As the sun finally starts making a proper appearance and we all fling our windows open, there’s one unwelcome side effect — the return of flies and mosquitoes buzzing about the house. But instead of shelling out for sprays full of chemicals or pricey repellents, there’s a super simple and cheap trick doing the rounds online, and it turns out you probably already have everything you need sitting in your fruit bowl.
According to The Homespun Hydrangea, a popular DIY and home tips blog, fresh lemons combined with whole cloves can work wonders as a natural insect repellent. It’s the kind of old-school remedy that makes you wonder why we’ve been bothering with expensive bug sprays all this time, reported the Express.
Apparently, flies and mosquitoes can’t stand the smell of citrus and cloves — which makes sense when you think about how strong those scents are. Clove oil is already a go-to ingredient in natural bug sprays, and citrus is a common element in commercial repellents too. But instead of buying essential oils that can cost a tenner a bottle, this little trick uses the raw ingredients straight from your kitchen for pennies.
Lemons can be picked up for about 30p each, and a small packet of whole cloves won’t set you back much more — and they’ll last for ages. Making your own repellent couldn’t be easier. Just slice a lemon into thick chunks or cut it in half, and then stud the juicy part with whole cloves. The more you poke in, the stronger the smell, which means more staying power against those pesky insects.
Pop the clove-filled lemon slices wherever you usually see flies loitering — kitchen counters, windowsills, near fruit bowls, or even in the hallway. If you’re planning a barbecue or garden gathering, dot a few of these around your outdoor seating area to help keep the bugs at bay. It’s natural, smells lovely, and doesn’t involve dousing the air in chemicals.
One thing to bear in mind is freshness. These homemade repellents last around three or four days before the lemons start to dry out and lose their punch. When that happens, just swap them for fresh slices. Some people even squeeze a bit of lemon juice along window frames or door edges for an extra layer of defence.
With the cost of living still biting and people looking for safer, chemical-free alternatives at home, this clever little trick feels like a no-brainer.
