7 Plants That May Help Keep Cockroaches Away Naturally

Indoor Plants That Keep Cockroaches Away: Cockroaches are unhygienic, may cause harmful diseases and are difficult to get rid of from homes. However, they are known to be sensitive to pungent smells. Therefore, here is a list of plants with intense aromas that may help keep cockroaches away naturally. These plants serve as natural cockroach repellents and also add a green, eco-friendly flair to your home decor.

Plants That Keep Cockroaches Away From Home:

Cockroaches are carriers of serious diseases, can also cause asthma and allergies, and they produce a foul, musty odour, which is why it is good to keep cockroaches away from home. Here is a list of 7 plants that may help keep cockroaches away naturally.

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a natural repellent to keep cockroaches away from home. Its key repellent compounds are camphor and rosmarinic acid. It is one of the most studied natural cockroach deterrents; its strong aroma may help repel cockroaches.

Rosemary (Canva) 

2. Catnip

The catnip plant is from the mint family and has a strong aroma of an earthy, herbaceous hybrid of mint, grass, and cannabis. Its key repellent compound is nepetalactone. Iowa State University researchers suggest nepetalactone can trigger strong avoidance behaviour in cockroaches.

Catnip (Canva) 

3. Mint (Peppermint/Spearmint)

Mints like peppermint and spearmint are natural deterrents for cockroaches. It's methanol or menthone compounds are key repellents for roaches. A fresh peppermint plant’s intense scent may discourage cockroaches from entering the area.

Peppermint (Canva)

4. Lemongrass

Lemongrass has citral and citronellal compounds that cause an intense aroma to keep cockroaches away. The lemongrass produces a strong citrus fragrance that many insects, including cockroaches, tend to avoid. If you can’t grow the plant, you can also opt for essential oil, mix a few drops in water and spray where you see most cockroaches.

Lemongrass (Canva)

5. Lavender

Lavender has key repellent compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which keep cockroaches away from home. Its fragrant oils may act as a natural deterrent to various household pests, including cockroaches. It is also popular as a stress-reliever plant.

ALSO READ: 7 Plants To Keep Lizards Away From Home

Alongside, the lavender plant is also known for its beauty, which will add a chic yet aesthetic touch to your entrance, home gardens or balconies. If you can’t grow the plant, you can also opt for essential oil, mix a few drops in water and spray where you see most cockroaches.

Lavender (Canva)

5. Bay Laurel (Bay Leaf Plant)

Bay leaf, also known as Tez Patta, has key repellent compounds like eucalyptol and cineole, which keep insects like cockroaches away from home. Bay leaves have traditionally been used as a cockroach repellent because of their pungent aroma, and are also a key ingredient in Indian cuisine to add an authentic Indian aroma to foods.

Tej Patta or Bay leaf (Image Source: Canva)

6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a greenish-hued plant, widely known for its camphor-like scent. Laboratory studies indicate eucalyptus oil has repellent and insecticidal properties against cockroaches. Additionally, its aesthetic appearance adds a chic look to your home decor.

Eucalyptus (Canva) 

Lastly, each of these plants may help keep roaches away when grown near entry points, kitchens, balconies, or windows, especially as part of a broader pest-prevention strategy. However, it is also worth noting that no plant can guarantee a cockroach-free home.

ALSO READ: 4 Shelf-Based Plant Decoration Ideas To Amp Up Your Balcony Decor

However, many studies show that cockroaches dislike certain strong-smelling plant compounds and essential oils, like the above-mentioned list.

7 Plants To Keep Cockroaches Away:

Other Simple Ways To Keep Cockroaches Away From Home: 

Each of these ways remains the most effective long-term cockroach-control measure: 

• Good sanitation. 
• Sealing cracks. 
• Removing food sources
• Fixing moisture issues.

Lastly, Rosemary, catnip, mint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass have the strongest scientific support for cockroach-repellent properties. These plants are deterrents, not cures. They work best for prevention rather than eliminating an established infestation. Generally, essential oils extracted from these plants are more effective than simply having the plant nearby.