If you want a simple, natural way to keep insects away — without sprays, chemicals, or strong odors — cloves and bay leaves are one of the easiest solutions you can use at home. These two ingredients have been used for generations to repel pests, and they work surprisingly well when combined.
Here’s how this gentle, safe method helps clear your home of unwanted insects:
Why Cloves Work
Cloves have a strong, warm scent that most insects hate.
Flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches avoid it completely because the aroma disrupts their senses and makes it impossible for them to stay in the same area.
Why Bay Leaves Help
Bay leaves contain natural compounds that insects find toxic — but humans barely notice.
They’re especially effective at keeping cockroaches and flies away from kitchens, pantries, and closed spaces.
The 1-Hour Method
You don’t have to cook anything or use smoke.
Just do this:
- Take a small heat-safe bowl or plate.
- Add 2–3 bay leaves.
- Add 1 tablespoon of whole cloves.
- Warm the mixture gently:
- You can place it near a warm window,
- or put it on top of a radiator,
- or use a tea light diffuser (no flames directly on the leaves).
- Leave it in the room for 1 hour.
As the warmth releases the natural oils, the scent spreads quickly — and insects leave the area within minutes.
Where to Place It
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Near doors
- Near windows
- Under the sink
- Pantry shelves
It’s safe, clean, and doesn’t leave residue.
Extra Tip
For long-lasting protection, place small sachets of bay leaves and cloves in drawers, cupboards, and corners. Replace them every 3–4 weeks.
This simple mix works far better than most people expect — and once you try it, you’ll likely make it part of your regular home routine.
