🫖 How to Use Boiled Bay Leaves as a Natural Insect Repellent
What You’ll Need:
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10–15 dried bay leaves
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1 liter of water
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A pot
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Optional: Cinnamon sticks or cloves for added strength
Instructions:
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Boil the Leaves: Add the bay leaves to a pot of water and bring it to a rolling boil. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
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Allow the Scent to Spread: Keep the pot uncovered so the vapors can fill the room. For best results, do this in areas where bugs are most active.
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Optional Step — Spray: Let the mixture cool, strain it, and pour it into a spray bottle. Use it around windowsills, doorways, trash bins, under sinks, or any known entry points for pests.
💡 Other Ways to Use Bay Leaves for Pest Control
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Place whole leaves in corners of cupboards, under the sink, or near garbage bins.
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Crush a few leaves and mix them with baking soda to deodorize and deter bugs at the same time.
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Mix bay leaf oil with water and spray it around your home for a longer-lasting scent.
✅ Why This Works
Bay leaves don’t kill pests; instead, they repel them with their strong smell. This is a great preventative method — especially if you’re trying to reduce chemical exposure or you have children, pets, or allergies.
Plus, bay leaves are:
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Inexpensive and widely available
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Non-toxic to humans and pets
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Multipurpose — useful in cooking and cleaning
🚫 What Not to Expect
While bay leaves are highly effective for mild infestations or prevention, they won’t eliminate a major bug problem overnight. If you're facing a full-blown infestation, it’s best to use bay leaves as part of a broader strategy — including cleanliness, sealing cracks, and using professional-grade solutions if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Pests don’t belong in your home, and getting rid of them doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals or expensive products. By boiling bay leaves, you tap into a time-tested, natural remedy that’s safe, simple, and surprisingly effective.
So next time you spot a mosquito buzzing or a cockroach scurrying, reach for a handful of bay leaves and let nature fight back — one aromatic leaf at a time. 🌿💧
