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Brits are being urged to save hundreds of pounds by placing bay leaves around their kitchens. The herb, which can be bought in supermarkets for less than a pound, has various benefits that will come in handy from this month onwards. Despite the odd, fluctuating weather, temperatures will soon rise as we enter the warmer months. Therefore, households should prepare now for the increased threat of unwanted small pests.

Experts say the UK is approaching peak cockroach season, as the insects emerge from dormancy and make their way indoors in search of food and shelter. With professional pest control services costing up to £230, Brits are being advised to use this cheap, effective hack.

"Cockroaches are an extremely hardy bug that can be quite difficult to remove from homes. However, they absolutely cannot stand the smell of bay leaves," says Chris Hutton, storage expert at Adams Self Store.

Cockroaches pose a serious health hazard because they can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. If they manage to find their way into food storage, they can cause a string of gastrointestinal infections and allergic reactions, particularly in children and the elderly. Which is why it is crucial to prevent them from infesting your home.

Bay leaves contain "powerful natural compounds" that repel insects, including cockroaches, which find the smell "overwhelming and unbearable", leading them to flee the area in search of a "less offensive environment".

Mr Hutton added: "Once a cockroach catches even the slightest whiff of bay leaves, they'll run in the opposite direction. It makes for a natural, chemical-free deterrent, and can save households hundreds in pest control costs."

Using bay leaves as a preventive measure is rather simple. The expert recommends placing a handful of dried bay leaves in areas where cockroaches are likely to hide or enter, such as behind kitchen appliances, in cupboards, under the sink, or near cracks in walls.

The leaves should be refreshed every couple of weeks to keep the scent "potent and effective".

To ensure optimal results, the bay leaf trick should be combined with good hygiene practices, including keeping food sealed, keeping surfaces clean, and wiping away any crumbs or spills quickly.