Saying goodbye to flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches may seem like a challenge, but there are natural and effective solutions to keep these annoying insects away without resorting to chemicals. Buzzing flies, mosquito bites, and the occasional cockroach invasion are sources of frustration for many of us, especially in the summer. However, with simple methods and common ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create repellents and traps that will make these pests disappear.

Why opt for natural solutions?

Commercial insect control products are often effective, but they contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health, pet health and the environment. Opting for natural repellents is not only safer, but it can also be less expensive. Home-made methods make it possible to control pests in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Ingredients needed

To make these natural solutions, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1 cup water
• 15 bay leaves
• 10 cloves
• 1 x 2 liter plastic bottle
• 1/2 cup regular shampoo
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

These readily available ingredients are effective at repelling or trapping insects. They act by disrupting the pests’ environment or luring them into traps from which they can no longer escape.

Step 1: Mosquito Trap

Mosquitoes are not only irritant, but they can also transmit diseases. Luckily, with a simple trap made at home, you can reduce their number.

Instructions:

1. Dissolve 5 tablespoons of sugar in a cup of hot water.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of yeast and mix well.
3. Take a 2-litre plastic bottle and cut it in half, at the neck.
4. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the bottle.
5. Place the top of the bottle upside down in the bottom part, so as to create a funnel.
6. Place the trap in areas where you have noticed mosquitoes, such as near windows or on the balcony.

This trap is effective because mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide released by the reaction between sugar and yeast. Once they enter the bottle, they will not be able to escape.

Step 2: Cockroach and fly repellent

Cockroaches and flies are often attracted to food scraps and wet areas. To keep them away, here is a natural repellent that works very well.

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, boil 15 bay leaves and 10 cloves in a cup of water.
2. Let the mixture boil for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat to cool.
3. Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
4. Spray this repellent in areas where you have seen cockroaches or flies, such as in the kitchen, pantry, or bathroom.

Bay leaves and cloves give off smells that these insects don’t like. This deters them from staying in the treated areas.

Step 3: Multi-insect repellent spray

For a more versatile repellent, which works just as well against mosquitoes as it does against cockroaches and flies, you can create a spray based on shampoo, vegetable oil and white vinegar.

Instructions:

1. Mix 1/2 cup shampoo, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup white vinegar in a bowl or container.
2. Stir well so that all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Transfer the solution to a clean spray bottle.
4. Spray this spray in areas where insects are common, such as near doors, windows, and in the corners of the kitchen.

This spray is effective because the shampoo helps to make the mixture adhere to surfaces, the vegetable oil creates a barrier that insects don’t like to walk through, and the vinegar acts as a natural repellent.

Additional tips to avoid insects

While these methods are effective in repelling insects, it is also essential to take preventative measures to prevent them from returning.

1. Keep spaces clean: Make sure your home, and especially the kitchen, is clean and free of food debris. Flies and cockroaches are attracted to food and standing water, so clean surfaces quickly and don’t leave food out in the open.
2. Avoid standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so remove any water buildup in saucers from plant pots, gutters, or other containers outside the home.
3. Close openings: Check windows and doors to make sure there are no cracks or gaps for insects to enter. Use mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes out, especially during the summer months.