The Herb You'll Want To Have On Hand To Keep Cockroaches Out Of The House

Cockroaches are a difficult pest to stomach. These creepy crawlies scuttle across floors, countertops, and cabinets, searching for food in dark and damp places. They make the place feel unclean, especially since they shed skin, drop saliva, and leave behind feces where they walk. Not only that, but they are also known to carry bacteria. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if that bacteria makes its way onto food, a person can develop salmonella (which can lead to fever, intestinal issues, and diarrhea) and staph infection (which can lead to pneumonia.) That's why it's important to get rid of cockroach infestations, and fast. But if you would prefer to avoid using harsh chemicals in your home, then you'll be happy to know that a sweet-selling herb may be able to help you with your predicament. Basil can help repel these pests and keep them from returning. 

You can do everything from leaving potted basil plants near entryways or areas where there has been high activity, or you can leave rogue leaves where you have seen them congregate. This is a great hack to try before escalating to stronger chemicals, and may work if the infestation isn't too severe. Here is how to utilize the herb in your pest fight. 

It might seem odd that a pasta garnish can repel away gross cockroaches, but it's true. That's because they have an intense sense of smell, which they use to forage for food and to communicate. Because they are so nose-reliant, you can use that against them by introducing pungent scents. These will be too overwhelming for them, repelling them from the area. And since basil has such a distinct smell, it can help push them from your home or apartment. 

You can leave potted basil plants around the house, but the scent intensifies when you crush the leaves. Because of that, crush a handful of basil leaves and leave them in areas where you have seen cockroaches congregate. Once they pick up the scent, they will no longer go into that area. You can also use a basil essential oil spray if you prefer to saturate more ground. Just make sure to swap out the leaves or spray down the area every other day so that the scent stays fresh and intense.