The cringe-worthy cockroach. Learn what products and methods are best for repelling these loathsome intruders from your home.
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8 Best Cockroach Deterrents (Including Plug-In Devices, Natural Repellents, and Sprays)
Updated on Aug. 12, 2024
Cockroaches carry diseases, spread bacteria that can contaminate food and act as an allergen source to trigger asthma attacks. They’re bad news all around, and you definitely don’t want them in your home. That means you’re going to want to get some form of cockroach repellent (and maybe more than one).
First, however, you’ll want to consider the type and size of your infestation. We recommend taking a two-, three—or even four-pronged approach because roaches can be tough to get rid of. Employing more than one tactic greatly increases your chances of success. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up plenty of options to help you squish those pests for good. Here are our choices for the best cockroach repellents.
via amazon.com
Best Indoors
Wondercide Indoor Pest Control
Defend your home with Wondercide Indoor Pest Control. Although the manufacturer claims it kills roaches along with repelling them, it probably won’t do a lot of damage to the little buggers since the spray features naturally-derived, plant-based essential oils like cedar, peppermint, rosemary and lemongrass. All are well-known repellents in the cockroach world, but not particularly lethal or poisonous.
via amazon.com
Best Outdoors
Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer
When sprayed around the perimeter of your property, Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer creates a barrier against cockroaches that limits their return for up to a year. Use the battery-operated, continuous one-touch spray wand to cover up to 5,000 square feet and kill the roaches in your yard. Odor-free and non-staining, when applying be sure to keep pets away from the area until the spray is completely dry.
“It works!” wrote one happy Amazon reviewer. “The same day we got it delivered, I sprayed the entire perimeter of the house outside, plus inside the house corners and closets, plus the garage. Well, it’s been a few months, and I haven’t seen one bug since. I even still have half a gallon left. Get it. This works.”
via amazon.com
Best Ultrasonic
Neatmaster Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
No more spraying or setting out stations. The Environmental Protection Agency-approved Ultrasonic Pest Repeller sends a clear message to roaches that they’re not welcome in your home.
Neatmaster’s advanced technology emits waves of low, ultrasonic frequencies, creating a sound that only cockroaches (and other pests) can hear. The pest repeller covers an area up to 1,200 square feet, with three color-coded light settings that correspond to the size of the cockroach infestation you have: slight, normal or terrible.
via amazon.com
Best Pouches/Stations
Eco Defense Pest Control Pouches
If you’re ready for a mess-free way to make roaches hit the road, look no further than Eco Defense Pest Control Pouches. Eco’s patented encapsulation process combines aromatic essential oils (see below) in a simple-to-use pouch. Each of the 12 packs repels roaches for up to 12 months, and are especially effective when placed in small spaces like closets, pantries and RVs.
via firstbotany.com
Best Around Children and Pets
First Botany Peppermint Essential Oil
Safe to use around pets and humans, essential oils have long been touted as an effective roach repellent. First Botany Peppermint Essential Oil — a compound extracted from the peppermint plant — works because, quite simply, cockroaches hate the smell. Confidently sprinkle the oil around food and drink without worry; it’s non-toxic with no additives. First Botany also sells eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, lemon and rosemary oils, all known to be great at sending these gross insects packing!
via target.com
Best Value
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap Peppermint
Keep it clean! A bucket, water, detergent and a little elbow grease is still the best and most budget-friendly way to discourage cockroaches from invading your home.
Cockroaches thrive around food and moisture sources. So by vacuuming, mopping, washing dishes and removing clutter regularly, you’re eliminating what attracts roaches in the first place. You know what Benjamin Franklin said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to avoiding a roach infestation, Ben’s right!
Best Splurge
Professional Pest Control
Sometimes throwing money at a problem is the way to go. Perhaps you live in a multi-family dwelling or suspect a large infestation. You’ve tried repelling cockroaches with DIY solutions to no avail. If that’s the case, calling a professional pest control expert to assess the situation is recommended.
If you’re willing to spend the money, a monthly or quarterly spraying program can run from $600 to $1,200 annually. A reputable extermination service can produce results that are safe and effective. Go to Pest.org to find a top-rated exterminator in your area.
Best Home Remedy
Chrysanthemum Flowers (Pyrethrum)
Did you know chrysanthemum flowers produce a natural chemical that has strong repellent powers against cockroaches? It’s called pyrethrum, a common active ingredient that’s used — in its artificial form — in many manufactured insecticides. Plant colorful mums in your garden or keep them in pots around your kitchen. They’ll create a natural and beautiful deterrent to roaches.
What to Consider When Looking for Cockroach Repellents
When shopping for the cockroach repellent that best suits you, here are some things worth considering:
Available Methods
Rock-solid methods for repelling cockroaches include sprays, pouches and scent stations, essential oils and plants, ultrasonic devices and professional pest control. It may be best to employ a multi-pronged approach for the most effective, long-lasting solutions.
Size of the Job
If you have only a minor infestation, a small bottle of cockroach repellent might do the trick. But if you have any reason to suspect a larger issue or think the cockroaches may return, you might opt for more repellent. Bug repellents have a shelf life (usually effective for around three years), which is another factor to consider. Don’t buy an industrial-sized tub that might just sit in your garage, as it’s wasteful and can increase your risk of exposure (should it leak or somehow get punctured, for instance).
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Some cockroach repellents are designed for indoor use—typically safer for people and pets to be around, but perhaps not as effective at killing. On the other hand, stronger mixtures are usually intended for the outdoors, where exposure chances are fewer. Before you buy, ensure you know what area of your home and property needs the treatment and that you buy the appropriate cockroach repellent for the job.
Risk of Exposure
Even with more natural/organic methods, many cockroach repellents are poisons designed to kill pests. That means you must be careful with how much your family, including pets, is exposed to them. Indoors or outdoors, you should be cautious and limit exposure whenever possible. If you can stay away from the affected area for a few days, consider using less spray than you might for a more intense effect.
How We Found the Best Cockroach Repellents
To ensure we were only recommending the best options, we took a top-down approach to finding the best cockroach repellents. We started by checking out the wide variety of options on the market (including natural home remedies) before narrowing the search down by looking at consumer reports and professional reviews. Then, we considered the brands’ reputations and the effectiveness of their offerings. That led us to a final list of the absolute best cockroach repellents.
Why You Should Trust Us
Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIYer covering everything from pest control to pool cabanas, painting and container gardening. Her work has been published in Family Handyman, The Telegraph, Fodor’s, Italy Magazine, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, and Orvieto or Bust. Furthermore, she owned a successful faux finishing, mural and children’s furniture business. This experience makes her exceptionally qualified to speak on home care subjects, including cockroach repellents.
FAQ
What is the best cockroach repellent?
The best cockroach repellent isn’t a repellent; it’s proactive prevention. Cockroaches are largely drawn to food sources. By keeping your home and property as clean and clear of waste as possible, you’ll inadvertently create a space that cockroaches don’t want to be around. You should still use repellents to eliminate any existing infestation, but being proactive about cleaning will keep them from returning.
Is there a natural repellent for cockroaches?
Some essential oils, like peppermint or rosemary, can effectively repel cockroaches. However, these solutions will not kill them and won’t keep them away forever. They need to be regularly reapplied for maximum effectiveness, and even then, they might not always do the trick.
Why do I have roaches in my clean house?
Even if you think your home is squeaky clean, there may still be invisible or hidden food residue (like under your appliances). Even the tiniest amount can attract roaches, so you want to be extra vigilant, cleaning in every crack and behind every appliance to really keep the roaches at bay.
