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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.

Some suggest mothballs as a deterrent for iguanas, but they are ineffective and harmful. Mothballs contain chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which are toxic to humans and animals, including iguanas. The fumes can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues. Moreover, using mothballs outdoors is not recommended, as they contaminate soil and water sources.

Even with professional pest control and taking your own drastic measures to eliminate a phorid fly infestation, it can be difficult to get rid of these pests for good. If you find that phorid flies keep appearing in your home, it’s very likely that you have a persistent source of moisture such as a drain leak or a cracked sewer. Another culprit could be a decaying animal carcass in your home’s foundations.

You will need to discuss with your pest control expert to know when and what to clean after the treatment. Sometimes, you may have to wait a couple of weeks for deep cleaning to avoid wiping up the treatment they applied.

However, you’ll want to wipe down any surfaces you use for food prep and eating. Before the treatment, you’ll also want to make sure that items such as pet dishes and children's toys won’t be exposed to the chemicals.