Cockroaches are one of the most stubborn and unwanted pests you can face in your home and garden. They appear in search of food, water, and shelter, leaving behind mess and harmful bacteria.
If you’ve been struggling with these invaders, using natural methods to repel cockroaches can make a huge difference without exposing your family to toxic chemicals.
These simple yet effective remedies not only help keep your spaces clean but also provide safe solutions that are easy to try right away.
With a little effort, you can reclaim your home and garden from these pests and prevent them from coming back. Here are 18 natural ways to repel cockroaches and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable environment.
#1 Neem Oil
Neem oil works as a natural roach repellent. Soak cotton balls in neem oil and place them in corners, under sinks, and other dark areas where cockroaches hide. The smell and compounds discourage pests from staying.
For best results, refresh the cotton balls every few days. You can also mix neem oil with water and spray it directly in infested spots. It’s safe, natural, and very effective.
#2 Boric Acid
Boric acid has been a trusted method for decades. Sprinkle a small amount in cracks, corners, and under appliances where cockroaches crawl. Once they step through it, the powder sticks to their bodies and proves lethal.
Be careful if you have pets or small children, as ingestion can be harmful. Always apply in thin layers rather than piles for maximum effect. Repeat weekly for lasting results.
#3 Fabric Softener
A mix of fabric softener and water can suffocate cockroaches on contact. Combine equal parts in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray directly on roaches when you spot them for quick control.
You can also use it around baseboards and entry points to discourage pests. Keep the bottle handy in the kitchen and bathroom. It doubles as a freshener too.
#4 Baking Soda and Sugar Trap
This homemade trap is simple and powerful. Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar, then sprinkle the mixture in areas where roaches roam.
The sugar attracts them, while the baking soda reacts inside their bodies. Place it under sinks, near garbage bins, or along walls. Refresh every few days to keep it active. It’s one of the cheapest solutions you can make at home.
#5 Cucumber
Cucumber slices have properties that cockroaches dislike. Place a few pieces in tin jars and leave them near infested areas. The reaction between the cucumber and metal creates a smell that repels them.
Replace slices daily to keep the effect strong. You can also scatter them in the garden to reduce roach activity. It’s a natural, chemical-free method.
#6 Duct Tape Trap
A duct tape trap is quick and efficient. Cut a strip, sticky side up, and place a small food bait like cheese or bread in the center. Cockroaches will rush toward it and get stuck.
Position traps near cabinets, under sinks, or along walls at night. Replace with fresh bait as needed. This method is simple but works surprisingly well.
#7 Lemons
Cockroaches dislike the fresh, sharp scent of lemons. Squeeze lemon juice and wipe down kitchen counters, floors, and other surfaces. You can also add a few drops of juice to mop water for extra protection.
The citrus smell lingers and keeps pests away. Cut lemon halves can also be left near sinks or garbage areas. It’s a safe and natural cleaning tool too.
#8 Cornstarch Plus Plaster of Paris
This combination acts as a natural insecticide. Mix cornstarch and plaster of Paris in equal amounts and sprinkle it in cracks, gaps, and hidden spots.
Roaches eat the mixture, and it solidifies in their bodies. Keep applying in infested areas every few days. Always keep this mixture away from pets and children. It’s highly effective and long-lasting.
#9 Soap Solution
Ordinary soap can kill cockroaches by blocking their breathing pores. Mix soap with hot water to form a thick solution. Apply it on kitchen counters, behind stoves, and around sinks.
Spray directly on roaches when you see them moving. The slippery layer also discourages them from walking over treated areas. Repeat every few days for best results.
#10 Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that damages cockroach exoskeletons. Sprinkle it under trees, in the garden, along baseboards, and in dark corners.
It’s safe for pets and humans but deadly to insects. Always use food-grade diatomaceous earth for safety. Apply lightly, and repeat after cleaning or rain. This is one of the most eco-friendly ways to control pests.
#11 Garlic and Chilli Powder
The strong compounds in garlic and chili are toxic to roaches. Mix crushed garlic with cayenne powder and sprinkle the blend in corners and along walls.
The pungent smell drives cockroaches away instantly. Reapply every few days for continued protection. You can also add some of this mixture to boiling water and spray it around the house. It’s a natural and spicy repellent.
#12 Coffee Trap
Cockroaches are drawn to the smell of coffee. Create a trap using a jar filled with wet coffee grounds placed inside a smaller cup. Fill the jar with water until just below the bait cup.
The pests will climb in but won’t escape. Place jars near sinks, drains, or kitchens. Check daily and discard trapped roaches. It’s a clever way to use coffee for pest control.
#13 Silica Aerogel and Sugar
Silica aerogel works by dehydrating cockroaches. Mix it with sugar in a 3:1 ratio to lure and eliminate them. Sprinkle the mix in common hiding areas such as under appliances, behind furniture, and near drains.
Repeat weekly for consistent results. Handle silica carefully, as it can irritate skin. It’s one of the most effective natural repellents.
#14 Grow Plants That Repel Roaches
Certain plants naturally drive roaches away. Rosemary, mint, lemongrass, and lavender are excellent choices. Plant them around your home’s entry points or in pots indoors.
Their fragrance creates a natural barrier that cockroaches hate. Water and prune regularly to keep them healthy. You’ll enjoy both pest protection and fresh greenery.
#15 Catnip
Catnip has a smell cockroaches avoid at all costs. Fill small sachets with fresh or dried catnip leaves and place them in corners, cupboards, and dark hiding spots.
Replace the leaves every few days to keep the scent strong. Catnip tea can also be sprayed in infested areas. Keep in mind, cats will be attracted, so place carefully. It’s a simple but effective solution.
#16 Vinegar with Peppermint Oil
This mix is both refreshing and powerful against roaches. Blend one cup of vinegar, two cups of water, and 10–15 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle.
Shake well before use and spray along baseboards, windows, and dark corners. The sharp scent keeps pests at bay. Reapply after cleaning surfaces. It doubles as a natural cleaner too.
#17 Slippery Jar Trap
A slippery jar trap works just like a coffee trap. Smear petroleum jelly inside a glass jar and drop a piece of bait such as peanut butter or cheese inside.
Cockroaches will crawl in but won’t be able to climb out. Place jars near sinks or garbage bins at night. Check in the morning and discard the pests. It’s an easy and effective homemade trap.
#18 Bay Leaves
Bay leaves release an aroma that roaches dislike. Crush a few leaves and scatter them in kitchen cabinets, pantry shelves, and drawers. You can also place whole leaves in corners and under appliances.
Refresh the leaves regularly to maintain potency. Bay leaves not only repel pests but also add a pleasant herbal scent. It’s a natural way to keep spaces roach-free.