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Chrysanthemums produce a natural deterrent to cockroaches called pyrethrum. The artificial version, pyrethroid, is an active ingredient in many manufactured pesticides commonly used to control a host of invasive pests.

You can also create a spray with naturally-derived chrysanthemum oil to keep these disgusting insects at bay.

According to Ed Spicer, manager at Pest Strategies, “Planting chrysanthemums around the house and keeping potted chrysanthemums in the kitchen are two ways of repelling cockroaches. It would take quite a few of them, no more than a foot apart to create a barrier, but conceivably it could be done.”

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Although no hard scientific evidence exists, it’s believed cockroaches hate the smell of the Osage orange, more commonly known as a hedge apple. This bumpy, green fruit is a time-honored repellant.

The smell of an Osage orange has been described as between citrusy and woodsy with an astringent quality. Urban apartment dwellers have been known to solve their roach problems by scattering these softball-sized fruit in corners, under the kitchen sink or in bowls displayed on countertops.

The fruit will last a few weeks. If you’re worried about it rotting, try this oil instead.

Want to grow Osage oranges in your backyard? Why not buy and plant a bare root tree? This fast-growing, small-to-medium-size tree will bear fruit at around 10 years of age in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone 5.

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Traditionally used to combat wool-eating moths in closets, cedarwood chips/cedar shavings or cedar oil give off a pungent, earthy aroma that deters cockroaches.

Mist “cedar water” (i.e. strained water with cedar shavings soaked overnight), drizzle cedar oil or scatter chips in spots where cockroaches like to hide out. The strong smell can last for days.

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