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Are you facing a cockroach infestation? You are! We know how you feel! These insects are not only a nuisance but can carry diseases as well.
A fact is you can find different roach killers online to kill this pest effectively. However, all of the products are toxic!
So, if you are like us, we are always looking for natural ways to rid our homes of pests.
While roaming the net, we came across a publication published by the American College of Healthcare Science.
According to the studies they have done, peppermint essential oil is only one of ten natural insect repellents that work effectively against insects such as roaches, moths and spiders..
However, they did not mention how well it works using it on roaches. So after reading different studies online, we came up with the following using peppermint oil on cockroaches.
According to the University of Nebraska, Cockroach Control Manual peppermint repels the insect away effectively.
Furthermore, the phenomenon was also reported in this study – https://academic.oup.com/jee/article-abstract/103/2/448/2199422
Is Peppermint Effective against roaches?
The truth is that when you use peppermint oil spray, it is an excellent way to repel the pest. However, will it kill the insect?
In honesty, no, it will not kill the pest. You can only use it as a repellent but need to use it properly.
The spray might work on some roach species, but not all. However, if you have a cockroach or water bugs infestation using only the shower might not help.
Alternatively, you can use cockroach killing baits instead. The best option is to get in a pest control service to help eliminate the problem.
Using a professional exterminator can be costly and best to choose one offering free quotes first. On the other hand, if you do want to give it a try you can find the Peppermint Spray recipe here shared by Dr. Greg Koob from the Hawaii Horticulture:
What you will need:
- One gallon of warm water
- Liquid soap two tablespoons
- Peppermint oil two teaspoons
Method:
You need to mix the ingredients and fill a spray bottle with the peppermint soap to spray on the roaches.
If you plan on using the recipe, you need to make a mixture using three ounces of the peppermint oil with one gallon of water. After mixing the herb with the water, you place it in a spray bottle.
As with the recipe mentioned above, you need to spray the insect directly. Alternatively, you can also spray the place where the pest is most active.
After testing the solution and you find the peppermint oil is not as effective as you want, you can always ensure to do the following.
Always make sure the roach does not have a food source available. Keep the kitchen clean and eliminate water standing in your home.
Furthermore, for removing the pest, you need to know what species you are dealing with.
Alterntative Remedies
Maybe you have been looking for alternative cockroach remedies online to solve your problem! Indeed some DIY solutions may work; however, there are some you need to avoid.
Here are some of these solutions:
- Fabric Softener – can it kill roaches? Many believe it smothers the cockroach. According to users, you spray a solution of the liquid with water near the drains or bins. The problem is it will kill the insect, but only if you spray each one individually.
- Soap & Water – the same rule applies when mixing the two ingredients as with the fabric softener. You need to use it directly on the roach, which is difficult.
- Lemon – the truth is the insect cannot stand the smell. The method of mixing some lemon juice with water is useful when spotting a roach. The fact is it does not affect them at all but does clean the home.
- Coffee Grounds – you can use it in two ways by making a trap with coffee grounds and water in a jar. Or you can sprinkle the coffee around the house to repel them. A fact is an insect does not like or hate coffee and is not a good do it yourself solution.
- Bay Leaves – here we do have some truth, but to create a repellent, you will need a jungle full of these leaves.
- Cucumber – according to some users, they place some of the slices overnight near the hotspot. Personally, it might even attract more for dinner.
As you can see, the roach may not be attracted to certain smells. But when it comes to food such as cucumber, you may even have a massive problem on hand.
Therefore, if you do, have a cockroach infestation, we recommend you get professional help.
Conclusions
Using peppermint oil is useful if you have only had one roach in your home. However, it is not helpful if you have a cockroach infestation.
To remove the pest from your living space, you need to know what roach is sharing your home with you. Furthermore, it would help if you found out how to deal with the species.
The peppermint essential oil smells refreshing, but it will not kill a cockroach. Therefore, we recommend you use other methods along with the oil.
Alternatively, you can contact a pest control service in your area. The roach experts will be able to provide you with the best help. Contact one today.
Sources:
https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/integrated-pest-management-ipm-principles
