AnnaMaria
If you’re tired of dealing with unwanted pests like cockroaches and lizards in your home, but you don’t want to resort to toxic chemical sprays or expensive exterminators, you might be surprised to learn that a simple red onion could be your best natural solution. Red onions, commonly found in every kitchen, carry powerful properties that make them an effective deterrent against these persistent household intruders
This might sound too good to be true, but people in traditional households across various cultures have used red onions not only for flavor and health benefits but also for pest control. Red onions are rich in sulfur compounds that emit a pungent smell strong enough to repel insects and reptiles. For cockroaches and lizards, who have extremely sensitive olfactory senses, the scent of red onion is both offensive and disorienting
Let’s begin with cockroaches. These creatures are not only unsightly but can also carry disease-causing bacteria and allergens into your home. They thrive in dark, moist places and are drawn to food residue. Red onion contains compounds such as thiosulfinates and sulfoxides, which release a strong odor when the onion is cut or crushed. This odor is repellent to cockroaches and can interfere with their ability to navigate or remain in areas where the smell is strong
To make a red onion-based cockroach repellent, you don’t need complicated ingredients. Simply take one large red onion and chop it finely. Place the chopped pieces in small shallow bowls and position them near entry points, under sinks, behind kitchen appliances, and in any dark corners where cockroaches are likely to hide. You can also combine red onion with baking soda to make an even more powerful deterrent. The mixture emits a smell that repels cockroaches while the baking soda can disrupt their digestive systems if ingested
Now let’s talk about lizards. While lizards are generally harmless and even helpful in reducing other insect populations, many people dislike their presence indoors due to fear or cultural beliefs. Red onions can help here as well. Lizards have sensitive tongues and are highly reactive to sulfur-based smells. The sulfur from the red onion irritates their senses, discouraging them from lingering in treated areas
To use red onion against lizards, create a simple spray by blending red onion with water. Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray this around windowsills, ceilings, behind furniture, and anywhere you’ve seen lizards gather. Repeat this once or twice daily, especially in the evening when lizards are most active. Over time, they’ll learn to avoid the treated areas and eventually stop coming inside altogether
Another option is to place slices of red onion in a bowl of water and leave it near known lizard hideouts. The slow diffusion of sulfur compounds into the air creates a deterrent zone. You can also crush red onion and mix it with a little garlic for an even stronger scent combination. Garlic enhances the sulfur content and adds another layer of pungency that’s unbearable for both lizards and roaches
Barbara O’Neill has often emphasized the importance of using natural, safe alternatives to chemical cleaners and repellents in our homes. She believes that nature provides all the tools we need to live healthfully and cleanly without putting our families or pets at risk. The use of red onion for pest control fits perfectly into this philosophy. It’s non-toxic, environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and completely safe to use around children and animals
The beauty of using red onions is that they’re always available and incredibly versatile. If you’re cooking a meal, you can simply save the leftover onion peels and scraps and place them strategically around your home. This not only reduces waste but also puts your kitchen scraps to good use. Many people report that even after just a few days of using red onions in this way, they’ve seen a noticeable reduction in cockroach and lizard activity
In addition to repelling pests, red onions offer antibacterial and antifungal benefits. So while they’re doing the job of keeping pests away, they also help keep your home cleaner and fresher. That’s a win-win situation—improved hygiene without chemical residues
For best results, remember that red onion repellents should be refreshed every couple of days. The smell fades with time, especially if the temperature or humidity in your home is high. Always store fresh chopped onion in closed containers and distribute it strategically in known problem areas. Within a week or two of consistent use, you’ll likely notice that your pest problem has diminished significantly
For those living in tropical or warm climates, where pests like cockroaches and lizards are more common, this remedy can be especially valuable. Keeping red onion in your pantry means you always have an emergency repellent on hand. And because it’s so safe, you can use it repeatedly without worrying about side effects
In some cases, people combine red onion juice with essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil for added effectiveness. These oils have insect-repellent properties of their own and, when combined with red onion, create a potent natural blend that not only smells fresh but drives pests away. However, be cautious with essential oils around pets, especially cats, as some oils can be toxic to them
Using red onion as a natural pest repellent also aligns with a broader holistic lifestyle. It reduces chemical exposure in your home, supports eco-friendly living, and demonstrates how everyday foods can serve more than one purpose. Just like many foods Barbara O’Neill recommends for their dual health and household uses, red onion proves to be a humble kitchen staple with surprising power
In conclusion, red onions are more than just an ingredient in your salad or stir-fry. With their pungent smell, sulfur compounds, and natural antibacterial properties, they make a perfect DIY remedy for keeping your home free of cockroaches and lizards. Whether you use them chopped, blended into a spray, or mixed with other kitchen staples, red onions offer a simple, affordable, and effective solution
