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Step 1
Roaches are not specifically attracted to orchids, they are simply opportunistic. Roaches come out at night to feed on anything that is available and once they find an available food source, they tend to stick around and multiply. If your victim is an indoor plant, there is both good and bad news. The good news is that once the pest problem is under control, unlike the outdoors, you will not have to deal with roaches on a constant basis. The bad news is that you will most likely need to hire an exterminator to deal with the problem. With regular pest control service and efforts on your part to eliminate the bugs' accessibility to other food sources, the orchids should remain safe and free of munching roaches.
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Step 2
CatnipPlants that live outside are much more susceptible to all kinds of pests, including roaches. Fortunately, since outdoor pests are such a common issue, gardeners have found many ways to effectively deal with them. Many commercial insecticides are available for purchase at any home and garden store. Just be sure to ask if it is safe for your plant before buying. Also, read labels carefully and follow instructions to the letter to avoid danger to yourself, others in the house and pets. Boric acid, for example is an extremely effective roach repellent but must be kept from children and pets.
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Step 3
Hedge AppleIf protecting children or pets is high on your priority list, or if you are an organic gardener, there are several options for repelling roaches that are inexpensive, simple, effective and completely safe. One method is to put plants that repel roaches around orchids. Many gardeners will tell you that roaches hate catnip and will not go near it. For those who have cats and are afraid of making them into little addicts, hedge apple is also believed to work quite well. Teflon barrier tape is a relatively new item available at home and garden stores that can be used to keep the roaches from getting at the plant. Finally, some of the most effective roach repellents may already be in your house. Dryer sheets, especially those with an oleander scent, repel roaches and most other insects as well. Place one in the plant's pot and secure with the stake. Other household items can be used to concoct a solution to spray on your plants. Fill a 16-oz spray bottle with two cups of water and half a teaspoon each of mouthwash and liquid dish soap, or use two teaspoons hot sauce, one half teaspoon corn oil and fill the rest with warm water. Shake well and spray on plants every two weeks. Test the solution first on a small part of the plant to make sure it will not do the plant any harm.
