This remedy not only perfumes your home but also ensures mosquitoes stay away for good. Developed by combining lemon and cloves, this home remedy not only fills every room with a pleasant fragrance but also permanently removes mosquitoes from your living area. By following these simple steps, you can repel mosquitoes and fill your rooms with a delightful scent:
Ingredients:
- 1 large lemon
- 1 small lemon
- Carnation flowers (or clove buds, also called “cloves”)
- Bamboo sticks
- 2 white candles
Procedure:
- Cut the large lemon into halves and insert cloves into the pulp, covering the entire surface. The strong scent of clove combines beautifully with citrus to create a natural insect-repelling aroma.
- Place the clove-filled lemon halves on a flat surface and cut a piece from each candle to fit into the middle of the lemon halves. This allows the citrus and spice scent to be released slowly with the warmth of the candle.
- Surround the lemon halves with bamboo sticks, placing four sticks around each piece. This gives a natural lantern-like appearance and supports air circulation.
- Cut the small lemon into halves and use them as caps to cover the clove-filled lemon halves, creating a contained chamber for aroma dispersion.
- Light the candles and enjoy the pleasant fragrance filling your home while effectively repelling mosquitoes.
These natural lanterns, formed by heating lemon pulp and cloves, not only perfume your home but also repel mosquitoes, enhancing the comfort of your living space by keeping insects at bay.
Why This Remedy Works
The power of this simple but effective remedy lies in the natural repellent properties of its two key ingredients: lemon and cloves. Both of these have strong aromatic oils that are proven to deter mosquitoes and other household pests.
Lemon
Lemons are rich in citral and limonene, two compounds that emit a sharp, refreshing citrus aroma that many insects find intolerable. Citrus oil has been used in pest control products for years because of its natural ability to mask the human scents (like carbon dioxide and sweat) that attract mosquitoes.
Cloves
Cloves contain eugenol, a compound known for its antiseptic and insect-repelling properties. Mosquitoes are particularly sensitive to the spicy, woody scent of cloves. Eugenol disrupts their scent receptors, confusing them and pushing them away from areas where the smell is present.
Aromatherapy and Ambience
In addition to keeping your home mosquito-free, this remedy doubles as a natural air freshener and mood booster. The combination of citrus and spice creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s like walking into a cozy boutique hotel or a Mediterranean kitchen garden.
Lighting the candles not only activates the aroma but also adds a gentle ambient glow to your space. This makes it perfect for summer evenings, dinner parties, or simply creating a tranquil living room setting after a long day.
How Long Does It Last?
The natural oils in lemons and cloves will begin to degrade after a few days, especially if exposed to open air and light. To extend the life of your natural mosquito repellent:
- Replace the lemons every 3 to 5 days
- Store extra clove buds in a sealed container to keep them fresh
- Refresh the candle stubs as needed
Other Variations and Enhancements
If you want to customize or expand the remedy, here are a few options:
1. Add Essential Oils
You can enhance the mosquito-repelling effect by adding a few drops of essential oils to the lemon halves or even directly onto the bamboo sticks:
- Lavender oil: Calming and insect-repelling
- Tea tree oil: Antimicrobial and effective against pests
- Citronella oil: Classic mosquito repellent
- Peppermint oil: Sharp and refreshing scent, unpleasant to bugs
2. Use Oranges or Limes
If you don’t have lemons, oranges or limes work as substitutes. Oranges are slightly sweeter in scent, while limes offer a more intense citrus kick.
3. Decorative Additions
For aesthetic purposes, place your citrus-clove lanterns in shallow bowls filled with pebbles, dried flowers, or colored sand. This makes the setup decorative as well as functional.
More Natural Mosquito Repellents You Can Use
In addition to this lemon-clove remedy, there are several other natural solutions to keep mosquitoes away without relying on chemical sprays or harmful pesticides.
1. Basil Plants
Mosquitoes dislike the smell of basil, especially Thai or lemon basil. Planting basil near windows or doorways can act as a living repellent.
2. Coffee Grounds
Sprinkling used coffee grounds in stagnant water or garden soil helps kill mosquito larvae and reduces breeding.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
A diluted spray made of apple cider vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oils can be sprayed on skin or fabric to keep mosquitoes away.
4. Camphor
Burning camphor tablets in a closed room for 15-20 minutes can repel mosquitoes effectively. Just ensure proper ventilation afterward.
Preventing Mosquitoes Beyond Scent
While repellents are effective, it’s just as important to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds to ensure long-term control. Here are some basic lifestyle changes you can adopt:
Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay eggs in still water. Check and empty:
- Plant saucers
- Buckets and containers
- Pet water bowls
- Clogged gutters
- Bird baths (clean weekly)
Install Screens
Ensure windows and doors are fitted with mesh screens to prevent mosquitoes from flying inside. Repair any tears promptly.
Use Mosquito Nets
In areas with a high mosquito presence, sleeping under a net is a proven method of protection, especially for infants or the elderly.
Scientific Studies Supporting Natural Remedies
Recent studies in entomology support the use of natural ingredients for pest control. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Vector Ecology found that eugenol, the active compound in cloves, showed high repellency against Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for dengue and Zika.
Similarly, citrus oils have long been approved by the EPA as minimum-risk pest control options. Their biodegradable nature makes them safe for children, pets, and the environment.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective
This remedy is not only effective and aromatic, but it’s also:
- Affordable: Most ingredients are pantry staples
- Eco-friendly: No aerosols or toxic sprays
- Safe: Suitable for homes with pets or children
- Biodegradable: All components can be composted
Unlike synthetic sprays, this natural solution doesn’t pollute your indoor air or leave harmful residues on surfaces.
When to Use It
This remedy is ideal for:
- Evening gatherings on patios or balconies
- Indoor use during mosquito season (spring and summer)
- Bedrooms as a pre-bedtime calming ritual
- Yoga or meditation spaces for clean, focused air
Final Thoughts
With this remedy, you’re doing more than just fending off mosquitoes—you’re transforming your home into a serene, aromatic haven. The simple act of combining lemon and cloves creates a powerful synergy that not only enhances your space but protects it.
While it may seem like a quaint DIY, the effectiveness of these natural ingredients is supported by centuries of traditional use and modern research. Try it yourself, and experience the soothing scent and mosquito-free peace it brings.