Brits are being urged to save hundreds of pounds by placing bay leaves around their kitchens. The herb can currently be bought for as little as 38p in Asda, with the major supermarket cutting the price down from 45p. The recommendation comes as the temperatures across the nation continues to rise with the progession into late spring.

However, with the warmer conditions also comes the increased threat of unwanted small pests invading homes. Experts have revealed that the UK is currently in "peak cockroach season" as the insects come out from dormancy and make their way indoors to find 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 Selfstore.

While the sight of cockroaches in your kitchen wouldn't be a nice one, it is much more than that. Cockroaches are a serious health hazard, known for carrying bacteria such as salmonella and e.coli.

If they manage to ind their way into food storages, 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 has "powerful natural compounds" known for repelling insects, including cockroaches which find the smell "overwhelming and unbearable" resulting in the fleeing in the area in search of a "less offensive environment".

Chris adds: "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."

The use of bay leaves as a preventive measure is rather simple. The expert says to place 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 in order to keep the scent "potent and effective".

The ensure ultimate results, the bay leaf trick should be combined with good hygience practices, including keeping food sealed, surfaces clean, and any crumbs or spills wiped away quickly.