Banish Cockroaches for Good: The Simple Clove Trick No One Told You About

Cockroaches are among the most unwelcome pests in any home. Their presence is not only unsettling but also poses serious health risks, as they can carry bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies or asthma—especially in children. Most people reach for chemical sprays or hire exterminators when roaches appear, but what if the solution was sitting in your spice cabinet all along? Yes, cloves—those small, aromatic buds commonly used in baking and traditional remedies—might just be your most powerful ally in the fight against cockroaches.

This article dives deep into the power of cloves as a natural repellent, explains why cockroaches despise their strong scent, and gives you several easy methods to use cloves around your home. You’ll also learn how to create a simple clove-based pest control strategy that’s safe, non-toxic, and affordable. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools you need to defend your home using nature’s own solutions—no harsh chemicals required.

Why Use Cloves for Cockroach Control?

Cloves have a strong, penetrating scent due to a compound called eugenol, which has powerful antimicrobial and insect-repelling properties. While humans may find their aroma pleasant, cockroaches can’t stand it. The smell overwhelms their sensitive olfactory system and drives them away from areas where cloves are placed.

But cloves aren’t just an irritant—they can actually interfere with cockroaches’ ability to navigate and locate food, making your home a much less attractive environment for them. In fact, cloves are often used in natural pest control blends alongside other strong-scented ingredients like bay leaves, cinnamon, and garlic.

Here’s why cloves are a smart choice:

• Non-toxic and safe: Unlike chemical sprays, cloves are safe to use around children, pets, and food.

• Long-lasting scent: Whole cloves release their aroma slowly, providing long-term protection.

• Easily available and affordable: Cloves are inexpensive and widely available in supermarkets and herbal stores.

• Versatile: You can use them in several ways—whole, crushed, as essential oil, or mixed with other natural ingredients.

How to Use Cloves to Repel Cockroaches

Now let’s look at some of the best methods to put cloves to work in your home.

1. Scatter Whole Cloves in Infested Areas

The simplest method is to place whole cloves in areas where cockroaches are commonly seen. These include:

• Kitchen cabinets

• Pantry corners

• Under sinks

• Behind refrigerators

• Bathroom shelves

• Inside garbage areas

To do this, simply place 5–10 whole cloves in a small dish or tie them in a piece of breathable cloth (like muslin) and leave them in key locations. Replace them every 2–3 weeks to maintain potency.

2. Make a Clove and Bay Leaf Sachet

Bay leaves are another natural cockroach repellent. Combining them with cloves strengthens the scent barrier. Here’s how to make a simple sachet:

Ingredients:

• 10 dried bay leaves

• 20 whole cloves

• Small cotton or muslin bag (or an old sock)

Instructions:

1. Crush the bay leaves slightly to release their oils.

2. Mix with the cloves and place in the bag.

3. Tie it securely and place it near cockroach entry points or nests.

This combo is highly effective, and it also smells quite pleasant in the home.

3. Clove Essential Oil Spray

If you want a more aggressive approach, clove essential oil can be used to create a natural bug-repelling spray.

Ingredients:

• 10 drops of clove essential oil

• 10 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil (optional, for extra power)

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar

• A spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in the spray bottle.

2. Shake well before each use.

3. Spray in kitchen crevices, around baseboards, behind appliances, and anywhere cockroaches hide.

Repeat daily or every other day during infestations, then weekly as maintenance.

Caution: Clove oil is very strong and should not be used undiluted on the skin or around pets—especially cats. Always test on a small area first.

4. Use Clove Powder in Cracks and Crevices

If you can’t access essential oil, ground clove powder is the next best thing. It’s not as strong as the oil but still works effectively.

Sprinkle clove powder along floorboards, behind cabinets, or in any visible gaps. You can even mix it with baking soda or borax for added effectiveness (though be careful with borax around pets and kids).

A Simple 3-Step Natural Roach Control Plan

To get lasting results, follow this routine:

Step 1: Deep Clean
Start by thoroughly cleaning your home. Cockroaches are attracted to crumbs, grease, and moisture. Pay special attention to under the stove, behind the fridge, and sink drains.

Step 2: Eliminate Hiding Spots
Seal up cracks and crevices in walls, cupboards, and floors. Fix leaky pipes and remove cardboard boxes, which roaches love to nest in.

Step 3: Deploy Clove Remedies
Use any of the above clove-based methods—preferably a combination—for best results. The scent drives them away and makes your home feel (and smell) fresh.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Clove treatments are not instant like chemical pesticides, but with consistency, you’ll see fewer roaches within a week or two. By maintaining the use of cloves and keeping your home clean, you can prevent them from returning altogether.

Combine Cloves with Other Natural Repellents

While cloves are powerful on their own, they work even better when combined with other natural repellents like:

• Garlic: Its strong sulfur compounds also drive roaches away.

• Cinnamon: A pleasant-smelling spice that cockroaches find unbearable.

• Cucumber peels: Especially bitter varieties—they repel and even kill young cockroaches.

• Citrus peels: Lemon or orange peels add to the scent barrier and are especially good in the kitchen.

• Salt and lime: A mixture placed near cockroach-prone areas can also repel them.

Try mixing and matching these for a multi-layered scent defense.

Important Safety Tips

• While cloves are non-toxic, essential oils are potent. Always dilute oils and avoid using them around small children, pregnant women, or pets without consulting a health professional.

• Avoid placing cloves in areas where pets might ingest them.

• If using sachets, make sure they’re secure and out of reach of children.

Final Thoughts: A Natural Path to a Roach-Free Home

Chemical insecticides may seem convenient, but they come with risks—to your health, your pets, and the environment. Cloves, on the other hand, offer a safe, natural, and effective way to repel cockroaches without exposing your household to toxins.

The secret lies in persistence. Roaches are resilient creatures, but they are no match for a consistently clean home armed with nature’s aromatic warriors. So, the next time you spot one of these creepy invaders, skip the store-bought spray. Reach into your kitchen and let the power of cloves do the work.

A Final Word from Barbara O’Neill

As Barbara O’Neill often reminds us,
“God has provided natural answers for every challenge we face, including keeping our homes clean and safe. When we return to nature and use its simple remedies—like cloves—we avoid the chemicals that harm our bodies and our environment. Sometimes, the best solutions are the oldest ones.”