Whether it is winter or summer, there are always unwanted visits that insist on appearing. Mosquitoes, ants, flies and even cheaps become easily an inconvenience indoors. Some come up with the heat, others seek shelter on cold days. At any time of the year, insects find ways to infiltrate, often by cracks in windows, doors or through food outdoors.
Chemicals: Do they make up for?
For many, the immediate solution is to resort to sprays, electric diffusers or chemical traps. However, these methods, besides being expensive, raise health concerns, especially in homes with children or pets. Prolonged exposure to certain compounds can have adverse effects and affect air quality indoors.
The Natural Alternative: Bay Leaves
The good news is that it is not necessary to resort to potentially dangerous substances to keep flies and other insects. Nature offers surprisingly effective solutions, and one of them is probably in your kitchen.
The bay leaf, widely used in Portuguese cuisine, is much more than a simple seasoning. It also has repellent properties that make it a discreet but powerful ally, in combating unwanted invaders, such as flies.
The secret is in the aroma
The secret of bay efficacy is in its essential oils, such as Cineol and Eugenol. These compounds release an intense and persistent aroma, which acts as an olfactory shield. For humans, the smell is even pleasant. But for many insects, such as ants and flies, it is a true barrier. These animals, which are mainly oriented by smell, eventually avoid the spaces where the bay leaf is present.
How to use bay leaf to ward off insects
Using bay leaves at home is simple and economical. Just put them in strategic places: behind the doors, near the windows, in the corners of the pantry or inside the kitchen drawers.
If it comes to circulate, try drawing a line with leaves along the course they usually follow. For cockroaches, it is advisable to place them inside the cabinets, near the corners and in low light.
Another option is to slightly crush the dried leaves to free more aroma, or boil some leaves in water and use this liquid, after cooled, to spray corners and difficult zones.
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More than repellent: other benefits of the bay
In addition to the practical function as a repellent, the blonde also contributes to the naturally perfuming the house, avoiding the use of artificial environmental environment. In some cultures, it is associated with good energies, prosperity and protection, even being placed behind the door as a symbol of luck and balance.
An environment -friendly solution
At the environmental level, opting for natural methods has clear advantages. The use of plastic packaging, the consumption of chemicals and the impact they can have on air quality is reduced.
According to, the number of people in Portugal who chooses more environmentally friendly and conscious solutions in everyday life has been increasing.
Complementary, not substitute
It is important to note that while bay leaf is effective in removing certain insects, it does not replace basic hygiene and prevention measures. Keep the house clean, avoid accumulating food scraps and plugging well foods remains essential to avoid infestations.
Try it for yourself
If you have bay leaves at home, try this technique and observe the results. It is a simple, economic and environmentally friendly solution, suitable for those who want to keep the house free of insects without resorting to aggressive products.
Rediscover the secrets of tradition
Basically, it is about rediscovering the ‘powers’ of nature with small gestures that can make a big difference in home comfort. After all, protecting your home does not need to be complicated or toxic, just know the right allies.
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