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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.

Based on infestation severity, semi-annual or annual checks are recommended.

If you’re wondering whether pest control services are safe, rest assured that they are if you hire a licensed and experienced exterminator. Professionals are trained to use EPA-approved products in controlled amounts and apply them in targeted areas to minimize exposure to people and pets. Plus, many modern pest control methods are designed to be low-risk while still effectively eliminating pests like scorpions. If you have concerns about chemicals, ask your exterminator about eco-friendly or integrated pest management (IPM) options, which focus on prevention and minimal pesticide use.

Finding one termite could be a sign of an infestation. This termite could be a worker looking for food or a swarmer responsible for reproduction. Any time you see a termite crawling or flying around your home, or if you see their discarded wings around doors and windows, it’s time to call in a pro for an inspection.