Saying goodbye to flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches may seem like a challenge, but there are natural and effective solutions to keep these annoying insects away without resorting to chemicals.

Why opt for natural solutions?

Commercial insect repellents are often effective, but they contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health, that of pets and the environment. Therefore, Homemade methods are a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to control pests.

Ingredients needed

To make these natural solutions, you will need a few simple ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of yeast
• 1 cup of water
• 15 bay leaves
• 10 cloves
• 1 2-liter plastic bottle
• 1/2 cup of regular shampoo
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

Step 1: Mosquito Trap

Not only are mosquitoes irritating, they can also transmit diseases. Fortunately, with a simple homemade trap, you can reduce their numbers.

Instructions:

• Dissolve 5 tablespoons of sugar in a cup of warm water.
• Add 1 tablespoon of yeast and mix well.
• Take a 2-liter plastic bottle and cut it in half, at the neck.
• Pour the mixture into the bottom of the bottle.
• Place the top of the bottle upside down in the bottom, creating a funnel.
• Place the trap in areas where you have noticed mosquitoes, such as near windows or on the balcony.
• This trap is effective because mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide released by the reaction between the sugar and the yeast. Once they enter the bottle, they will no longer be able to escape.

Step 2: Cockroach and fly repellent

Cockroaches and flies are often attracted to food scraps and damp areas. To keep them away, here is a natural repellent that works very well.

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, boil 15 bay leaves and 10 cloves in a cup of water.
• Let the mixture boil for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat to cool.
• Once cool, transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
• Spray this repellent in areas where you have seen roaches or flies, such as the kitchen, pantry, or bathroom.
• Bay leaves and cloves give off odors that these insects do not like. This deters them from staying in the treated areas.

Step 3: Multi-insect repellent spray

For a more versatile repellent that works against mosquitoes as well as roaches and flies, you can create a spray using shampoo, vegetable oil, and white vinegar.

Directions:

• Mix 1/2 cup shampoo, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup white vinegar in a bowl or container.
• Stir well to combine all ingredients.
• Transfer the solution to a clean spray bottle.
• Spray this spray in areas where insects are common, such as near doors, windows, and in corners of the kitchen.
• This spray is effective because the shampoo helps the mixture adhere to surfaces, the vegetable oil creates a barrier that insects don’t like to cross, and the vinegar acts as a natural repellent.

Additional tips for avoiding insects

While these methods are effective at repelling insects, it’s also essential to take preventative measures to prevent them from returning.

• Keep spaces clean: Make sure your home, especially the kitchen, is clean and free of food debris.
• Avoid standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so remove any buildup of water