How do you use lavender to get rid of roaches?

Cockroaches are considered one of the most annoying and difficult household pests to eliminate. They can survive for extended periods without food and are resistant to many commercial insecticides. Luckily, there are some natural methods that can help get rid of roaches without using harsh chemicals, including lavender oil.

What Makes Lavender Oil an Effective Roach Repellent?

Lavender oil contains a compound called linalool which gives lavender its distinct scent. Linalool is very effective at repelling cockroaches and other insects naturally. Several studies have found lavender oil and linalool can:

• Act as a nerve toxin to kill cockroaches
• Disrupt the normal behavior of cockroaches
• Repel and prevent cockroaches from infesting an area

The strong aroma of lavender is offensive to cockroaches and helps mask other attractants like food odors. Lavender oil can be used to make a safe, natural roach repellent spray or powder.

Making a Lavender Roach Spray

It’s easy to make an effective lavender spray that can keep cockroaches away:

1. Add 1/2 cup of dried lavender buds to a medium pot
2. Pour in 2 cups of boiling water and allow to steep for 20-30 minutes
3. Strain the lavender water through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a spray bottle
4. Add 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil
5. Top off with more water, leaving a couple inches of headspace
6. Shake well before use

The lavender buds help make the water extra concentrated, while the oil provides a potent roach repelling effect. This spray can be used to treat known cockroach hiding spots, entry points, and applied lightly around the home.

Using Lavender Powder for Roaches

For longer lasting and broader treatment, you can make a lavender roach powder. This involves drying and grinding lavender buds into a fine powder. Here’s a simple lavender powder recipe:

1. Harvest fresh lavender buds and leaves
2. Allow plant material to dry completely
3. Use a coffee grinder or food processor to grind into a fine powder
4. Sift through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any large pieces
5. Mix in a few drops of lavender oil per tablespoon of powder

This lavender powder can be sprinkled in cabinets, drawers, under appliances, and anywhere else roaches may hide. The fine powder sticks well to cockroach legs and bodies, causing irritation and repelling them away.

Combining Lavender Oil with Other Natural Ingredients

You can increase the pest-repelling power of lavender by combining it with other natural roach deterrents like:

• Diatomaceous earth – fine powder that cuts and absorbs oils from cockroach exoskeleton
• Mint oil – potent aroma offensive to cockroaches
• Vinegar – helps mask attractants like food residue
• Boric acid – abrasive powder that wears down cockroach exoskeletons

Try adding a few tablespoons of diatomaceous earth or boric acid along with 15-20 drops of lavender oil to the lavender roach powder recipe. The lavender oil provides the repelling power, while the other ingredients act as longer-lasting abrasive cockroach killers.

Using Lavender Plants to Repel Roaches

In addition to the lavender oil, having potted lavender plants around your home can provide an ongoing roach-repelling effect. The live plants continuously release the linalool compound into the air around them.

Some tips for using live lavender plants as roach deterrents:

• Plant lavender pots near known cockroach entry points like doors or windows
• Keep a lavender plant in your kitchen to ward off roaches looking for food
• Crush or rub leaves to release more linalool when plants are flowering
• Refresh pots with new plants each spring as the oil production decreases

Tips for Using Lavender Oil for Roaches

Here are some useful tips for getting the most effectiveness from lavender oil against cockroaches:

• Reapply lavender sprays and powders every 2-3 days for ongoing protection
• Spray lavender oil along baseboards, behind appliances, and in cracks
• Leave lavender powder in place as long as possible before vacuuming
• Refresh dried lavender plants and buds to maintain potency
• Use fresh high quality lavender oil for the best results

Other Ways to Use Lavender Against Roaches

In addition to sprays and powders, you can use lavender in other creative ways to combat roaches:

• Place small sachets of dried lavender buds under sinks or in cabinets
• Soak cotton balls in lavender oil and leave in problem areas
• Grow lots of lavender plants in an indoor herb garden
• Lay fresh cut lavender stems along known roach hiding spots

Getting creative with how you apply or use lavender around your home can help increase the roach-repelling power and enjoy its pleasant aroma.

Using Lavender Oil Safely

When working with concentrated lavender oil, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

• Always dilute oil properly in carrier oils or liquids
• Avoid getting pure oil on skin – can cause irritation
• Don’t ingest lavender oil
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do a patch test on skin before widespread use to check for reactions

Properly diluted lavender spray or powder poses very little risk for irritation or toxicity for humans and pets. But concentrated oil can cause problems if used incorrectly.

Pros of Using Lavender Oil for Roaches

Here are some of the major benefits of using lavender oil as a natural roach deterrent:

• Non-toxic – Won’t expose family to harmful chemicals
• Pleasant aroma – Makes home smell fresh and clean
• Effective – Lavender oil repels and kills cockroaches
• Affordable – Lavender is inexpensive to grow or buy
• Versatile – Can be used in sprays, powders, and plants

Potential Drawbacks

While lavender oil is generally very safe, effective, and affordable, there are some potential disadvantages:

• Need to reapply frequently to maintain effectiveness
• Takes longer to work compared to commercial pesticides
• Roaches may adapt or become resistant to linalool over time
• Strong aroma may be overpowering for some people
• Cats dislike the scent of lavender

Using lavender may not completely eliminate a roach infestation on its own. Works best alongside other natural treatments and preventative measures to keep cockroaches away.

The Bottom Line

Lavender oil is a safe, affordable, and effective option for repelling cockroaches and other household pests. The pleasant scent is a bonus. While it may not completely solve a roach infestation alone, lavender oil can be an excellent addition to your pest management routine when used properly.

Try adding lavender oil to your usual cleaning products and routines. Spritz lavender spray around problem areas, sprinkle lavender powder in out-of-sight spots, and place lavender plants strategically around entry points. Along with keeping things clean and denying roaches access to food and water, using lavender oil can help kick roaches out of your home for good.

Pros	Cons
Non-toxic	Need frequent reapplication
Pleasant aroma	Slower than chemicals
Effective	Roaches may adapt over time
Affordable	Strong aroma for some
Versatile	Cats dislike lavender

Frequently Asked Questions

How much lavender oil should I use for roaches?

For a spray, use 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil per cup of water. For a powder, 3-5 drops of oil per tablespoon is ideal. Always properly dilute pure oil before applying.

Will lavender oil stain or smell up my home?

Lavender oil can potentially stain fabrics and surfaces, especially in concentrated form. However, once dried or diluted, the staining risk is very low. The fresh floral scent also dissipates quickly after application.

Is it safe to use lavender oil if I have pets?

Properly diluted lavender oil is non-toxic for dogs, cats, and other pets. However, cats may be sensitive or deterred by the strong aroma of lavender plants and oils. Keep concentrated oil out of reach of pets.

How often will I need to reapply lavender for roaches?

For best results, reapply diluted lavender oil every 2-3 days. The scent tends to fade over time. More frequent reapplication may be needed for heavy infestations or in high traffic areas.

Can I use lavender oil along with other roach poisons?

Yes, lavender oil can be used safely alongside over-the-counter or DIY cockroach poisons and insecticides. The lavender will provide added repelling power and pleasant aroma.

Conclusion

If you have an unpleasant cockroach problem, lavender oil is worth trying as a kinder, gentler solution. The natural oil won’t eliminate a roach infestation completely on its own in most cases, but can provide an effective repellent and deterrent in your larger pest management strategy. Along with keeping a clean home and using other natural treatments, lavender oil can help give cockroaches the boot once and for all.