Homemade Insect Repellent That Actually Works

Say goodbye to mosquitoes, gnats, and other annoying insects using simple household ingredients! This natural DIY insecticide is easy to make, safe for your home, and surprisingly effective.

Whether you’re tired of pesky mosquitoes interrupting your sleep or want a chemical-free way to keep bugs away, this step-by-step guide will show you how to prepare a powerful homemade insect spray.

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🧴 What You’ll Need:

Here are the ingredients for this all-natural, budget-friendly insecticide:

• ✅ 200 ml of water
• ✅ 20 whole cloves (clove buds)
• ✅ 1 small packet of mothballs (about 30 g)
• ✅ 100 ml of mild dish soap (neutral detergent)
• ✅ 100 ml of 46% rubbing alcohol
• ✅ 200 ml of white vinegar

These ingredients are common, inexpensive, and work together to repel and kill flying insects like mosquitoes, midges, flies, and gnats.

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👩‍🔬 Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Make a Clove Extract

• In a small saucepan, bring the 200 ml of water to a boil.
• Add the 20 cloves and boil for about 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat, cover the pan, and let the mixture steep for 5 minutes to intensify the aroma and benefits.

2. Dissolve the Mothballs

• Pour the warm clove infusion into a bowl.
• Add the mothballs and stir until they are fully dissolved.
• Tip: Crush the mothballs slightly beforehand to speed up the process.

3. Mix Everything Together

• Transfer the mixture into a clean, empty PET bottle or any container with a lid.
• Add the vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap.
• Shake the bottle thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

4. Apply Where Needed

• Pour the final solution into a spray bottle.
• Spray generously in areas where insects gather:
  • Around doors and windows
  • Near trash cans
  • In dark corners
  • On curtains, screens, and porch areas

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✅ Why It Works:

• Clove is a natural insect repellent with strong antibacterial properties.
• Mothballs release a vapor that drives away insects (use with caution in well-ventilated areas).
• Alcohol and vinegar help disinfect surfaces and enhance the effectiveness.
• Dish soap breaks down insect shells and adds staying power to the spray.

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⚠️ Safety Tips:

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid spraying on food, cooking surfaces, or directly on the skin.
• Always ventilate the room after spraying, especially if using mothballs.
• Do a patch test before applying to fabrics or surfaces to avoid discoloration.

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🌿 Final Thoughts:

This homemade insect spray is affordable, powerful, and eco-friendly. With ingredients already in your kitchen or bathroom, you can create a solution that helps protect your home naturally—without harsh commercial chemicals.