The presence of insects in a house can cause significant nuisance. From fly droppings and mosquito bites to bacteria carried by cockroaches, life can quickly become unbearable. It’s essential to act promptly to prevent an infestation of these unpleasant creatures.
Fortunately, several effective methods pose no risk to your health or the environment. You can easily make your own insecticides using everyday household products.
1. Homemade Insect Traps
Unlike commercial insect traps, these are eco-friendly, cost almost nothing, and are highly effective.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
You will need:
- Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
- A glass bowl
- Plastic wrap
- A toothpick
Pour 2 to 3 cm of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar into the bowl. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent and stir to dissolve. Place the bowl in the infested area in the evening, and you will find many dead insects the next day. The darkness and coolness of the night seem to attract them more.
Flies and other insects are drawn to vinegar because it smells like rotting fruit. When they approach it to feed, they will drown in the detergent.
Fruit Trap
Place an old piece of peeled fruit in the bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and poke many small holes in the plastic with a toothpick. Fruit flies will enter the trap but won’t be able to get out.
2. 100% Natural Spray
This simple, chemical-free, and inexpensive solution will help you get rid of unwanted visitors once and for all.
Ingredients:
- ½ glass of vinegar
- ½ glass of olive oil
- ½ glass of shampoo
Instructions: Pour the three ingredients into a spray bottle and shake the mixture. Spray the liquid in different corners of the house.
3. Lavender Essential Oil Repellent
Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on a sponge, place it in an area frequented by flies, and let it work. Repeat the operation as soon as the smell disappears.
4. Lemon and Clove Repellent
This traditional tip involves cutting a lemon (preferably green) in half and inserting about fifteen cloves into each half. The combination of these two scents acts as a natural repellent against mosquitoes and flies. After a few days, the lemon pulp will turn brown. Repeat this operation weekly.
Other Tips for Repelling Insects
Anti-Insect Plants
Certain fragrant plants have a repellent effect on insects. Simply plant them in containers and place them on windowsills and balconies to create a natural barrier.
Against Mosquitoes:
- Lemon balm
- Lemon thyme
- Small-leaved basil
- Dalmatian pyrethrum
Against Flies:
- Tuberous chervil
- Basil plant
- Pennywort
Against Cockroaches:
- Bay leaves (place them in areas frequented by these pests)
Practical Advice
To avoid or limit an insect invasion, it’s essential to eliminate factors that facilitate their development:
- Store food in airtight glass or plastic containers.
- Clean the kitchen after meals.
- Remove leftover food and crumbs.
- Keep the trash can closed and empty it frequently.
- Wash dishes after each meal.
- Do not leave dishwater standing.
- Clean worktops regularly.
- Remove grease deposits from cooking appliances.
- Repair water leaks promptly.
- Clean and ventilate vents regularly.
- Never block air vents.
