Saying goodbye to flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches may seem like a challenge, but there are natural and effective solutions to keep these annoying insects away without resorting to chemicals. Buzzing flies, mosquito bites, and the occasional cockroach invasion are frustrating for many of us, especially in the summer. However, with simple methods and common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create repellents and traps that will make these pests disappear.
Why choose natural solutions?
Commercial insect repellents are often effective, but they contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health, pets, and the environment. Opting for natural repellents is not only safer, but it can also be less expensive. Homemade methods provide sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control.
Ingredients needed
To make these natural solutions, you will need a few simple ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of yeast
- 1 cup of water
- 15 bay leaves
- 10 cloves
- 1 2 liter plastic bottle
- 1/2 cup regular shampoo
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
These readily available ingredients are effective in repelling or trapping insects. They work by disrupting the pests’ environment or luring them into traps from which they cannot escape.
Step 1: Mosquito trap
Mosquitoes are not only irritating, but they can also transmit diseases. Fortunately, with a simple homemade trap, you can reduce their numbers.
Instructions :
- Dissolve 5 tablespoons of sugar in a cup of hot water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of yeast and mix well.
- Take a 2-liter plastic bottle and cut it in half at the neck.
- Pour the mixture into the lower part of the bottle.
- Place the top of the bottle upside down on the bottom, creating a funnel.
- Place the trap in areas where you have noticed mosquitoes, such as near windows or on the balcony.
This trap is effective because mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide released by the reaction between the sugar and the yeast. Once inside the bottle, they will not be able to escape.
Step 2: Cockroach and Fly Repellent
Cockroaches and flies are often attracted to food scraps and damp areas. To keep them away, here is a natural repellent that works very well.
Instructions :
- In a saucepan, boil 15 bay leaves and 10 cloves in a cup of water .
- Let the mixture boil for about 10 minutes, then remove from the heat to cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
- Spray this repellent in areas where you have seen cockroaches or flies, such as the kitchen, pantry or bathroom.
Bay leaves and cloves give off odors that these insects do not like. This deters them from remaining in the treated areas.
Step 3: Multi-insect repellent spray
For a more versatile repellent that works well against mosquitoes as well as cockroaches and flies, you can create a spray using shampoo, vegetable oil and white vinegar.
Instructions :
- Mix 1/2 cup shampoo , 1/2 cup vegetable oil , and 1/2 cup white vinegar in a bowl or container.
- Stir well so that all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the solution to a clean spray bottle.
- Spray this spray in areas where insects are common, such as near doors, windows and in corners of the kitchen.
This spray is effective because the shampoo helps the mixture adhere to surfaces, the vegetable oil creates a barrier that insects don’t like to cross, and the vinegar acts as a natural repellent.
Additional tips to avoid insects
While these methods are effective in repelling insects, it is also essential to take preventative measures to prevent them from returning.
- Keep spaces clean : Make sure your home, especially the kitchen, is clean and free of food debris. Flies and cockroaches are attracted to food and standing water, so clean surfaces promptly and don’t leave food out in the open.
- Avoid standing water : Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminate any water buildup in plant saucers, gutters or other containers outside the home.
- Close openings : Check windows and doors to make sure there are no cracks or gaps where insects could enter. Use mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes out, especially during the summer months.