Begin by boiling 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan.
Once boiling, incorporate the cloves and allow them to simmer for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for extracting the essential oils from the cloves, which are known for their natural insect-repelling properties.
In a separate container, blend 1 cup of liquid detergent with 2 cups of alcohol or apple cider vinegar. This mixture serves as the base of your repellent, with the detergent acting as a binding agent for the spray and the alcohol or vinegar as the primary repelling agent.
After the clove infusion has simmered for 10 minutes, remove it from heat and let it cool down. The cooling process is essential to prevent the evaporation of alcohol or the degradation of vinegar's effectiveness in the next step.
Once cooled, merge the clove infusion with the detergent and alcohol/vinegar mixture. Stir the solution gently to minimize foaming, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Transfer the final solution into a spray bottle equipped with a diffuser nozzle for easy application.
Application Tips:
Target areas that insects frequently visit, especially potential entry points to your home, with the spray. The unique combination of ingredients in this repellent will deter pests from crossing treated barriers.
Maintaining cleanliness is key to augmenting the effectiveness of your repellent. Ensure surfaces are devoid of food particles and residues, which attract pests. Regular cleaning also helps eliminate any eggs and larvae, disrupting the life cycle of these unwelcome guests.
This natural pest control solution offers a harmonious balance between efficacy and environmental friendliness, safeguarding your home from pests without compromising on safety.