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It’s a shame that this old trick has almost been forgotten today! The presence of insects in the house will please none of us. From mosquito bites, through unpleasant buzzing around the ears to uncomfortable 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!
Light sage leaves – works indoors and outdoors
Few people know that sage leaves are effective against mosquitoes and flies. So if it has grown in your garden, you’re in luck — this is a perfect tip for how to use it. Just put a few leaves in a non-flammable container and light them. Smoke will be released that repels mosquitoes and flies. It also works when you’re grilling and want to keep mosquitoes away. Just throw a few sage leaves onto the hot coals.
By the way, burning sage was very well known to our grandmothers — besides being attributed magical properties, it was actually a very practical method to get rid of flying pests. However, remember 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 smudging. This method was once used as aromatherapy as well.
This is perfect for flies!
Common tansy is excellent against large flies, blowflies and small gnats — you have certainly seen it; it’s a weed that grows in ditches, meadows and gardens. I have tested that about 2–3 small bunches are enough for one room. Tansy has a peculiar smell; if you find it unpleasant, place the bunch only on the windowsill, or outside on the window. Flies hate the scent of tansy and will go as far away from it as possible. I also use tansy dried — I put it in a cloth bag and hang it in the window. I hope this helps.
Homemade insect traps
Unlike those sold 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 about 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 sleep without bites and buzzing. The vinegar aroma attracts insects at night, but they won’t get out of the trap. The insects touch the surface and drown.
Alternatively, you can pour a mixture of vinegar, lemon and lavender into several small bowls. Place the bowls around the apartment and the mosquitoes won’t stand a chance.
100% natural spray
It’s a simple, ecological and cheap solution that will get rid of these unwanted visitors once and for all.
You will need:
- ½ glass of vinegar
- ½ cup of olive oil
- ½ cup of shampoo
How to?
Pour all three ingredients into a spray bottle and shake. Simply spray the mixture around the apartment.
Repellent based on lavender essential oil
Drop a few drops of lavender essential oil onto a sponge and place it where flies enter your apartment. When the oil stops smelling, add more drops.
Natural repellent with lemon and cloves
This grandmother’s tip consists of a halved lemon and cloves (at least 15 cloves in each lemon half). The mixture of these two scents is a natural repellent against mosquitoes and flies. After a few days the lemon flesh will discolor and turn brown. The lemon should be changed every week.
More tips against flies, mosquitoes and other insects
Plants that repel 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. Good examples are mint, lemongrass, basil or bay laurel (bay leaf).
They fear shiny objects
Flies avoid glittering things that reflect light. For example, an old CD hung on a string from the ceiling or another place where you want to keep flies away will help.
A bit of alcohol and lavender
Mix 150 ml of water with a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers (you can also use aromatic cloves). Let steep for 2–3 hours and then spray around the area.
Vanilla and mint
Press cotton into the bottom of a shallow small jam jar and drop a little vanilla extract onto the cotton. Then place fresh mint leaves on top. Cover the container with a cloth and secure with a rubber band. Place the container in the room and, besides being a strong fly repellent, you’ll also get an excellent air freshener.
Geraniums
Few people realize that geraniums also have a repellent effect. In windows and on the terrace they act as a barrier against flies.
More tricks
Flies and other pesky insects strongly dislike the strong aromas of spices — especially garlic, ginger and hot spices. Mix garlic powder with ginger powder and hot paprika. Sprinkle this mixture outside around the windows. Flies won’t easily get past this barrier.
Don’t forget prevention
Cover and regularly empty bins. Put vegetable and fruit bowls in the refrigerator or cover them. 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 entryways through which flies get into your apartment.
