Q: If I plant a bay leaf plant next to my kitchen window, do you think it will it help to repel roaches from the area?

A: I’m not aware of any scientific research that shows that bay leaves repel insects. While some plant leaves are mildly repellent to bugs, there must usually be a heavy concentration of the oils present in the air to make an insect go elsewhere. I doubt the light scent of a bay tree would do anything to repel roaches. Get some of the insect bait stations designed for large roaches and place them near doors and windows in your house.