When attempting to get rid of a cockroach infestation, one of the biggest things you look for is ways to repel roaches and kill them overall. You might have stumbled across catnip in your search and are now wondering if you can use it as a natural roach repellent.
Well, you are in luck today because this article discusses whether catnip repels cockroaches or kills them. If you wish to learn more, we encourage you to continue reading!
Does Catnip Repel Roaches?
Yes, catnip repels roaches and will keep them away. Catnip is a perennial herb with the chemical nepetalactone, the active ingredient in the plant. It may be irresistible to cats (hence the name), but this chemical throws a roaches’ senses off balance, making it an excellent natural repellent for the bugs.
Does Catnip Kill Roaches?
No, catnip does not kill roaches. If you want to eliminate roaches, you’ll need to find another method. However, some essential oils like rosemary oil and peppermint oil will kill roaches.
At a high enough concentration range of 2.5 to 30%, rosemary oil offers cockroaches a 100% mortality rate. Mix it with water and use a spray bottle to kill them off.
In terms of peppermint oil, we highly recommend using 5 to 10 drops of peppermint oil per 1 ounce of water. Spray countertops, under appliances, near furniture, and anywhere else you see cockroaches.
Can I Use a Catnip Plant to Repel Roaches?
Yes, you can use a catnip plant to repel roaches. Placing catnip around your home is 100x better and more effective than using DEET, a chemical used to repel insects today. Specifically, Iowa State University researchers Joel Coats, Ph.D. and Chris Peterson mentioned that catnip might drive out cockroaches entirely due to their senses being thrown off.
Growing catnip at home may be more effective than using chemicals, especially if you have small children or pets. In that case, if you have a green thumb and a roach infestation, we highly encourage you to do this method. However, if you have cats, instead of catni, you can use bay leaves for repelling roaches.
How to Use Catnip to Get Rid of Roaches
You can use catnip to get rid of roaches in two ways: one is by making a tea, and the other is by placing catnip leaves everywhere.
1. Making Catnip Tea
The best way to effectively use catnip against cockroaches is by making catnip tea. All you need are some catnip leaves and water. Here are instructions on how to do so:
- Boil water in a pot on the stove.
- Put catnip tea leaves in the boiling water for roughly 5 to 10 minutes (keep boiling water on during this part.)
- Once finished, turn the heat off and let the water cool down.
- Afterward, pour the solution into a spray bottle to create a catnip spray.
- Spray in areas you see the most roach activity.
- Spray cockroaches on sight if you see them.
2. Placing Catnip Leaves Everywhere
On top of making the tea, you can strategically place catnip leaves where you see many cockroaches.
For example, if you have German roaches in your home and notice they will not leave your kitchen, make sure to put the leaves under the sink, under large appliances, and inside your cabinets. Here is a step-by-step process to ensure you are doing it right:
- Identify active areas where the cockroach infestation is.
- Place catnip leaves in an open container and put them where you frequently find cockroaches or where they are the most active.
- Replace the leaves every day until you no longer see the cockroaches.
Note: Ensure the leaves are nowhere near children and pets, as eating catnip can cause stomach pain and other issues if ingested.
Final Thoughts
When you use catnip properly, it can be an excellent repellent for cockroaches and other insects! However, if you cannot eliminate these disgusting creatures, call pest control for further help.
