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The presence of insects in the house probably pleases none of us. From mosquito bites, through annoying buzzing around the ears to unpleasant encounters with spiders. All of this can spoil the comfort of home and the feeling of a cozy place where we like to relax. We have a few old tricks for you that are worth knowing even today!
Burn sage leaves – it works indoors and outdoors
Few people know that sage leaves are effective in the fight against mosquitoes and flies. If it has grown in your garden, you are lucky — this is a perfect tip on how to use it. Just put a few leaves into a non-flammable container and light them. Afterwards a smoke will be released released that repels mosquitoes and flies. It also works when you grill and want peace from mosquitoes. Just throw a few sage leaves onto the hot coals. By the way, our grandmothers knew very well about fumigating with sage – besides being attributed magical properties, in reality it was a very practical method to get rid of flying pests. However, do not forget to be extremely careful. Within an hour at most you should have peace even from well-hidden mosquitoes and flies that were looking forward to the night in your bedroom. Dried leaves were mainly used for fumigation. By the way, this method was once also used as aromatherapy.
This is perfect for flies!
For large flies, horseflies, and small gnats, common tansy is excellent – you have surely seen it; it is a weed that grows in ditches and meadows and even in gardens. I have found that about 2-3 sprigs are enough for one room. Tansy has a peculiar scent; if it is unpleasant to you, place the sprig only on the windowsill or on the outside of the window. Flies hate the smell of tansy and will go as far away from it as possible. I also use tansy dried this way: I put it in a cloth bag and hang it in the window. I hope this helps you.
Homemade insect traps
Unlike those offered in stores, these traps are ecological, cost almost nothing and are very effective. Trap made from apple cider vinegar
You will need:
– apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
– Dishwashing liquid.
– A glass bowl.
– A toothpick.
Pour vinegar into the bowl up to 2 to 3 cm from the rim. Then add a few drops of liquid dish soap and stir so it dissolves. Place the bowl in the bedroom and finally you will sleep without bites and buzzing. The vinegar aroma will attract insects at night, but they will not get out of the trap. The insect touches the surface and drowns.
Alternatively, you can pour a mixture of vinegar, lemon and lavender into several small bowls. Place the bowls around the apartment and mosquitoes won’t stand a chance.
100% natural spray
It is a simple, ecological and inexpensive solution that will rid you of these unwanted visitors once and for all.
We need:
– ½ cup vinegar
– ½ cup olive oil
– ½ cup shampoo
How to do it?
Pour the 3 ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Simply spray the mixture around the apartment.
Repellent based on lavender essential oil
Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on a sponge and place it where flies get into your apartment. When the oil stops smelling, add new drops.
Natural repellent with lemon and cloves
This granny’s tip consists of a cut lemon and cloves (at least 15 pieces in each half of the lemon).
The mixture of these two scents is a natural repellent against mosquitoes and flies. After a few days the lemon pulp will be discolored and brown. The lemon should be changed every week.
More tips against flies, mosquitoes and other insects
Plants against insects
Some fragrant plants have a strong repellent effect on insects. Simply place them on windowsills and the balcony to create a natural barrier against insects. Mint, lemongrass, basil, or bay (bay leaf) are excellent examples.
They fear shiny things
Flies avoid shiny objects that reflect light. An old CD hung on a string from the ceiling or another place where you want peace from flies will do the trick.
A bit of alcohol and lavender
Mix 150 ml of water with a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers (or you can use fragrant cloves). Let it steep for 2-3 hours and then spray around.
Vanilla and mint
Press a cotton pad into the bottom of a shallow small jam jar and drip a little vanilla extract onto the cotton. Place fresh mint leaves on top. Cover the jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band. Place the jar in the room and apart from a strong fly repellent you will also gain an excellent air freshener.
Pelargoniums
Few people realize that pelargoniums also have a repellent effect. In windows and on the terrace they act as a barrier for flies.
Other tricks
Flies and other pesky insects are strongly repelled by the strong scents of spices. Above all garlic, ginger and hot spices. Mix garlic powder with ginger powder and hot paprika. Sprinkle this mixture outside around windows. Flies will not pass this barrier so easily.
Don’t forget about prevention
- Cover and regularly empty the trash bins.
- Place vegetable and fruit bowls in the refrigerator, or put them away. Throw away rotten and moldy pieces immediately.
- Keep your home clean.
- Do not leave cooked food uncovered.
- Close doors – they represent one of the biggest entry points through which flies get into your apartment.
- Use window screens.
