Roaches are pests that can be difficult to get rid of, but plants can help! There are many plants that naturally repel roaches and keep them away from your home. Some plants will even kill roaches when they come in contact with it.
The Best Houseplants To Get Rid Of Roaches In Your Home
The best houseplants to get rid of cockroaches that offer up the strong scent needed include:
- Basil plants, because they release a strong smell similar to the one created by cockroach repellent.
- Golden Pothos plants, because their leaves produce an unpleasant scent like mint or curry leaf to deter cockroaches from coming near it.
- Catnip plants, because it is known for its ability to repel bugs and insects.
But let’s break down which houseplants are the best natural resources you can use to get rid of roaches in your home. These options are all nationally available at most nurseries and sell year-round.
What house plants do roaches hate?
As mentioned, plants produce a variety of smells and toxins that can be used to repel roaches and are a great way to provide a natural repellent. Adding basil plants to your vegetable garden will help release the same smell as cockroach repellent which is known for being effective in keeping bugs away from your home. The leaves on Golden Pothos plants produce an unpleasant scent like mint or curry leaf making it an excellent natural insecticide that keeps roaches away.
The easiest plants to grow in your home are the plants you can buy at most nurseries year-round like: Peace Lily plants, Gerbera Daisies plants, and Japanese Anthurium plants. These plants will help keep your home free of roaches without the use of toxic chemicals or pesticides.
If you get these plants in your home, just be sure to place them around windows so that they can release natural repellents into the air and create a protective barrier around all entry points around your house.
What smell do cockroaches hate the most?
There are particular smells that have been known to repel roaches and insect pests in a natural way. You can seek out plants and aromatic herb options that omit the below scents or look in your kitchen for these substances:
- Peppermint essential oils, mint oil
- cedarwood
- bay leaf plant, bay leaves
- coffee grounds
- cinnamon
- garlic
- tea tree oil
- lavender plants
Each of the above would make a great addition!
You could even consider starting an herb garden filled with lemon thyme, the smell of lavender, and fragrant herbs. Aromatic herbs are known to be natural pest control. If you have flower beds, line these herbs around the border. What smells absolutely euphoric to use actually is a pungent smell to the roach.
Strong fragrance herbs will work to your advantage. In fact, one common ingredient that you use to cook dinner will help you repeal these pesky uninvited guests – garlic! Don’t forget to stock up.
Do banana plants attract roaches?
Homeowners often wonder if banana plants attract roaches with their scent and actually contribute to their roach problem. These plants are often associated with attracting roaches because they give off a similar smell to that of rotting bananas. However, it is the opposite; this plant actually repels roaches.
But be warned, banana plants attract mosquitoes, rats, and date beetles. So, is it a good idea when considering resources from Mother Nature? This option might not be the best for combating a bug issue. While it is a natural insect repellent, it also attracts!
Does potting soil attract roaches?
Potting soil does not attract cockroaches but it can attract small bugs like gnats and flies. To keep plants healthy, you should replace the soil once every few months to avoid pests from growing in your plants.
The Best Plants that Repel Roaches
In summary, the best plants that repel roaches and pesky insects are as follows:
- Basil plants, because they release a smell similar to the one created by cockroach repellent.
- Golden Pothos plants, because their leaves produce an unpleasant scent like mint or curry leaf to deter cockroaches from coming near it.
- Rosemary, not only can you use rosemary on your nightly meals, but you can feel good knowing the aroma is working to keeping the roaches away.
- Fresh catnip plants, because it is known for its ability to repel insects such as ants and mosquitoes.
- Peace Lily plants, because they are known for their ability to keep your home free of roaches without the use of toxic chemicals or pesticides.
- Gerbera Daisies plants, because these plants release an unpleasant scent like mint or curry leaf which can deter cockroaches from coming near it.
- Japanese Anthurium plants, because they give off a similar smell to that of rotting bananas, which can repel roaches away.
When trying to avoid harsh chemicals and looking for the best thing to use when keeping roaches away, natural alternatives are available for you! These roach control tips will help keep a variety of insects at bay and is an effective way for you to manage your issues without using bug sprays, citronella candles, or chemical compound.