Hi everyone!
I’ve been dealing with a sudden influx of pests in my home lately, and I noticed they seem drawn to specific smells. For example, fruit flies swarm my kitchen when I leave bananas out, and ants march toward spilled soda. This made me curious: what pests are attracted to certain smells, and can we use this knowledge to repel them naturally?
Great topic! Fruit flies are definitely attracted to vinegar and overripe fruit. I’ve used apple cider vinegar traps (mix with dish soap) to catch them. Works like a charm!
@EcoWarrior22 Yes! I’ve tried this too. Adding a drop of peppermint oil to the mix also repels spiders. Double win!
Roaches love the smell of beer and grease. Found this out the hard way after a BBQ party. Now I clean my grill ASAP and keep trash sealed.
Same here! Also, bay leaves in cabinets keep roaches away. They hate the smell!
Ants are obsessed with sugar! I spilled honey once and had a trail within hours. Now I wipe surfaces with lemon juice, they hate citrus!
Mosquitoes are drawn to body odor and sweat. I use citronella candles outdoors and lavender oil on my skin. Keeps them away naturally!
Mice adore peanut butter (classic bait), but peppermint oil soaked in cotton balls drives them nuts. Stuff it into cracks to block entry!
Basil and garlic repel flies! Plant them near doors or use essential oils. Works better than chemical sprays, IMO.
Ever notice moths flock to wool? Cedar blocks in closets keep them away. The scent messes with their navigation!
Stink bugs hate mint! I spray diluted peppermint oil around windows. No more invaders!
Used coffee grounds deter slugs and snails! Scatter them in the garden. Plus, it’s a great soil booster.
PSA: Avoid using cinnamon or eucalyptus oils if you have cats! Some scents are toxic to pets. Always research before trying natural remedies.