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It’s very rare that home insurance covers an exterminator. Pest problems aren’t covered under standard home insurance. They’re typically considered ongoing events that could have been prevented, which makes them ineligible. Some insurance companies will specifically ban termite and rodent services because costs can be high. However, a sudden and unstoppable infestation, especially one that resulted because of a sudden event like storm, may be covered. Call your insurance company and ask about the details if you aren’t sure.

Some natural applications are known to make bed bugs unhappy, like peppermint and tea tree oil. But bed bugs are tenacious and as long as there are sleeping humans around to feed on, they’ll stick around. It’s best to destroy them outright by using heat, steam, or fumigation methods.

Ant and termite infestations look very different. Since termites feed on wood, one of the warning signs of their presence is drooping drywall, peeling paint, loose floor tiles, and crumbling wood. On the other hand, ants feed on plant- and animal-based food options, so you’ll likely spot a colony near your home’s food sources. If you’re unsure what type of pest infestation you have, hire a pest control specialist to inspect for you.

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.