Neem (Azadirachta indica)
The most effective insecticide comes from the seed, but the leaves can also be used. These extracts do not kill insects directly but effectively prevent their reproduction.
Bugs hate the smells associated with repellency, such as lavender, citronella, vinegar, peppermint, and geranium. These oils are considered a natural way of driving away bugs from your home without harming you, your family, and other animals.
Peppermint oil, cedarwood oil, and cypress oil are essential oils that effectively keep cockroaches at bay. Additionally, these insects hate the smell of crushed bay leaves and steer clear of coffee grounds. If you want to try a natural way to kill them, combine powdered sugar and boric acid.
To make a peppermint oil spray, you need pure peppermint oil, water, and dish detergent. Mix two teaspoons of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water and add 3 to 5 drops of detergent. Shake the bottle to mix the solution.
A garlic and onion spray, for example, is one of the most versatile pesticides for use both indoors and out, on edibles and ornamentals. Chop four cloves of garlic and a large onion, put into a kitchen blender and add two teaspoons of red pepper (cayenne or chili) or two finely chopped fresh hot peppers.
While neem oil has long been the go-to pest solution for organic gardeners, rosemary oil offers a more effective solution. Additionally, many gardeners find the smell of neem oil unbearable, and there are mixed opinions on whether neem oil is safe to use around pollinators.
boric acid. The two most common powders on the market that can be used as insecticides are diatomaceous earth and boric acid. Both can kill bugs, but one is poisonous. Both have warnings, but one is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, while the other is not approved by the FDA.
Of the 12 bug repellents we tested, OFF! Active Insect Repellent earns our recommendation as the best option for most situations. We found the aerosol spray formula to be easy to apply, effective for several hours, and affordable. If you prefer a lotion, we suggest Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent.
Many dermatologists now recommend that the skin can be made much less attractive to biting insects by taking Vitamin B supplements whilst at risk.
One study found that red, orange, cyan (blue-green), and black tend to draw mosquitoes, while colors that make you more difficult to see can repel mosquitoes, including white, green, blue, and purple. Based on these findings, wearing pastels in cooler hues may reduce your risk of bites.
Rosemary is considered one of the best roach repellents because it's actually highly toxic to the insects. Even better, this plant can be found at your local nursery, hardware store, or plant shop and requires little water. Just make sure you place it in direct sunlight.
DIY spray: Spray the solution in areas prone to cockroach infestation, such as kitchen cabinets, under sinks and around appliances. Apply every few days for the best results.
Mint. It has been said that cockroaches dislike the strong smell of mint, so using this scent in your home can be effective in keeping these pests away.
Citronella and citronella oil typically come from the Cymbopogon nardus plant. Research suggests that in prime conditions, citronella is effective as an insect repellent, with low toxicity to humans, but air quality and high temperatures can affect how well it works.
Practical Tips for Using Natural Scents to Deter Insects
Combine essential oils like citronella, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender to create your own bug-repellent spray. Mix with water and a little alcohol to help disperse the oil.
If all else fails, drinking apple cider vinegar can actually have an effect on the smell of our sweat, making it less interesting for mosquitoes. As mentioned above, drinking cider vinegar can keep mosquitos away from you.
Mix up your own home spider repellent and spray at entry points around your home. Mix lemon oil (spiders hate it!), liquid soap, and water, and then go to town spraying around your house!