What smells and scents keep roaches away?

• <div><p>Roaches have a strong sense of smell and are repelled by a variety of potent aromas. Scents that can help deter them include citrus (such as lemon and orange), herbs like peppermint, mint, basil, thyme, and oregano, spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, clove, and garlic, as well as lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, tea tree oil, and vinegar.</p><p>You can use these scents in several ways to create an unwelcoming environment for roaches:</p><ul><li><p><b>Plants:</b> Place mint or lavender plants in your home or garden.</p></li><li><p><b>Powders and Leaves:</b> Sprinkle garlic powder or place crushed bay leaves and citrus peels in high-risk areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entry points.</p></li><li><p><b>Sprays:</b> Create a diluted solution with scents like lemon or vinegar to spray in your home. These can also be used in cleaning products or as room fresheners.</p></li><li><p><b>Essential Oils:</b> While essential oils of these scents can be used, be cautious as they can be toxic to pets if inhaled.</p></li></ul><p>It is important to note that while these smells can help keep roaches away, they typically do not kill them and may not be enough to drive out an existing infestation entirely. For best results, combine these scent-based deterrents with regular cleaning. Be sure to clean up all food spills, crumbs, and dirty dishes promptly, and keep trash cans covered with a tight-fitting lid to remove potential food sources.</p></div>

Should I let cellar spiders live?

• <div><p>Yes. While cellar spiders can seem creepy or scary, they’re essential to the ecosystem. They feed on smaller insects in your home or elsewhere, keeping those populations in check. They’re also food for birds and small animals, so if you let a cellar spider live and simply transport it outside your house, you’re letting the natural cycle continue undisturbed. </p></div>

Should you get rid of paper wasps?

• <div><p>Whether you should get rid of paper wasps depends on a few factors. If you are dealing with a large population and have household members or pets that are being stung frequently, it’s best to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-get-rid-wasps.htm">get rid of these wasps</a>. But they aren’t all bad. Paper wasps feed on common garden pests, like caterpillars and beetle larva, that can harm your plants.</p></div>

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Q: What could cause a sudden gnat infestation?

• <div><p>There are several possible reasons for a gnat infestation, and they vary based on the type of insect. One common reason is overwatering houseplants, which can create a moist environment that is attractive to fungus gnats. Another reason is leaving fruit out on the counter for too long, which can attract fruit flies. Drain flies are typically attracted by standing water and bacteria that are often the result of buildup or a clog in your drain or sewer line.</p></div>

Q: What does a rat nest look like?

• <div><p>A rat nest often looks like a messy, loosely formed pile hidden in a quiet spot. It may appear as a ball-shaped cluster or just a scattered heap made from shredded paper, fabric, insulation, leaves, twigs, and other soft materials. Rats gather whatever they can find nearby to build their nests, often tucking them away in walls, attics, or behind appliances for warmth and safety. </p></div>

Q: Should I let cellar spiders live?

• <div><p>Yes. While cellar spiders can seem creepy or scary, they&rsquo;re essential to the ecosystem. They feed on smaller insects in your home or elsewhere, keeping those populations in check. They&rsquo;re also food for birds and small animals, so if you let a cellar spider live and simply transport it outside your house, you&rsquo;re letting the natural cycle continue undisturbed. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Greenville, CA

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Greenville, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Greenville, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on September 01, 2026

Reviewed in September 2026
Tad and his crew are always on time, professional, get the job done in a timely manner.
Holland's Hauling & All Around Services
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Reviewed in January 2024
My driver made a point of driving all the way back to our house in the mountains to deliver a piece of furniture that was lost. I was extremely grateful!!!
National Van Lines, Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2020
easy to work with and very professional
Fox Welding
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Reviewed in September 2019
I hired Ernie to repair and refurnish an antique desk that had fallen to pieces with age. He did a tremendous job and I couldn't be more pleased. He will be refinishing all of my 100 year old restaurant stools. He's a gem! Carol
Squatch Ranch Rehabs
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Reviewed in May 2019
As an older couple who need things where the can see or grab them! It was hard to find our things after they were done! Having our personal items moved and some place else just didn’t work for us! Otherwise it was a nice clean job! Thanks
House Cleaning and Custodian
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Reviewed in March 2018
The office manager, Shay, is a get things done kind of gal, When I called for an estimate she had someone out the very next day. When I called her for an appointment the work was done the next day. Great service. The two men that did the work were friendly and did a great job. Thanks New Sky
New Sky Tree Service, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2018
Porter's quality of work was superb. They were professional and friendly with the bidding process and I never felt pressed for an immediate response. The cost was reasonable and I would definitely use them again.
Porter Roofing
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Reviewed in September 2017
Eddie from Nor Cal Building Inspections was on time, and performed a very thorough inspection of my husband's and I's prospective home. He was always responsive within a short period either by phone, text, or email. Eddie's credentials put our mind at ease knowing an educated...
Nor Cal Building Inspections
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Reviewed in January 2017
I was very please with their accuracy and skill level. The crew was very professional and worked like a well oiled machine. Yes, there was one critical error, but their correction was dead on prefect and I received exactly what I wanted.
Hughes Construction
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Find Pest control specialists in Greenville

Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,073

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

Serving Greenville, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

62 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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C. Wright & Wright Enterprises, Inc.

3.7(

)

Pest Control - Birds and BatsPest Control - Small AnimalsPest Control - Birds and Bats - For Business+1 more

Serving Greenville, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They called me and gave me excellent advivse to control my problem. because this was something that i could resolve my self."

+49

Response time1 day

39 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by84%of homeowners

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Birds and Bats+9 more

Serving Greenville, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The first guy said he would spray the garage but he didn't. The second guy was thorough."

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Termite

Serving Greenville, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

When it comes to protecting homes, Terminix has satisfied more customers than any other insect and pest control company in the industry, with more than 15 million service visits annually.

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Greenville, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Team Too Termite & Pest Control

2.3(

)

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Bugs and Insects - For Business+3 more

Serving Greenville, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1978

"Overall have had a great experience at this point . They addressed our bird issues and are on a regular monthy pest control spraying ."

Recommended by20%of homeowners

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

Roaches have a strong sense of smell and are repelled by a variety of potent aromas. Scents that can help deter them include citrus (such as lemon and orange), herbs like peppermint, mint, basil, thyme, and oregano, spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, clove, and garlic, as well as lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, tea tree oil, and vinegar.

You can use these scents in several ways to create an unwelcoming environment for roaches:

Plants: Place mint or lavender plants in your home or garden.
Powders and Leaves: Sprinkle garlic powder or place crushed bay leaves and citrus peels in high-risk areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entry points.
Sprays: Create a diluted solution with scents like lemon or vinegar to spray in your home. These can also be used in cleaning products or as room fresheners.
Essential Oils: While essential oils of these scents can be used, be cautious as they can be toxic to pets if inhaled.

It is important to note that while these smells can help keep roaches away, they typically do not kill them and may not be enough to drive out an existing infestation entirely. For best results, combine these scent-based deterrents with regular cleaning. Be sure to clean up all food spills, crumbs, and dirty dishes promptly, and keep trash cans covered with a tight-fitting lid to remove potential food sources.

There are several possible reasons for a gnat infestation, and they vary based on the type of insect. One common reason is overwatering houseplants, which can create a moist environment that is attractive to fungus gnats. Another reason is leaving fruit out on the counter for too long, which can attract fruit flies. Drain flies are typically attracted by standing water and bacteria that are often the result of buildup or a clog in your drain or sewer line.

A rat nest often looks like a messy, loosely formed pile hidden in a quiet spot. It may appear as a ball-shaped cluster or just a scattered heap made from shredded paper, fabric, insulation, leaves, twigs, and other soft materials. Rats gather whatever they can find nearby to build their nests, often tucking them away in walls, attics, or behind appliances for warmth and safety.

Yes. While cellar spiders can seem creepy or scary, they’re essential to the ecosystem. They feed on smaller insects in your home or elsewhere, keeping those populations in check. They’re also food for birds and small animals, so if you let a cellar spider live and simply transport it outside your house, you’re letting the natural cycle continue undisturbed.

Whether you should get rid of paper wasps depends on a few factors. If you are dealing with a large population and have household members or pets that are being stung frequently, it’s best to get rid of these wasps. But they aren’t all bad. Paper wasps feed on common garden pests, like caterpillars and beetle larva, that can harm your plants.

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