Even the world’s most fervent animal lover would rather flies and mosquitoes stay far away from their home. These pests can bite, spread diseases, and contaminate food just by landing on it. But keeping flies away is easier said than done, and many popular methods use potent chemicals. Thankfully, there’s a simple, natural solution for…
The Recipe? Lemons and Cloves
For this trick, all you’ll need is a fresh lemon (a lime will also do) and some whole cloves. It may surprise you to learn that flies, mosquitoes, and similar pests are repelled by the potent natural oils in citrus fruit, and are also turned off by the smell of cloves. This combination makes citrus and cloves the perfect one-two punch for keeping flies at bay.
Slice the lemon crosswise into two even halves. Next, press the whole cloves into the exposed flesh of the fruit so that the stems are submerged and the buds stick out of the top. You’ll want a decent amount of cloves (at least 10, maybe even 20) sticking out of the lemon so that the odor is potent enough to repel flies. Once that’s done, place both halves into a bowl with the flesh side facing up. Then, position the bowl wherever flies are a problem, and they should start dissipating in no time.
This trick works inside your kitchen, near the front door, atop an outdoor dining table, or in any other location around the house where you’re likely to encounter flies and other pests. It’s really that simple — the flies will be repelled by the oils and odors emanating from this natural repellent. The lemon-clove combination should last for a few days, but once the fruit begins to dry up, you should replace it with a new batch for optimal efficacy.
More from our network
House Outlook is part of Optimism, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
Bonus Tip
Did you know that flies and mosquitoes are also repelled by some plants and herbs? Basil, mint, lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass are a few of the plants known to ward off flies. So plant a little herb garden outside or on your kitchen windowsill — this will not only help keep flies away, but also supply you with delicious fresh herbs for every meal.
