Having insects in your home can cause a lot of trouble. From fly droppings and mosquito bites to bacteria carried by cockroaches, life can quickly become miserable.
It’s important to act quickly to prevent an invasion of these nasty 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 virtually nothing, and are highly effective.
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap
You will need:
- Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
- Glass bowl
- Plastic film
- Toothpick
Pour 2-3 cm of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar into a bowl.
Add a few drops of liquid dish soap and stir until dissolved.
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 drown in the detergent.
Fruit Trap
Place an old peeled fruit in a bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and poke many small holes in the plastic with a toothpick. Fruit flies will be trapped but will not be able to escape.
2. 100% natural spray
This simple, inexpensive, chemical-free solution will help you get rid of unwanted visitors once and for all.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup shampoo
Directions: 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
Apply a few drops of lavender essential oil to a sponge, place it in a place where flies often go, and let it work. Repeat the operation once 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 aromas acts as a natural mosquito and fly repellent. After a few days, the lemon pulp will turn brown. Repeat this operation weekly.
Other insect repellent tips
Plants against insects
Some fragrant plants repel insects. Simply plant them in containers and place them on windowsills and balconies to create a natural barrier.
Against mosquitoes:
- Lemon balm
- Lemon thyme
- Basil small-leaved
- Pyrethrum Dalmatian
Against flies:
- Chervil tuber
- Basil plant
- Pennywort
Against cockroaches:
- Bay leaf (place it in places frequently visited by these pests)
Practical advice
To avoid or limit insect invasion, it is necessary to eliminate the factors that contribute to their development:
- Store foods in airtight glass or plastic containers.
- Clean up the kitchen after eating.
- Remove any food debris and crumbs.
- Keep the trash can closed and empty it regularly.
- Wash dishes after every meal.
- Do not leave water after washing dishes.
- Clean countertops regularly.
- Remove grease deposits from kitchen appliances.
- Fix water leaks immediately.
- Clean and ventilate the ventilation openings regularly.
- Never block the ventilation openings.