First off — thank you so much for being here! It warms my heart to share simple, natural solutions that make our homes healthier and more comfortable. If you’ve ever been driven mad by buzzing mosquitoes, sneaky roaches, or flies that just won’t quit, I’ve got you covered today with easy DIY repellents you can whip up from everyday pantry items.
Want more clever, budget-friendly home hacks like this? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a tip!
Why You’ll Love These Natural Pest Remedies
This is one of my favorite home tricks — safe for kids and pets, easy on your wallet, and surprisingly effective! Here’s why you’ll love this:
- Chemical-free: Skip the harsh sprays and mystery chemicals.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have them already!
- Multi-purpose: Tackle flies, mosquitoes, AND cockroaches in one go.
- Budget-friendly: No expensive traps or exterminators.
What’s the Secret?
We’re harnessing the power of bay leaves, cloves, and a few household staples. When boiled or mixed properly, they naturally repel insects thanks to their strong aromas and oils.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 5 tablespoons |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1 cup (for trap) |
| Bay leaves | 15 leaves |
| Cloves (whole) | 10 pieces |
| Plastic bottle | 1 (2-liter) |
| Regular shampoo | ½ cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| White vinegar | ½ cup |
Tools You’ll Need
- Saucepan
- Funnel & scissors (for bottle trap)
- Mixing bowl
- Spray bottles
- Stirring spoon
How to Make Three Effective Natural Repellents
🦟 1️⃣ Mosquito Trap
- Dissolve 5 tbsp sugar in 1 cup of hot water.
- Stir in 1 tbsp baking powder.
- Cut the top off a 2-liter plastic bottle.
- Pour the mixture inside the bottom half.
- Invert the cut top into the bottle to create a funnel.
- Place the trap near windows, doors, or outdoor seating areas.
🪳 2️⃣ Cockroach & Fly Repellent
- Boil 15 bay leaves and 10 whole cloves in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool, then strain it.
- Pour into a clean spray bottle.
- Mist common hotspots — under sinks, behind stoves, pantry corners, and baseboards.
🦟🪰 3️⃣ Multi-Purpose Repellent Spray
- Mix ½ cup regular shampoo, ½ cup vegetable oil, and ½ cup white vinegar in a bowl.
- Stir well to blend.
- Pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray generously around windows, trash cans, or anywhere bugs gather.
Why These Remedies Work
- Bay leaves & cloves: Strong natural oils confuse insects’ senses and drive them away.
- Sugar & baking powder trap: Attracts mosquitoes, trapping them inside the bottle.
- Shampoo & vinegar spray: Breaks down bug trails and coats surfaces they hate.
Helpful Tips to Keep Bugs Away
✅ Keep countertops clean and dry.
✅ Take out trash regularly.
✅ Fix leaky faucets — bugs love moisture!
✅ Seal food tightly and sweep up crumbs.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store sprays in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Use within 2 weeks for best potency.
- Shake before each use to remix oils and vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this harm my pets?
No harsh chemicals here — but always test sprays on a small area first and keep bottles out of pets’ reach.
How often should I spray?
A quick mist every few days keeps bugs guessing and discourages new visitors.
Does it kill bugs or just repel them?
These are repellents — they help prevent infestations and keep pests away naturally.
Final Thoughts
I hope these DIY natural pest repellents help you reclaim your home from buzzing, creeping visitors! It’s such a satisfying feeling knowing you can tackle bugs with simple, safe ingredients.
If you enjoyed this, you’ll love my other easy home tricks — like my Homemade All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner or my Natural Pantry Deodorizers.
👉 Tried it? Pin it! Share your tips in the comments or snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest — I’d love to see how you keep your home fresh and bug-free!
Natural Pest Repellent Spray (Approx. per use)
No calories to count here — just a cleaner, safer home!
Thanks for reading — here’s to a buzz-free summer! 🌿✨