When placed in areas where these pests may be present, Stay Away® Ants & Cockroaches emits a scent that is pleasant to people - like peppermint essential oils and more - but deters ants, cockroaches, and various other crawling insects in the treated areas. These pouches use the scent of plant-derived essential oils to affect the senses of these pests which then causes them to leave the area and prevents them from returning.