If you’re looking for a natural remedy to help repel flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, there are certain herbal leaves you can boil to create a simple, homemade insect repellent. Here’s a guide to a traditional method using common aromatic leaves:
🌿 Natural Insect Repellent Using Boiled Leaves
✅ Repels:
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Flies
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Mosquitoes
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Cockroaches
🧾 Ingredients (Choose 2–3 of these):
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Bay leaves – strong aroma repels cockroaches and flies
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Neem leaves – powerful natural mosquito and insect repellent
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Eucalyptus leaves – repels mosquitoes and disinfects air
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Lemongrass – contains citronella, which drives away mosquitoes
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Mint leaves – deters ants, mosquitoes, and flies
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Basil (especially Thai or Holy Basil) – mosquitoes dislike the strong scent
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Lavender (optional) – repels insects and adds a calming scent
🫖 Instructions:
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Boil the Leaves:
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Add 2–3 handfuls of fresh or dried leaves (or a mix) to a large pot of water (around 6–8 cups).
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Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–30 minutes to release the oils.
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Strain the Liquid:
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Let cool slightly. Strain out the leaves and pour the liquid into a spray bottle for use around the house.
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Use as a Natural Spray or Steamer:
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Spray around doorways, windows, baseboards, and kitchen areas.
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You can also leave the pot uncovered and steaming in a room to naturally fill the air with insect-repelling scent.
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Optional Boost:
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Add a few drops of essential oils like citronella, tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender to the cooled liquid for extra strength.
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🧼 Bonus Tip:
Wipe down counters, sinks, and entryways with the cooled liquid to keep bugs away and leave a fresh scent.
⚠️ Safety Notes:
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Always test spray on a small surface before applying widely (some essential oils may stain).
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Don’t ingest the liquid or spray directly on pets.