- Prepare the Citrus Fruit:
- Take a lemon or orange and cut it in half.
- These citrus fruits are naturally repellent to many insects, especially flies.
- Insert Cloves:
- Stick whole cloves into the cut sides of the lemon or orange. Cloves have a strong smell that repels insects, including mosquitoes and flies.
- You can place 10–15 cloves into each half of the fruit.
- Place in the Kitchen:
- Set the clove-studded citrus halves in small bowls or on plates and place them around your kitchen—near windows, on countertops, or anywhere insects tend to gather.
- You can also add fresh basil leaves to the bowls, as the scent of basil is another effective insect repellent.
Why This Works:
- Cloves emit a scent that mosquitoes, flies, and other insects find repulsive. They are particularly effective when combined with citrus, which naturally deters pests.
- Citrus fruits, like lemon and orange, give off a fresh, strong aroma that bugs dislike, helping to keep them at bay.
- Basil is another natural deterrent, making the air unappealing to insects while adding a pleasant fragrance to your kitchen.
Additional Tips:
- Replace the citrus and cloves every few days to keep the aroma strong and effective.
- You can also use this mixture in other areas of the home, like near doors or windows, to prevent bugs from entering.
- If you’re going to be outside, you can make a portable version by wrapping the clove-studded citrus in a mesh bag and placing it near your seating area.
This simple, natural remedy is effective, non-toxic, and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh while driving away unwanted insects. Give it a try, and enjoy a pest-free kitchen!