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>

How do you know if you have bed bugs?

• <div><p>These are the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-identify-bed-bugs-and-bed-bug-bites.htm">signs of bed bugs</a> to look out for: </p><ul><li><p>Blood or rust-colored stains on mattresses, fabrics, or upholstery</p></li><li><p>Dark spots of excrement that look like dots from a fine-tipped permanent marker</p></li><li><p>Tiny eggshells and yellowish shed skins</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: Can an animal come down the chimney?

• <div><p>Yes, in some cases if your damper is left open, animals can come down your chimney. In these instances, it&rsquo;s more likely that they have fallen in while looking for a safe spot rather than entered your house intentionally. Leaving your damper closed or installing a chimney cap can prevent animals from coming inside.</p></div>

Q: Can ticks infest your bed?

• <div><p>No; ticks rarely infest buildings. They prefer to stay outdoors waiting for a potential host to pass by. However, while ticks do not infest beds, they can get indoors by attaching themselves to pets, clothing, or outdoor gear. A live tick may survive in your bed for around 24 hours, but it certainly won&rsquo;t breed or start an infestation.</p></div>

Q: How soon should you call for wasp removal?

• <div><p>If you spot a wasp nest on your property, call a professional exterminator as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to call a pro to remove the wasps, the more you risk a painful sting. The concern is elevated if you or any family members are allergic to wasps or bees&mdash;the sooner you remove the threat, the better.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Homer, IL

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Homer, IL 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 Homer, IL 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 May 15, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
They do an excellent job and I can depend on the same cleaners each time.
Clean Sweep Cleaning Services
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Reviewed in July 2025
Ethan did very good job to remove the shrubs. The price is reasonable and he is very professional. I strongly recommend Ethan
Macklin Contracting
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Reviewed in April 2025
This company is very professional. They removed my tree without any damage to the yard or anything. They were very efficient, courteous, and personable. I would hire them again and recommend them to friends and family.
Arborist LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Roger was right in tune to what home inspectors wanted done prior to selling house. He repaired many things on the list ( rafters- siding- gas fireplace - furnace duct work- etc)
Original Bros Repair and Remodeling
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Reviewed in December 2022
Mr Smith and his son took care of my lawn and raking my (huge amount) leaves. They were professional and did an excellent job. The yard looked wonderful when they finished. We were very satisfied and will definitely use them again.
Smitty's Lawn Service
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Reviewed in March 2022
Hired CCC to clean my apartment after mom roommate moved out, my place was DESTROYED. She came in and got the place back to looking brand-new quickly and got my stainless steel appliances cleaned which I thought wasn't going to be possible. Chloe was very professional and kind, works quickly...
Chloe's Cleaning
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Reviewed in June 2021
The owner doesn&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;t like being questioned and can&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;t control himself. He is aggressive and destructive.
Concept Til' Creation
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Reviewed in August 2019
Todd Root has replaced our disposal, fixed our emergency leak in our sump pump pipe, fixed our slow drain in the kitchen sink and adjusted our toilet that wouldn't shut off after flushing, and fixed our shower that was installed by someone who did not set the control to deliver water hot...
Root's Plumbing
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Reviewed in May 2018
The broken washing machine is an unusual Swedish made Asko. It won't spin dry. Most repair shops won't work on them. A-Z came out to the house to check it, he was punctual, he determined the problem was a bad control board and that the board was no longer available. The "fix" is a new washer....
A to Z Appliance Repair
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Reviewed in September 2014
We live in a split level (or tril level) house, typical for our neighborhodd, and built in 1959. We have two air conditioners, and the one for the upper level is one year old. The a/c for that air conditioner comes our of the ceiling vents upstairs. We do not use it that much, but this summer,...
Steamatic
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Find Pest control specialists in Homer

Terminix® Pest Control

3.8(

)

Serving Homer, IL 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."

63 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Homer, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Service representative was very knowledgeable about lawn, shrub, and pest control."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Homer, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

"Well, we noticed we had termites pretty bad in the back yard and I got online and looked up what to do and the next day Terminex called us and was here that afternoon. I was very pleased with that. I don't have anything to compare it to but I feel like it was pretty expensive but I think as long as it gets rid of the bugs then it will be worth it. Thanks."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Serving Homer, IL 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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Enviro Management Group LLC

New to Angi

Serving Homer, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Enviro Management based in Centre Hall, PA, offers preventative and on-demand pest control services and Insulation installation. Our unique business has a number of programs available that are designed to help homeowners, business owners, industrial clients and the agricultural sector with pest problems and Energy issues.\n\nAll of the technicians employed at Enviro Management are licensed with the Pennsylvania Department of Agricultural. Safety of a building's occupants and the sensitivity of the environment are always our top priorities when sending technicians out on the job.\n\nIf you want more information on the pest and Insulation services Enviro Management can provide, give our friendly staff a call today at 814-359-2600

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Serving Homer, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Since 1932, Presto-X (formerly Anderson Pest Solutions) has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

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C & J Landscaping

New to Angi

Serving Homer, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

Yes, in some cases if your damper is left open, animals can come down your chimney. In these instances, it’s more likely that they have fallen in while looking for a safe spot rather than entered your house intentionally. Leaving your damper closed or installing a chimney cap can prevent animals from coming inside.

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.

These are the signs of bed bugs to look out for:

Blood or rust-colored stains on mattresses, fabrics, or upholstery
Dark spots of excrement that look like dots from a fine-tipped permanent marker
Tiny eggshells and yellowish shed skins

No; ticks rarely infest buildings. They prefer to stay outdoors waiting for a potential host to pass by. However, while ticks do not infest beds, they can get indoors by attaching themselves to pets, clothing, or outdoor gear. A live tick may survive in your bed for around 24 hours, but it certainly won’t breed or start an infestation.

If you spot a wasp nest on your property, call a professional exterminator as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to call a pro to remove the wasps, the more you risk a painful sting. The concern is elevated if you or any family members are allergic to wasps or bees—the sooner you remove the threat, the better.

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