Cockroaches are a common household pest that can be hard to get rid of once they have moved in. There are many home remedies and natural ways to get rid of cockroaches. But does orange oil repel cockroaches?
There is no scientific proof that oranges will keep cockroaches away. Even though some smells and oils can keep cockroaches away, there is no proof that orange is one of them.
In this article, we’ll look at the science behind the idea that oranges can keep cockroaches away and give tips on keeping these annoying bugs out of your home.
How To Use Orange To Repel Cockroaches?
Even though there isn’t conclusive scientific evidence that oranges can keep cockroaches away, you can use orange products to try to keep them away in a few ways. Here are a few things you can do:
| Orange Essential Oil | Orange peels are used to make orange essential oil, which has a pleasant smell that can mask the smell of food and keep cockroaches away. Mix a few drops of orange essential oil with water and spray them around places cockroaches like to hide, like under appliances or cabinets. |
| Orange Peels | The smell of orange peels may also help to keep cockroaches away. Put fresh orange peels in places where cockroaches like to hide, like cabinets, under appliances, and in cracks and crevices. |
| Orange Powder | Some people say that dried orange peel powder is a natural way to get rid of cockroaches. Spread the powder in places where cockroaches might hide, like cabinets or under appliances. |
| Orange-Scented Dish Bars | Using cleaning products with an orange scent could help hide the smell of food and keep cockroaches away. Look for cleaning products made from natural ingredients with orange essential oil or orange extract in them. |
Will Medina Orange Oil Kill Cockroaches?
Medina orange oil is a natural, biodegradable insecticide mostly used as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. Even though it can kill some insects that are a problem, there isn’t much scientific evidence that it can kill cockroaches.
Even though there is some evidence that the citrusy smell of orange oil will scare away roaches, it is doubtful that this will be enough to get rid of an infestation completely. Also, the effectiveness of orange oil as an insecticide can vary depending on the type of bug and how much oil is used.
Is Orange Scent Effective Against Cockroaches?
Some sources say the smell of orange may keep cockroaches away, but little scientific evidence supports this claim. Orange scent can work as a repellent in different ways, depending on the cockroach type and the smell.
If you have a cockroach infestation, it is recommended to visit a pest management specialist or your local cooperative extension agency for advice on appropriate control strategies in your area. They can tell you the best ways to get rid of cockroaches from your house or other places.
How To Use Orange Peels To Repel Cockroaches?
Cockroaches can be kept away from your home in a natural and non-toxic way by using orange peels. Use them like this:
- Collect the peels from the oranges you have eaten or bought recently. Ensure that the peels are clean and do not have any rot on them.
- Make small pieces out of the peels. Cut the orange peels into small pieces with a knife or scissors.
- Place the pieces of orange peel where you have seen cockroaches or think they might be hiding.
- Change the orange peels every few days or when you see that they aren’t working as well as they used to.
- Place small sachets with dried orange peels near doors, windows, and other places where cockroaches will likely come in. This will keep them from coming in.
How To Use Orange With Other Things To Repel Cockroaches?
Orange peels and other natural ingredients can be used to keep cockroaches away. Here are some ways to keep cockroaches away with orange and other things:
| Orange Peels And Bay Leaves | Grind up some orange peels and bay leaves in a food processor to make a fine powder. Spread the powder where you think cockroaches might hide. |
| Orange Peel And Catnip | Mix dried orange peels and catnip in equal parts and put the mixture in sachets or small fabric bags. Place these sachets in places where cockroaches are likely to hide. |
| Orange Peel And Baking Soda | Mix powdered orange peel and baking soda in equal amounts. Sprinkle this mixture in places where cockroaches like to hide, like behind appliances or under sinks. |
| Orange Peels And Vinegar: | Soak orange peels in vinegar for a few days. Pour the mixture through a strainer, and use the liquid as a spray to keep cockroaches away. Spray the solution where you think cockroaches might hide. |
| Orange Peel And Peppermint Oil | Add dried orange peels and a few drops of peppermint oil to water. Spray the mixture in places where cockroaches hide, like under sinks and along baseboards. |
| Orange Peel And Eucalyptus Leaves | Crush some eucalyptus leaves and mix them with powdered, dried orange peel. Spread the mixture in places where cockroaches hide, like in corners or behind appliances. |
| Orange Peel And Boric Acid | Mix dried orange peel powder with powdered boric acid. Sprinkle the mixture under sinks and behind appliances where cockroaches hide. Cockroaches will die from the boric acid, and the orange peel will keep them away. |
Do Cockroaches Hate The Smell Of Orange?
Yes, people believe that roaches hate the smell of oranges. The smell of oranges comes from a natural compound called limonene, found in the peel and known to keep cockroaches away.
Oranges may also make it harder for cockroaches to find their way around because they smell so strongly of citrus. However, while the smell of oranges may deter cockroaches, it may not be sufficient to eradicate an entire infestation.
It is important to have good sanitation and hygiene, get rid of any food or water sources, and, if necessary, hire a professional pest control service.
Are Cockroaches Scared Of Citrus?
Yes, cockroaches usually don’t like the smell of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. This is because the natural compounds in these fruits, like limonene, are poisonous to insects and have a strong, pungent smell that can scare them away. Citrus smells can be too strong for cockroaches to handle, making it hard to find food, water, and shelter.
Are There Any Studies On Orange Oil And Cockroach Repellent?
Yes, orange oil has been studied to get rid of cockroaches. In 1988, the Journal of Pesticide Science published the results of a study that showed that orange oil and d-limonene, a major part of orange oil, showed promise as a natural way to kill insects and keep German cockroaches away. The study found that orange oil and d-limonene killed and scared away both adults and young cockroaches.
In 2014, the Journal of Economic Entomology published the results of another study that showed that orange oil-based insecticides worked well in the lab to kill and scare away American cockroaches. The study found that insecticides made with orange oil killed a lot of cockroaches and kept them away for up to 72 hours.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, orange oil may have some potential as a natural way to get rid of cockroaches because it contains limonene, which is toxic to insects and can scare them away. In the lab, several studies have shown that orange oil and its parts can kill or scare away German and American cockroaches.
However more research is needed to determine how well it works and whether it is safe to use around people and animals. Also, using orange oil alone may not be enough to get rid of a cockroach infestation. You may also need to clean the area and hire a professional pest control service.
References
Syed R, Manzoor F, Adalat R, Abdul-Sattar A, Syed A. Laboratory Evaluation of Toxicity of Insecticide Formulations from Different Classes against American Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattidae). J Arthropod Borne Dis. 2013 Dec 18;8(1):21-34. PMID: 25629062; PMCID: PMC4289508.
Dosoky NS, Setzer WN. Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018; 19(7):1966.