Keep summer pests away with cinnamon and vanilla spray
Summer is that time when we eagerly open windows to enjoy the fresh air. Unfortunately, with the pleasant breeze, unwanted guests—flies and mosquitoes—often find their way into our homes. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective way to keep them at bay using natural ingredients readily available in every kitchen.
2:07 PM EDT, August 26, 2024
Flies can be very troublesome, especially towards the end of summer. They are attracted by various factors, such as the warmth in our homes and the smell of food, delightful dishes and ripe fruits. Once they get inside, they can live for up to two months, making them a long-term problem. So, how can you get rid of them?
Why do flies and mosquitoes love our homes so much?
Warmth, humidity, and food access—these factors attract insects to our homes. Flies particularly like our kitchens, where they find food scraps and sweet drinks. Meanwhile, mosquitoes love humid places and human blood.
Cinnamon and vanilla – natural weapons against insects
It turns out that many insects, including flies and mosquitoes, dislike the intense scents of certain plants. Essential oils are particularly effective, repelling them with their aroma. One such oil is vanilla oil, which has a pleasant, sweet aroma but is extremely irritating to insects. Similarly, cinnamon's intense scent effectively repels both flies and mosquitoes.
Homemade fly and mosquito spray – recipe
Creating a natural repellent for flies and mosquitoes is extremely easy. All you need is cinnamon and vanilla oil.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla oil
- a spray bottle
Preparation:
- Combine the ingredients: Pour water into a cup, add cinnamon and vanilla oil. Mix thoroughly.
- Strain: Strain the mixture through cheesecloth to remove any lumps.
- Transfer to the spray bottle: Pour the liquid into the spray bottle.
How to use:
Spray the outsides of the window frames regularly. You can spray windowsills, balcony doors, and areas where insects frequently appear.
Why does this method work?
- Natural ingredients: Cinnamon and vanilla are natural repellents safe for humans and pets.
- Long-lasting action: The scent of cinnamon and vanilla stays on surfaces for a long time, effectively repelling insects.
- Easy application: The mixture is easy to prepare and convenient to use.
Additional tips
- Regularity: To ensure effective protection against insects, it's worth repeating the treatment regularly, especially after rain.
- Combination with other methods: You can combine the homemade spray with other insect-repelling methods, such as mosquito nets or insect-repelling plants (e.g., mint, basil).
- Safety: Remember to store the mixture in a place inaccessible to children.
A homemade spray based on cinnamon and vanilla is a simple and effective way to eliminate unwanted guests from our homes. This lets you enjoy peace and fresh air without worrying about mosquito bites or bothersome flies.
