Ways to Repel Cockroaches, Ants, and Mosquitoes Without Harsh Chemicals

Unwanted household pests like cockroaches, ants, and mosquitoes can be annoying and even harmful. Fortunately, you can keep them away using simple, natural methods that are safe for your home and easy to apply. Here are some of the most effective tips.

1. Highly Effective Cockroach-Repelling Methods

Onions – A Smell Cockroaches Can’t Stand

Cockroaches particularly hate the strong, pungent smell of onions. To keep them away, place a small dish of freshly sliced onions in your pantry or food cabinets. The odor will immediately force them to relocate. An added benefit is that onions can also help slow down the spoilage of certain foods stored nearby.

Cucumbers – An Unexpected Natural Repellent

The ends of fresh cucumbers can also discourage cockroaches. Simply place cucumber ends in areas where cockroaches often appear—such as kitchen shelves or storage cabinets. After a few days, if the scent fades, cut the cucumber lengthwise and continue using it. This simple trick works because cockroaches dislike certain natural compounds released by cucumbers.

Perilla Leaves (Shiso) and Sugar – A Popular American Method

A mixture of ground perilla leaves and sugar, combined in a 1:1 ratio, is commonly used in the United States. Set this powdered mixture in areas where cockroaches frequently travel. Within 3–14 days, the pests will disappear entirely. The strong scent of perilla leaves, combined with the lure of sugar, effectively repels and eliminates them.

Alum Solution to Prevent Cockroaches and Ants

Dissolve alum in hot water, soak a cloth in the solution, then wipe the floor thoroughly. Once the floor dries, the alum crystals will settle into small cracks and crevices—creating a barrier that prevents both cockroaches and ants from entering. This method is long-lasting and works especially well on tiled floors.

Dried Citrus Peels

Citrus peels such as orange and lemon contain natural essential oils that cockroaches avoid. Dry the peels and place them in cabinets or kitchen shelves. You can also burn the dried peels to release a pleasant aroma that freshens your entire home while discouraging pests.

2. Natural Ways to Make Ants Leave Your Home

Lemon Juice to Disrupt Ant Trails

Spray pure lemon juice around ant nests and along their common pathways. The acidity helps disrupt their scent trails and sensory signals, preventing them from detecting food sources. In some cases, it can even kill them. This method is safe, natural, and smells refreshing.

Cinnamon Essential Oil

Spray cinnamon essential oil around windows, doors, and areas where ants often appear. Cinnamon’s strong aroma creates a natural barrier ants will not cross. Many homeowners use this method daily to prevent ant infestations.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is another powerful ant repellent. Spray it around entryways, corners, and kitchen areas. Besides keeping ants away, peppermint leaves your home smelling cool and refreshing.

Soapy Water or Boiling Water

A mixture of water and dish soap can instantly kill visible ants by disrupting their breathing. Similarly, pouring boiling water directly into their nests can eliminate entire colonies naturally.

Drawing a Chalk Circle

This surprisingly simple trick works because chalk dust disrupts ants’ chemical trails. Draw a chalk ring around their nest or around areas you want to protect. Ants rarely cross this boundary.

Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar

Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar and place the mixture in shallow lids along ant pathways. The sugar attracts them, while baking soda eliminates them shortly after consumption—usually within a few days.

3. Mosquito-Repelling Techniques Without Chemicals

Five-Color Plant (Lantana)

This common wild plant contains natural coumarins—compounds also found in many commercial mosquito repellents. Placing a few pots around your home or garden can effectively reduce mosquito presence. Avoid rubbing the leaves directly on your skin, as they may cause irritation.

Mint (Peppermint)

Mint not only keeps mosquitoes away but also repels cockroaches and ants. Plant several mint bushes around your home or place crushed mint leaves in corners, window sills, or shelves. The scent will repel mosquitoes for 1–2 days.

Geranium (Pelargonium) – A Mosquito’s Worst Enemy

Geranium flowers produce a charming scent for humans but an unpleasant one for mosquitoes. Rich in essential oils like citronellol and geraniol, they act as natural repellents. Keep potted geraniums in your yard or near windows to decorate your home while protecting it from mosquitoes.

Schefflera (Umbrella Tree)

According to NASA studies, the Schefflera plant helps purify indoor air and repel mosquitoes. Keeping a pot indoors encourages mosquitoes to leave, making it a useful dual-purpose plant for households.

Burnt Dried Citrus Peels

Dried orange or tangerine peels contain fragrant oils that mosquitoes dislike. Burning a few pieces releases a pleasant aroma that keeps mosquitoes away for hours while freshening the room.

Marigolds

The scent from marigold flowers and leaves naturally deters mosquitoes. Planting marigolds around your garden or placing pots near doorways is an attractive and effective solution to reduce mosquito activity.