The summer sun can sometimes feel overwhelming, yet many people end up enjoying that intense heat.
What truly becomes unbearable, though — something intense, annoying, and impossible for anyone to stand — is the sudden surge of mosquitoes that show up every summer. That’s why getting rid of mosquitoes, or at least keeping them away, becomes an absolute necessity.
Mosquitoes, gnats, and all kinds of flying insects constantly lurk around us. You might not know this, but cloves are incredibly common in most households — and their scent naturally drives these pests away.
This well-known aromatic spice is an excellent insect repellent. Originally from Indonesia, it’s widely used as a cooking ingredient, but cloves also offer therapeutic properties.
Properties of cloves
Beyond being a mosquito repellent, cloves are also known for the many health benefits they provide. Among them are properties that are:
- Aphrodisiac
- Stimulating
- Anesthetic
- Antispasmodic
- Pain-relieving
- Antibacterial
Clove essential oil: a natural mosquito repellent
Having a mosquito-repelling solution on hand is crucial — especially if you’re somewhere mosquitoes tend to bite relentlessly.
Cloves are one of the best natural options, and since most of us already have them in the kitchen, making clove oil as a repellent is both the simplest and most effective choice.
To make clove oil, follow these easy steps:
Ingredients:
A container — ideally a dark glass bottle with a dropper
35 ml of baby oil (or olive oil if baby oil isn’t available)
6 whole cloves (easily found at any herbal store or natural shop)
Preparation:
Heat the oil over low heat — just warm it, do not let it boil.
Add the cloves and let them sit until the oil cools to room temperature.
Pour the mix into the bottle and let it rest for 10–15 days in a dark place.
Strain the contents — and that’s it! Your clove oil mosquito repellent is ready.
Other natural repellents to try
1. Eucalyptus: You’ll need 250 grams of eucalyptus leaves and 1 liter of water.
Boil the leaves in water for around 45 minutes so they release their natural oils and properties. Once turned off — while still warm — pour the mixture over the dampest areas of your home, especially window and door frames. This helps prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.
2. Chamomile: You’ll need 250 grams of chamomile flowers and as much water as needed.
Wash the flowers thoroughly and rub them directly onto your skin. Repeat this every two hours for ongoing protection.
3. Almond oil mix: This recipe is commonly used for babies and children, who tend to attract insects the most. It’s highly effective yet gentle on the skin.
You’ll need: 20 drops of basil essence, 20 drops of geranium essence, and 100 ml of almond oil. Mix all three ingredients and apply to the skin.
4. Lavender: You’ll need any moisturizing skin cream and 100 ml of lavender oil.
Mix them together and apply directly onto your skin. Along with repelling mosquitoes, it leaves your skin feeling cool and refreshed.
Other tips for keeping mosquitoes away
Place fresh mint leaves in your patio, garden, or inside your home. You can also crush them with a little water to release an even stronger scent.
Keep a fresh basil plant indoors — placing it in rooms helps prevent mosquitoes from entering. This aromatic herb works as a natural insect barrier and is even used as a live border in vegetable gardens.
Use a small amount of water in a container and add several chopped garlic cloves. Let them steep, then pour into a spray bottle. Spray it throughout your home, particularly around windows, doors, curtains, and corners. The sulfur compounds in garlic help repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, flies, and even gnats.
