Natural Rat and Roach Repellent

### Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Natural Repellent

#### 1. Prepare Your Spray Bottle
Start by getting a clean spray bottle. The size of the bottle will depend on how much repellent you want to make. For a standard-sized bottle (around 16 oz), you can use the following ratio:

– **10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil**
– **5-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil**
– **5-10 drops of citronella essential oil**
– **1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar**
– **Water (to fill the rest of the bottle)**

#### 2. Mix the Ingredients
Add the essential oils into the spray bottle first. These oils are powerful natural repellents and will be the key to keeping rats and roaches away. Next, add the apple cider vinegar, which adds an extra layer of deterrence. Finally, fill the rest of the bottle with water.

Close the spray bottle tightly and shake well to combine all the ingredients.

#### 3. Apply the Repellent
Now that your natural rat and roach repellent is ready, it’s time to apply it! You can spray it in areas where you’ve noticed pest activity, such as around baseboards, in corners, under sinks, or near food sources. Make sure to target common entry points like cracks and crevices where rodents and insects may be getting in.

– **For rats**: Spray along walls, behind appliances, and near any visible holes or gaps where rats may enter.
– **For roaches**: Focus on kitchen and bathroom areas, especially around sinks, counters, and behind appliances.

#### 4. Optional: Add Dried Herbs
For an extra boost, you can also add some dried herbs to your repellent strategy. **Bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon sticks** are all excellent natural deterrents for rats and roaches. You can place these dried herbs in areas where pests are most active or simply hang a small bag of herbs in your pantry or under sinks.

#### 5. Reapply as Needed
Natural repellents may require more frequent application than chemical alternatives, so it’s important to reapply your homemade solution regularly, especially in high-traffic pest areas. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you might want to spray once a day until the problem subsides, then every few days to maintain a pest-free home.

### Additional Natural Solutions for Rats and Roaches

In addition to the essential oil spray, there are a few other natural solutions that you can use to further deter rats and roaches from entering your home.

#### **1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)**
Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance made from crushed fossilized algae. It’s completely safe for humans and pets, but deadly to insects and pests like roaches. Simply sprinkle it in areas where you’ve seen activity, such as along baseboards or cracks, and allow it to do its work. Roaches and rodents will avoid crossing it, and it can kill them by dehydrating them.

#### **2. Seal Entry Points**
Rats and roaches often enter your home through small gaps, cracks, or holes. To prevent infestations, be sure to seal these entry points as best as possible. Use caulk or steel wool to block holes in walls, and replace damaged weather stripping around doors and windows.

#### **3. Keep a Clean Home**
Pests are often attracted to food sources and shelter. Keep your kitchen and pantry clean and store food in airtight containers. Clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food regularly to make your home less inviting to unwanted guests.

#### **4. Use Traps for Rodents**
If you’re dealing with rats, placing humane traps around the house can help catch them. Once caught, release the rats far from your home to prevent them from returning. For added effectiveness, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil to the trap.

### Benefits of Using Natural Rat and Roach Repellent

– **Non-Toxic**: No harmful chemicals are used, making it safe for children, pets, and the environment.
– **Cost-Effective**: Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are affordable and easy to find.
– **Prevents Future Infestations**: By creating an unwelcoming environment for pests, natural repellents help to deter rodents and roaches from returning.
– **Versatile**: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your needs by adding more essential oils or experimenting with different herbs.

### Final Thoughts

Dealing with rats and roaches can be a stressful experience, but there’s no need to rely on toxic chemicals to protect your home. With this **natural rat and roach repellent**, you can create a safe, chemical-free environment for your family while keeping unwanted pests at bay. The combination of essential oils, vinegar, and optional herbs provides a powerful, eco-friendly solution to keep your home pest-free.

Try this simple recipe and enjoy a more peaceful, pest-free living space without resorting to harmful chemicals. Happy homekeeping!