10 Natural Pest Repellents You Probably Already Have at Home

If you're looking to keep pests away without resorting to harsh chemical sprays, you're in luck—your kitchen and bathroom may already hold powerful, natural solutions. These everyday items are safe, affordable, and surprisingly effective at repelling everything from roaches to mosquitoes.

Here are ten tried-and-true natural pest repellents and exactly how to use them.

1. Bay Leaves – Roach Repellent You Can Eat

Cockroaches can't stand the scent of bay leaves. These fragrant herbs contain eucalyptol, a compound that disrupts their senses and drives them away without the need for traps or poisons.

How to use:

Crush dried bay leaves into powder and sprinkle inside cabinets, under appliances, and in dark corners.

Replace every two weeks for best results.

Bonus: Place whole bay leaves in your pantry to protect dry goods like rice and flour.

2. Citronella Oil – Your Outdoor Mosquito Shield

Extracted from lemongrass, citronella oil is a classic mosquito deterrent. Its bright, lemony aroma masks the smells mosquitoes use to find us—like sweat and carbon dioxide.

How to use:

Add a few drops to a diffuser outdoors.

Mix with a carrier oil and apply to your skin (patch test first).

Use citronella candles or grow citronella plants for longer-term protection.

Tip: Reapply oil every couple of hours when outside.

3. Black Pepper – A Barrier Against Mice and Ants

Pests like ants and mice follow scent trails to navigate. Black pepper, thanks to a compound called piperine, messes with their senses and keeps them at bay.

How to use:

Sprinkle ground pepper near baseboards, doors, and under appliances.

Refresh regularly, especially after cleaning or rain.

4. Peppermint Oil – Nature’s Multi-Pest Fighter

Spiders, ants, and even rodents dislike peppermint oil’s intense scent. It's a natural repellent with a crisp, clean smell that’s great for your home, too.

How to use:

Mix 10 drops of peppermint oil with a cup of water and a teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.

Spray along entry points, windowsills, and baseboards.

Soak cotton balls in oil and place them in cabinets or under sinks.

Keep it fresh: Replace cotton balls weekly for ongoing protection.

5. Cucumber Peels – Simple Yet Effective

Cucumbers, especially the bitter varieties, contain compounds that cockroaches hate and ants avoid.

How to use: