Cockroaches are persistent pests, but certain essential oils can repel them effectively. These oils can be a natural alternative to conventional insecticides, as shown in research that tested five essential oils for their effects on roaches.
Here are five oils that can help keep roaches out of your space while bringing in pleasant, fresh scents.
Meet the Expert
Gary Anderson is a pest control expert with EcoGuard Pest Management.
Rosemary Oil
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Rosemary oil is a powerful option for repelling and even eliminating cockroaches. With a nice aroma and a variety of uses around the house, it’s helpful to have and use to also repel these unwanted pests.
According to research, rosemary oil eliminated all cockroaches, even at lower concentrations. This strong effect is likely due to its robust, earthy aroma, which disrupts cockroaches’ nervous systems. Rosemary oil is an excellent choice if you want both a repellent and a treatment to control any roaches already present.
“For those who might not appreciate its aromatic presence, simply placing a few sprigs in areas frequented by roaches can still harness its repellent properties,” Gary Anderson, pest control expert at EcoGuard Pest Management, says.
To use rosemary oil, mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it around doorways, windows, cabinets, and anywhere cockroaches may appear.
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Oregano Oil
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Oregano oil offers strong repellent properties that cockroaches find overwhelming. The scent manages to repel roaches extremely efficiently, even a week after an oil has been applied. With its high concentration of compounds that cockroaches avoid, oregano oil can help create a barrier that discourages them from entering your home.
“Oregano oil has a strong, spicy scent that is effective at driving cockroaches away because it disturbs their sensitive sense of smell,” Anderson says.
Use oregano oil on cotton balls placed in hidden areas or corners where cockroaches are likely to travel. Its residual effect means you won’t need to reapply frequently; try to do so around once a week to keep these pests at bay.
Eucalyptus Oil
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Eucalyptus oil is known for its refreshing, herbaceous scent, which roaches dislike. While its mortality rate in the study was lower than rosemary and oregano, eucalyptus oil still demonstrated notable repellent effects, making it a good addition to a natural pest control routine.
Eucalyptus oil also contains compounds that interfere with roaches’ ability to navigate and feed effectively, adding another layer of protection.
Dilute eucalyptus oil with water and use it as a spray, especially in roach-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. You can also add a few drops to cleaning solutions for extra repellent power.
Mint Oil
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Mint oil is popular for its invigorating scent, but it’s also effective in deterring cockroaches; its strong menthol aroma disrupts roaches’ nervous systems, making it harder for them to function normally. It makes an effective fumigant, so you can spread mint or its smell around your home to make it less welcoming for roaches.
“By cultivating mint, homeowners can enrich their gardens and kitchens while also fortifying their home’s defenses against roaches,” Anderson says.
Spray a mint oil solution near windows, doors, and other entry points to create a natural barrier. Mint is particularly useful for keeping cockroaches from entering in the first place.
Yarrow Oil
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Yarrow oil, though less commonly used, has also shown effectiveness as a cockroach repellent. It is one of the sweeter of these options, and might be the reason it is the least effective of all of these options.
However, it is still quite effective in repelling cockroaches, and can be blended with other oils on this list to make a more effective repellant. The distinctive scent of yarrow may not only keep cockroaches at bay but also add a subtle, earthy note to your home’s atmosphere.
Combine yarrow oil with other essential oils in a spray or on cotton balls. Its mild repellent effect makes it a supportive addition to stronger oils, amplifying their effects.
Essential oils offer a pleasant-smelling alternative to insecticide for repelling cockroaches. Using oils like rosemary, oregano, eucalyptus, mint, and yarrow can create an inhospitable environment for these pests, making your home feel fresher and cleaner. For best results, combine these oils and reapply every week to maintain their effectiveness.
