Indoor geranium flower actually belongs to the geranium family, but its scientific name is pelargonium. This is a perennial semi-shrub plant, known for its bright inflorescences and rich aroma. Due to the wide variety of species, this flower has become a popular inhabitant of window sills and balconies. Another advantage of geraniums is that it repels cockroaches and other harmful insects with its smell.
The beneficial properties of pelargonium
Photophilous flower native to South Africa. It was there that for the first time, people drew attention to a bright and fragrant plant and found useful use for it. Essential oil was extracted from the velvety cup-shaped leaves. Its useful properties:
- eliminates headaches;
- used in the manufacture of cosmetics, perfumes;
- used in medicine.
It was also noted that the strong smell of leaves and essential oil helps to repel insects, including cockroaches. This property became known to many housewives who began to lay out the dried leaves of pelargonium throughout the house.
On a note!
Cockroaches mole, midges, ants Do not like this smell and try to avoid rooms with these indoor plants.
Ways to use cockroach geraniums
Pelargonium as a natural repellent has been used for many years and generations. Flower pots are placed in all rooms. To scare away pests from places where food is stored, dried leaves are laid out in kitchen cabinets.
On a note!
If the aroma of pelargonium causes hostility among family members, you need to try not to touch it with your hands and do not move from place to place. Then the smell will be less noticeable.
To smell spread below the level of the windowsill, the flowerpot can be put on the floor, closer to the places of movement of cockroaches. But do not forget that this is a photophilous flower, and the sun's rays should fall on it.
Pros and cons
The use of geraniums against cockroaches is not cardinal insect removal method. This representative of the geraniums only scares prusakovbut does not destroy them. For multiple pest infections, homeowners need help chemicals for cockroaches.
The advantages of using geraniums include:
- the safety of the plant and its smell in relation to young children and pets;
- availability (flower can be purchased at any greenhouse);
- the aesthetic beauty of geranium creates comfort in any home;
- repels other insects.
Reviews
My mother always had a lot of pelargonium in the house. These are beautiful plants and good insect repellents. She lays out the leaves of geranium in cabinets, cabinets, shelves with books - everywhere, where they like to live cockroaches. The method helps, really there are no insects at home. "
Maria, Syktyvkar
When i have cockroaches appeared in the apartment and ants, urgently began to look for a way to get rid of them without application poison. I read reviews about geraniums against insects, I decided to try. I got curly geraniums in three pots. Arranged in the kitchen and in the room, and laid out the leaves under the bathroom and next to the bin. Cockroaches did not disappear at all, but their number became less. I am satisfied with the result.
Konstantin, Voronezh
Alternative methods from pests
The use of insecticides and poisonous baits is always dangerous for human health and pets. The use of such cardinal methods is recommended only in case of a strong spread of pests in an apartment or house. If several individuals have been found, you can use auxiliary tools, such as:
- dried lavender sprigs, bay leaves, chamomile flowers, citrus peel;
- cotton swabs moistened vinegar, ammonia, essential oils.
Natural repellents not only scare off cockroaches and other insects, but also fill the house with aroma. This method should be used with caution in people prone to allergies.
There are 3 pots of geraniums in the kitchen, but the Prussians do not know that they need to be afraid of it. Impressively crawling on the windowsill.