6 Easy Ways To Use Cloves to Keep Roaches Away
Cockroaches are a sight that no one wants to see in their home. These nocturnal creepy crawlers often invade our homes in search of shelter and food. Their fast reproduction rate means an infestation is just a few roaches away. Thankfully, there are natural ways to repel these unwelcome critters.
Cloves, which are dried flower buds from the clove tree, have a strong aroma that roaches find highly repellent. So, not only will your home smell delightful, but you’ll also keep roaches at bay!
In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use cloves to ward off those unwelcome roaches and ensure your home stays roach-free – all with the power of this simple, yet potent spice.
Key Takeaways:
- Cloves are an effective natural repellent for roaches due to their strong aroma and the presence of eugenol.
- Numerous creative methods can be employed to harness the power of cloves in keeping your home roach-free.
- Safety precautions and alternative natural repellents are important considerations for a comprehensive roach control strategy.
Why Cloves Repel Roaches
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), native to Indonesia, are more than just a spice for flavoring food. Rich in phenolic compounds, cloves have strong antibacterial properties that can help keep pests, especially roaches, at bay using all-natural remedies.
Roaches detest the intense aroma of cloves, making it an exceptional repellent. The book Clove Chemistry, Functionality, and Application tells us that the major repellent constituents in clove include eugenol, acetate, and caryophyllene. These chemicals are what gives cloves their powerful deterrent effect against cockroaches.
An important quick note. You need to find the cause of your roach infestation and also focus on physical preventative measures as well instead of solely relying on a scent based repellent – we’ll discuss those a bit later on!
6 Ways To Use Cloves Against Roaches
Cloves come in all different forms that can be used in your battle against roaches. Try a few different methods to find what works best for your situation.
Here are six creative ways you can use cloves to repel roaches:
- Whole Cloves: Place whole cloves in small sachets or containers, and strategically place them in cabinets, drawers, or other hiding spots frequented by roaches.
- Clove Powder: Sprinkle powdered cloves along the baseboards, under sinks, and around other potential entry points where roaches tend to congregate. SPICE TRAIN Ground Cloves work great for this method.
- Clove Essential Oil: Add a few drops of clove essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray this mixture around roach-infested areas and their entry points.
- Clove Oil Diffuser: Use a diffuser with clove oil to spread the scent throughout your home. This not only repels roaches but also offers a pleasant fragrance.
- Clove-Scented Candles: Light clove-scented candles in various parts of your home to disperse the aroma and keep roaches at bay. Candeo Candle Clove Essential Oil Soy Candle is an excellent way to disperse the scent of cloves around a specific room.
- Clove and Other Essential Oils: Combine clove oil with other roach-repellent essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender for an even more powerful solution to protect your home from these pests.
Through these methods, cloves offer a chemical-free approach to roach prevention. Remember that creating an inhospitable environment for roaches is the most effective way to protect your home from infestation.
Preparing Your Clove-Based Roach Deterrent
Clove, a versatile spice derived from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, can be used as a natural method to repel roaches. The potent smell of the eugenol found in cloves effectively keeps those pesky critters at bay.
In this section, we will discuss creative ways to prepare your very own clove-based roach deterrent with minimal fuss. Let’s dive in!
Using Essential Clove Oil
To make a simple clove-based spray, all you need are clove essential oil, some water, and a spray bottle. Follow these steps:
- Mix 10-15 drops of clove essential oil, such as MAJESTIC PURE Clove Essential Oil, with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
- Shake well to ensure the oil and water are properly mixed.
- Mist problem areas around your home where you’ve noticed roach activity.
Voilà! You have now created a natural repellent spray to keep those pesky roaches away. Remember to shake the bottle before each use, as the oil and water may separate over time.
Creating a Clove and Lemon Combo
Add a citrus twist to your clove-based deterrent by introducing lemon to the mix. This combo not only smells fantastic but also provides an extra punch of repelling power.
- Grind some whole cloves into a powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- Squeeze the juice of two lemons into a small bowl.
- Mix the ground cloves and lemon juice, aiming for a thick paste-like consistency.
- Apply this mixture to the affected areas and let it do its magic!
The roaches will definitely think twice before trespassing your home again.
Making Clove and Garlic Fusion
A dynamic duo to stop roaches in their tracks – cloves and garlic! This unique mixture will surely put a damper on the roaches’ plans to invade your home.
Here’s how to create this powerful fusion:
- Crush a few cloves of garlic into a paste.
- Grind whole cloves to a fine powder and add to the garlic paste. Check out Anthony’s Organic Whole Cloves for this powerful roach repellent.
- Combine the mixture until you get a thick, homogeneous substance.
Spread this fusion in small amounts around possible entry points or high-traffic areas for roaches. The combined scent of cloves and garlic will create a formidable barrier, and the roaches will have no choice but to steer clear of your home.
Where and How to Apply Cloves To Deter Roaches
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of cloves and learn how to strategically place them in your home to keep those pesky roaches at bay!
Here are the common places where you can use cloves to deter roaches. Pay special attention to these areas when placing your clove repellents.
Area Where Roaches Are | Ways to use cloves to repel cockroaches |
---|---|
Kitchen | – Place whole cloves or cotton balls soaked in clove oil in cabinets and drawers – Mix clove oil with water in a spray bottle and spray countertops and other surfaces – Add a few drops of clove oil to a pot of boiling water and let the steam fill the kitchen |
Bathroom | – Place whole cloves or cotton balls soaked in clove oil in bathroom cabinets and drawers – Mix clove oil with water in a spray bottle and spray sinks, toilets, and other surfaces – Add a few drops of clove oil to a pot of boiling water and let the steam fill the bathroom |
Bedroom | – Place whole cloves or cotton balls soaked in clove oil in dresser drawers and closets – Mix clove oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around the bed and other furniture – Add a few drops of clove oil to a diffuser and run it in the bedroom |
Living room | – Place whole cloves or cotton balls soaked in clove oil in cabinets and drawers – Mix clove oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around furniture and other surfaces – Add a few drops of clove oil to a diffuser and run it in the living room |
Entryway | – Place whole cloves or cotton balls soaked in clove oil near doors and windows – Mix clove oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around the entryway – Add a few drops of clove oil to a diffuser and run it in the entryway |
With these easy-to-follow methods, you can create a home environment that is much less enticing to cockroaches. By utilizing the natural power of cloves, you can do your part to protect your home from these unwelcome intruders – all while staying green and chemical-free!
And remember, cockroaches are mostly nocturnal, so using these scents at night is an excellent way to keep those pesky bugs at bay, even while you sleep!
Different Forms Of Clove To Repel Roaches
Clove oil, whole cloves, dried cloves, and even just the scent of cloves can be effective in repelling roaches. Let’s dive into why cloves work to keep these pesky critters away!
Here are 6 creative ways to use the different forms of cloves and their scent to deter roaches.
- Whole Cloves: Simply place whole cloves in infested areas, like kitchen cabinets, corners, and any cracks or crevices where roaches might hide. The strong aroma of cloves will repel them, ensuring they won’t set up shop in the protected area.
- Clove powder: Fill small sachets with crushed or dried cloves, then tuck them strategically around your home. You can use them in cabinets, closets, near entry points, and other problem areas for a subtle, long-lasting roach repellent.
- Clove oil: Mix a few drops of pure clove oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to roach-infested spots. The potent smell of clove oil will send roaches scurrying away.
- Clove-infused cotton balls: Soak cotton balls in clove oil and place them in problematic areas. The oil will slowly release its scent over a considerable period, keeping roaches at bay.
- Clove-based cleaning solution: Create a cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of clove oil with water and dish soap. Use it to mop floors, clean countertops, and scrub other surfaces to discourage roaches from lingering.
- Clove candle: Light a clove-scented candle to fill your home with its roach-repelling aroma. Make sure to never leave a lit candle unattended, though! Safety first.
By incorporating cloves, in their various forms, into your pest control arsenal, you’ll be on the right path to a roach-free home. That said, sometimes all-natural methods aren’t enough to get rid of a full-blown infestation.
In these cases, it may be better to call in a pest control specialist. Pest professionals can assess your specific situation and use years of knowledge and practice to effectively remove roaches. If you decide to go this route, use our nationwide pest control finder to connect with a local pest pro.
Alternative Natural Roach Repellents
Baking Soda and Sugar
A popular natural roach repellent is the combination of baking soda and sugar. Why does this work? This mixture works because sugar attracts the roaches while baking soda acts as a toxin that breaks apart their digestive system.
You can create a simple repellent by mixing equal parts baking soda and sugar. Sprinkle it in areas where you’ve seen roach activity, and see those little critters running away!
Coffee Grounds and Flour
Another effective natural repellent for roaches is using a mixture of coffee grounds and flour. When roaches consume the mixture, it expands in their stomachs, thus eliminating them.
To create this repellent, simply mix equal parts coffee grounds and flour. Apply it in corners and crevices where roaches might be lurking.
Boric Acid and Borax
Boric acid and borax are powerful and natural roach repellents. They damage the insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and eventual elimination.
You can make a boric acid solution by mixing 3 tablespoons of boric acid, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them around your home. For borax, simply mix it with sugar and apply it as a powder in affected areas.
Now that you know about these alternative natural roach repellents, you don’t have to rely just on cloves to keep these pesky bugs away. Remember to use these repellents along with good sanitation practices to maintain a roach-free home. Keep trying different combinations of the repellents mentioned above until you find the most effective one for your specific situation.
Chemical Approach To Roach Control
Using Roach Baits
Roach baits are a popular and effective method if you’re looking to keep these pesky insects out of your home. These baits typically contain insecticides like boric acid or borax, which are lethal to roaches but relatively safe for humans and pets.
To use roach baits:
- Place the bait stations in areas where you’ve seen roach activity.
- Make sure to replace them every few months to keep the bait fresh and effective.
- Clean up any food debris nearby to encourage roaches to eat the bait instead.
Roach Traps Method
Another great option is using roach traps. These traps often contain a powerful glue strip that can catch and hold roaches in place. Here’s how you can make the most of this method:
- Set up the traps in various corners of the room and along the walls where roaches usually crawl.
- Check the traps daily for several days to determine where the infestation is most severe.
- Adjust trap placement based on your findings to maximize their effectiveness.
Remember to keep a close eye on the traps and dispose of them once they’ve done their job.
Utilizing Insecticides
When battling a roach infestation, sometimes it’s necessary to turn to professional-grade insecticides. While it’s not an insecticide, diatomaceous earth is a popular choice, as it’s made from natural, crushed fossils and works by damaging the exoskeleton of the roaches, causing dehydration. HARRIS Diatomaceous Earth is a great example of this roach deterrent.
To use diatomaceous earth:
- Apply a thin layer in cracks, crevices, and other spots where roaches tend to hide.
- Reapply after cleaning or if it gets wet, as moisture can reduce the effectiveness.
- Always follow the specific product labels for proper usage and safety precautions.
While cloves are the central focus of this article, it’s important to know about other chemical control methods you can complement with cloves for a more holistic roach control approach.
Keep in mind that if a roach infestation persists, it might be time to call an exterminator for professional help.
Preventing Future Roach Infestations With Cloves And Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness is vital in preventing future cockroach infestations. Regularly cleaning your house not only deters roaches from making it their home but helps you quickly spot any signs of their presence! Using cloves as a natural remedy can be an effective complement to cleaning to keep roaches away.
When you’re cleaning and trying to prevent future roaches, make sure to focus on:
- Cleaning Regularly:
- Sweep and mop floors.
- Wipe down counters (this is important, roaches love grease!)
- Empty trash bins frequently.
- Storing Food Properly:
- Store in sealed containers.
- Never leave food out overnight.
- Refrigerate perishables.
- Reducing Clutter:
- Minimize cardboard boxes.
- Avoid stacking newspapers and magazines.
- Fixing Leaks:
- Check pipes under sinks.
- Repair any dripping faucets.
- Sealing Entry Points:
- Caulk gaps in walls and floors.
- Install door sweeps.
- Performing Regular Inspections:
- Check dark and damp areas (roaches love these!)
- Monitor basements and attics.
Of course, it’s essential to combine this natural remedy with regular exterminator visits for a complete, effective approach to cockroach prevention. And don’t forget, being proactive in keeping your home clean is the easiest way to enjoy a roach-free space.
That’s All For Now!
Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) are well-known for their antimicrobial properties, and this has been demonstrated in various studies. They contain the powerful component eugenol, which repels roaches naturally. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly approach to keeping these pesky critters at bay, you’ve come to the right place!
Here’s a recap of six creative ways to use cloves to repel cockroaches:
- Clove sachets: Fill small cloth bags with whole cloves and place them in cabinets, drawers, or other dark areas where roaches tend to hide.
- Infuse cotton balls with clove oil: Soak the cotton balls in clove oil and strategically position them around your home, especially in crevices and corners.
- Clove powder sprinkling: Sprinkle some ground cloves along shelves, windowsills, and other entry points where roaches might sneak in.
- Homemade clove spray: Combine water, clove essential oil, and a natural detergent like castile soap to create an effective roach-repelling spray.
- Clove candle diffuser: Add a few drops of clove essential oil to the top of a candle or a diffuser’s dish. This will release the scent into the air and repel roaches without harming the environment.
- Clove-infused cleaning solution: Combine equal parts water and dilluted white vinegar, then add a few drops of clove essential oil. Use this solution to clean countertops, floors, and other surfaces, leaving a roach-repellent scent behind.
Incorporate cloves into your arsenal against roaches, and experience a cleaner, more comfortable home. Give it a try, and embrace the natural power of cloves to deter these unwelcome insects!
Zack is a Nature & Wildlife specialist based in Upstate, NY, and is the founder of his Tree Journey and Pest Pointers brands. He has a vast experience with nature while living and growing up on 50+ acres of fields, woodlands, and a freshwater bass pond. Zack has encountered many pest situations over the years and has spent his time maintaining and planting over 35 species of trees since his youth with his family on their property.
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How long will using cloves in your drawers or around the house last?
Hey Dee, you can do a “smell test” every few days and replace once the smell dissipates.