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Natural methods such as spraying orange oil, spreading diatomaceous earth, or spreading boric acid can help prevent termites from entering your home or damaging your garden. Place these solutions near termite entry points to deter them. Termites also dislike the smell of cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil, which can all be used to keep termites away.

Leaving lights on is not an effective or foolproof method for keeping cockroaches away. While roaches are nocturnal and prefer darkness, light alone is not enough to stop them, especially if they are seeking food, water, or shelter. A bright light might temporarily discourage them, but hungry or determined roaches will often adapt and venture into lit areas. For more effective cockroach control, it is better to focus on proven prevention methods. These include maintaining cleanliness by eliminating food crumbs, sealing cracks and entry points, reducing clutter that provides hiding spots, and fixing any moisture issues. Using traps or repellents can also be part of a comprehensive strategy.

For a minor infestation, you can expect to clear up a German cockroach problem in about two weeks. That’s usually enough time to confirm that they don’t have additional hiding spots and aren’t continuing to encroach from an outside source. If you have a major infestation and use the services of a pest control company, it can take several weeks and multiple visits to fully clear your home, up to a couple of months.

Stink bugs hate strong, fragrant scents like clove, lemongrass, spearmint, and Ylang Ylang, so you can use essential oils as a natural deterrent. (Always keep them out of reach of your pets!) In the garden, plants like lavender, garlic, and catnip can ward off stink bugs thanks to their pungent aroma. Also, avoid decorating with white, as stink bugs are oddly attracted to it.