Natural Ways to Repel Cockroaches Without Using Harmful Chemicals

Instead of relying on chemical sprays that may be hazardous to your health, you can use simple, natural ingredients available right in your home to get rid of cockroaches effectively. One surprisingly powerful trick involves something most people throw away — banana peels.

1. Banana Peel Trap

After eating a banana, don’t rush to toss the peel into the trash. You can turn it into a natural cockroach trap.

Start by cutting the banana peel into small pieces and placing them in a container. Add a little salt and laundry detergent, then mix everything well. The sweet scent of banana attracts cockroaches, while the salt and detergent dehydrate and suffocate them once they come into contact with the mixture.

Place this banana peel mixture in areas where cockroaches often appear at night, such as under the sink, near garbage bins, or behind the stove. By the next morning, you’ll likely notice a visible reduction in the number of roaches.

💡 Tip: Replace the banana peel mixture every few days to maintain its effectiveness, especially in warm or humid weather.

2. Use Soapy Water

Mix 20 ml of liquid soap with 500 ml of water, and stir well until the solution is fully blended. Pour it into a spray bottle, then spray directly onto cockroaches or in areas where they frequently crawl, such as kitchen cabinets and under counters.

The soapy water forms a thin film that clogs the insects’ breathing pores, killing them instantly. It’s a safe and quick method for dealing with unexpected infestations.

🧴 Extra tip: Adding a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or lavender can increase the repelling power and leave your kitchen smelling fresh.

3. Citrus Peels: Orange, Lemon, and Grapefruit

Dry orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels and place them in areas where cockroaches usually appear. The strong citrus scent acts as a natural repellent that keeps these pests at bay.

You can also boil citrus peels in water to make a natural cleaning solution. Once cooled, pour it into a spray bottle and use it to wipe down kitchen surfaces — this helps disinfect while repelling roaches.

🍋 Note: Replace the dried peels every week, as their scent fades over time.

4. Onion and Garlic Solution

Garlic and onions have a strong, pungent smell that cockroaches absolutely hate. You can simply sprinkle a small amount of garlic powder or minced garlic in corners or behind appliances where roaches often hide.

Alternatively, make a natural spray:

• Blend one onion and a few cloves of garlic.

• Mix with a spoonful of garlic powder and a bit of water.

• Stir well and pour into a spray bottle.

Spray it around dark corners, under the sink, or behind the refrigerator. If blending isn’t an option, you can chop the ingredients finely, mix them with black pepper powder, and place the mixture on small plates around your kitchen.

⚠️ Caution: Garlic and onion mixtures can have a strong odor, so it’s best used in well-ventilated areas.

5. Baking Soda and Sugar

Mix baking soda and sugar in a 1:1 ratio, then place small portions in corners, under the stove, or near garbage areas. The sugar lures the cockroaches, while the baking soda reacts with stomach acid, producing gas that kills them from the inside.

For even better results, place a small bowl of water nearby — roaches will drink it after eating, speeding up the process.

🧂 Tip: Refresh the mixture weekly, as moisture can reduce its effectiveness.

6. Keep Drains Clean with Baking Soda

Cockroaches often crawl up from sewer drains. To prevent this, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of hot water, stir well, and pour it down the drain. This not only kills hidden roaches but also removes unpleasant odors and residue inside the pipes.

🚰 Bonus Tip: Pouring vinegar down the drain afterward creates a mild fizzing reaction that helps clean deeper and keeps roaches away longer.

Final Thoughts

Cockroaches are resilient pests, but with consistency and natural home remedies, you can keep your house clean and pest-free without exposing your family to harmful chemicals. Combine these natural methods with regular cleaning, sealing food properly, and removing clutter — and you’ll soon notice a significant difference.