Natural Insect-Repelling Mixture for the Kitchen
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 10–15 drops of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil (you can also use peppermint or citronella)
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap (preferably unscented)
- Optional: A few whole cloves or a sprig of rosemary (for extra power)
- A small bowl or jar
Instructions:
- Combine the ingredients
In a bowl or jar, mix together the vinegar, water, and essential oil. - Add dish soap
Stir in the dish soap. This breaks the surface tension of the liquid, which can trap small flying insects that land on it. - Add extras (optional)
Drop in a few whole cloves or a small sprig of rosemary to boost the scent and effectiveness. - Place in your kitchen
Set the bowl near windows, fruit baskets, or sinks—anywhere flies or mosquitoes tend to gather.
Why It Works:
- Vinegar attracts fruit flies and some mosquitoes but masks scents they use to find food.
- Essential oils like eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint are natural insect repellents.
- Dish soap traps and drowns small insects that come into contact with the liquid.
- Cloves and rosemary repel flies and add a pleasant aroma to the mix.
Extra Tips:
- Replace the mixture every 3–5 days or when it starts to lose its scent.
- Use multiple bowls in larger areas for better coverage.
- If you want a spray version, skip the soap and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Use it on counters, window sills, and near doorways.
