Cockroaches often get a bad reputation due to their habits and disgusting nature. However, cockroaches have a serious function and impact on our environment. They are perhaps natures leading recycling machines. Cockroaches munch on decaying matter to clean and reduce what would otherwise be a pretty smelly place. Cockroaches just as useful as they are at cleaning, will not qualify as hired help in our homes.
And while it doesn’t take much to get them packing, the humble bay leaf from the Laurus nobilis bay laurel tree combined with good sanitation habits will help deter these disease harbouring insects out of your home using professional pest control Kitchener.
How to keep cockroaches at bay
Bay leaves are a natural remedy that can be used to repel or deter cockroaches. It is important to note that, Bay leaves will not kill the bugs but will produce a scent that the cockroaches least like or find irritating, which will force them to seek residence elsewhere. Fresh or dry, bay leaves are not crumbly which makes it not difficult to sweep up later. We have compiled a list of ways you can use them successfully to get rid of your cockroach problem.
- Scatter the bay leaves around your house in areas where you have seen cockroach activity. Focus on your food preparation areas as well as eating areas.
- You could also fill containers with bay leaves just like you would do with potpourri, and place them where needed
- You can also place a few leaves under your garbage can
- Sprinkle bay leaves in your cupboards, behind the refrigerator, and under the stove.
Dry bay leaves have the capability of retaining their fragrance for up to one year. Fresh ones have a more bitter aroma, which is more potent and may work better in keeping the cockroaches away. In case you have an ongoing cockroach problem in your home, it’s advisable that you grow bay laurel trees.
Cockroaches will mistake the lure of food as an open invitation to invade your home. It is therefore important to desist from sending mixed signals by always cleaning up after yourself. You could practice the following habits to avoid attracting cockroaches to your house.
- Always wipe your counters after use
- Sweep your floors regularly
- Wash dirty dishes, utensils and pots
- Put away meal prep foods
Other methods that you could use to reduce the alluring scents and implement crumb control in your house includes
- Storing your packaged dry good in canisters or jars that have tight-fitting lids.
- Only eating in designated areas such as the dining room or kitchen
- Ensuring that you clean your pantry or cupboards twice a year or seasonally
- Vacuuming your floors and seating weekly as required
Alternative Herbal Remedies
Catnip is yet another herb that cockroaches often find repulsive; this is according to a study that was done by the University of Iowa. It’s a good alternative to bay leaves unless you have a feline occupant that might experience sensory overload from bowls of leaves being placed throughout the home. Catnip oil also makes very effective mosquito repellent oil. In case you can plant bay leaves in your area, consider giving it a try, they could significantly help in controlling the spread of an infestation.
If you suspect you have a growing number of cockroaches in your house, the best line of action would be to contact your local pest control service. Conducting a DIY operation is only effective if you are sure of the population or as a preventive measure. Your local pest control service will conduct a preliminary cockroach examination Kitchener and recommend steps to help you get rid of your cockroach problem.