent scent of marigold flowers is highly offensive to roaches and other insects, making it a great choice for natural pest control.

To plant marigolds to repel roaches, choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden. Plant the marigolds in clusters of 3-4 plants, spaced about two feet apart.

Water well and mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.

14. Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus)

These green gems assist to deter mosquitoes, which is quite similar to the function of a citronella candle.

Citronella, which is present in both lemongrass and the citronella plant, is responsible for the citrusy aroma that both plants generate. Although the smell may be nice to you, bugs hate it.

Citronella is ideal for spring plants. On your front porch or patio, grow this plant in pots. Make sure to place the plants in areas that are prone to roaches, such as near doorways, windows, and other entry points.

How to Use Plants to Keep Cockroaches Away?

Plants can be a natural and effective way to repel roaches, but it’s important to know how to use them correctly. Here are some tips for using plants to keep cockroaches away:

Choose the right plants. Certain plants have natural oils and compounds that repel roaches, including peppermint, bay leaves, catnip, and lavender. Make sure to choose plants that are known to repel roaches and that will grow well in your environment.
Plant them strategically. Plant the repellent plants strategically around your home and garden to help keep roaches away. For example, plant them near doorways and windows to create a barrier that roaches won’t want to cross.
Use plant extracts. You can also use extracts from these plants to create a natural roach repellent. For example, you can crush fresh bay leaves and place them in areas where roaches are known to frequent, or you can make a peppermint oil spray and apply it to surfaces to repel roaches.
Combine with other methods. While plants can be an effective natural repellent, they may not be enough to completely eliminate a roach infestation. It’s important to combine plant-based methods with other roach control methods, such as cleaning and sanitation, sealing cracks and crevices, and using roach baits and traps.

Problem with Roaches

One of the most common and difficult pest problems to deal with is the problem of roaches. Roaches are a type of insect that are hardy and difficult to get rid of.

They thrive in moist and dark environments, and once they have established themselves in a home or business, they can be hard to get rid of.

Roaches can spread disease, cause allergies and asthma, and contaminate food. They can also damage furniture and carpets, and their droppings can create unpleasant odors.

The biggest problem with roaches is that they can reproduce quickly, often leading to an infestation. Roaches can lay up to 50 eggs at a time, and the eggs can hatch in as little as 6 weeks.

Roaches can also live for up to 6 months without food, so getting rid of them can be difficult.

Why Should You be Worried about Roaches?

Roaches, also known as cockroaches, are a common household pest that can be found in many parts of the world. While they may seem harmless, there are several reasons why you should be worried about roaches and take steps to prevent and control them.

Health Risks. Roaches can pose a significant health risk to you and your family. They can carry and transmit bacteria and diseases, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. Roaches can also trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in some people.
Allergies. Roach droppings and shed skin contain allergens that can trigger allergic reactions, especially in people with asthma. Exposure to roach allergens can worsen asthma symptoms and cause other respiratory problems.
Food Contamination. Roaches are attracted to food and can contaminate it with their saliva, feces, and body parts. Consuming contaminated food can lead to illness and food poisoning.
Structural Damage. Roaches can damage your home’s structure by chewing through wallpaper, books, and fabrics. They can also cause electrical problems by chewing on wires.
Infestation. Roaches are notorious for their ability to reproduce quickly and can quickly become an infestation. If left untreated, a roach infestation can be difficult and expensive to control.

What Months are Roaches Most Active?

Roaches, also known as cockroaches, can be active year-round, but their activity levels can vary depending on the species and environmental factors. In general, roaches are most active during the warm months, typically from late spring to early fall (May – September).

During the summer months, roaches are more active due to the warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. They are also more likely to be seen during this time because they are often searching for food and water sources.

Final Thought

In conclusion, using plants to repel roaches can be an effective and natural way to control these pests. Certain plants, such as mint, bay leaves, catnip, and lavender, have natural oils and compounds that roaches find repulsive.

By strategically planting these plants around your home and using their extracts to create a natural roach repellent, you can help keep these pests at bay.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What scent repels roaches the most?

Citrus scents, such as lemon or orange, are known to repel cockroaches the most. This is because cockroaches have an aversion to strong smells, and the strong citrus smell can overwhelm their senses and drive them away.

If you are looking for more plants that repel roaches, you can read the article above.

What smell do roaches love?

Roaches love the smell of food, especially rotting fruits and vegetables. Moreover, they are most attracted to starch, sugar, grease, meat, and cheese.

This is because roaches feed on organic matter and decomposing food, so they are attracted to the smell of food. If you are looking for plants that repel roaches, please read the article above.

What plants eat roaches?

Pitcher Plant and Butterwort are examples of carnivorous plants that each roaches. Each leaf tendril on the many carnivorous plants develops a pitcher-trap.

Depending on the species, pitcher plants’ traps might have different dimensions, hues, and shapes. Moreover, the butterwort’s foliage catches roaches with the sticky resin.

Can pandan leaves repel cockroaches?

Cockroaches might avoid dried-up pandan leaves, but they are not killed by them. Furthermore, if these young leaves dry up, they might serve as a feeding source for pests like cockroaches.

However, studies have not been done to assess the effectiveness of pandan leaves in repelling cockroaches. You can check the article above for more plants that repel roaches.