It’s time to get serious about repelling roaches. Harsh, heavy chemicals are out, and natural home remedies are in these days. Does cinnamon repel roaches, and what about essential oils? Discover how to make and use natural cockroach repellent and roach killer around the house with our guide to DIY pest control.
The German and American cockroach are two common, invasive pests we regularly see in North America. The German cockroach is light brown with dark stripes and does well in slightly cooler climates. The American cockroach is a reddish brown and prefers dark, warm environments where it likes to lay eggs in clothing and floor cracks.
Cockroaches have a reputation for thriving in inhospitable environments. However, a few variables influence whether or not a cockroach feels at home. Some roaches prefer specific temperatures or humidity levels, and others prefer complete darkness. Strong scents are an effective way to repel roaches; learn how to put simple pantry items to work for you.
Does Cinnamon Repel Cockroaches?
A serious roach infestation is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Cockroaches aren’t just ugly; they can spread E. coli or salmonella across your household surfaces, too. Roaches don’t care about personal hygiene and readily cross-contaminate spaces with their own bacteria, causing digestive concerns in humans.
Cockroaches eat a varied diet and consume everything from leather, organic fabrics, and adhesive to paper. Cockroaches are the scourge of humans everywhere, and there must be a solution.
Does cinnamon keep roaches away? What about essential oils? Discover some fantastic tips for repelling cockroaches from your home.
Does Cinnamon Repel Roaches?
Does cinnamon keep roaches away? Cinnamon is a potent spice made from the bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree, a member of the laurel family. Cinnamon is native to Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and India and is a popular flavoring in food and beverages worldwide.
There was a time when cinnamon was worth more than gold. Famous in ancient societies for religious rites and culinary purposes, cinnamon was once the most profitable spice traded by the Duch East India Company. Many DIY enthusiasts also swear by cinnamon as a natural pest deterrent for ants, fruit flies, bed bugs, and cockroaches.
Does Cinnamon Keep Roaches Away?
Does cinnamon repel roaches? This simple roach repellent contains cinnamon, diatomaceous earth to affect any insects that crawl through it, and boric acid, which works as a slow-release poison to kill roaches. Learn how to make a DIY roach repellent to try yourself.
Get a small glass or plastic container and fill it with cinnamon powder, diatomaceous earth, and boric acid. Feel free to add other common culinary herbs like bay leaf or mint to beef up the smell of your roach repellent.
Use a spoon to leave a line of cinnamon repellent anywhere you suspect insect activity – under appliances, in the pantry, and around entry points. Use caution near children and curious pets.
Do Essential Oils Repel Roaches?
Essential oils aren’t just for aromatherapy. Many plant oils contain powerful natural insecticidal properties that effectively repel pests and prevent infestation. Does cinnamon repel cockroaches when used in essential oil form?
Research indicates that cinnamon and vapor-distilled cinnamon oil are effective pest repellents. Cinnamon oil is particularly effective against thrips and mosquito larvae. Cinnamon oil contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and eugenol, deemed insecticides.
Make an Essential Oil Roach Repellent
Does cinnamon repel cockroaches when combined with other essential oils? Generally, the more potent you can make the repellent, the better the chance it has for success.
Combining cinnamon essential oil with other known pest repellents like tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil is a fantastic way to maximize a roach repellent and prevent a cockroach infestation.
Find or buy a small spray bottle and fill it with water, white vinegar, and the essential oils of your choice. Feel free to substitute cinnamon oil for something else if you don’t care for the smell. Popular essential oils for repelling roaches include cypress oil, mint oil, oregano oil, and peppermint oil.
Mix the essential oil repellent well and get ready for pest patrol. Either spray the repellent directly or apply it to a surface with a cotton ball. Apply your repellent anywhere you suspect roaches are gaining entry to your home.
For something different, try cinnamon sticks with a few drops of essential oils on them and leave them in the pantry and under appliances.
Be careful using essential oils around pets. Popular oils like tea tree oil and peppermint oil are toxic to dogs and cats. Your pet’s sense of smell is significantly enhanced compared to ours, and intense scents may cause your pet discomfort.
Does cinnamon repel roaches? Cinnamon contains several insecticidal compounds, like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and eugenol, that work against various invasive insect pests. However, when it comes to roaches, cinnamon works best when combined with other pest control methods.
Cinnamon is a strong smell but not strong enough on its own to repel the tenacious cockroach. Use cinnamon with other non-toxic alternatives like food-grade diatomaceous earth for the best results. Try cinnamon essential oil, or use cinnamon sticks dipped in eucalyptus oil to make handy repellent stations around the house.
Cockroaches love a steady food source and bring all their cockroach friends to the buffet. Prevent cockroaches by sealing open food and sweeping regularly.
Above all, keep your living space tidy. Seal all cracks and entry points, and patch torn screens. Use our tips to start a pest control checklist and incorporate it into your to-do list. Cockroaches aren’t impossible to eliminate – now you have the skills to give them the boot.
Does cinnamon repel roaches? If you found this pest-fighting article helpful, share it with friends on Pinterest or Facebook who want a roach-free home and a pest-free life.