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**Instructions:**
1. Fill a spray bottle with **1 cup of water**.
2. Add **10–15 drops** of your chosen essential oil(s) to the water.
3. Optionally, add **1 tablespoon of witch hazel** to help the oil mix better with the water.
4. Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
5. Spray this solution around doors, windows, cracks, and areas where flies and cockroaches are likely to enter.
For added effectiveness, use the spray on **countertops** or **garbage cans** where food odors may attract pests. Reapply every couple of days, or as needed, to maintain the scent barrier.
#### **2. Dried Herbs Around the House**
If you prefer a more subtle, ongoing solution, **dried herbs** can be placed in strategic areas around your home to naturally repel flies and cockroaches. This method works particularly well for cockroaches, which tend to avoid areas where the scent of these herbs is strong.
**How to Use:**
– **Bay leaves**: Place bay leaves in your kitchen cabinets, pantry, or under your sink. Cockroaches dislike the scent of bay leaves, and their strong aroma will discourage them from hiding in those areas.
– **Basil leaves**: Place fresh or dried basil near window sills, doorways, and other entry points. Basil can also be kept in small sachets and hung up around the house.
– **Cinnamon**: Sprinkling cinnamon powder in areas where cockroaches hide (such as along baseboards and behind appliances) can deter them from entering those spaces.
#### **3. Natural Insect Repellent Pouches**
Another method is to create **herbal repellent pouches** using small fabric sachets. These can be placed in cupboards, near trash bins, or in closets.
**How to Make:**
1. Fill a small cloth pouch or a piece of cheesecloth with **dried herbs** like **bay leaves**, **basil**, **mint**, and **cinnamon**.
2. Tie the pouch tightly and hang it in areas where flies and cockroaches are commonly found.
3. Replace the contents every few weeks for a continual, natural repellent.
#### **4. DIY Essential Oil Diffuser**
If you enjoy the continuous release of a pleasant fragrance in your home, an **essential oil diffuser** can help to repel flies and cockroaches. This is particularly useful in **living rooms**, **kitchens**, or **bathrooms** where pests tend to congregate.
**Instructions:**
1. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oils to a diffuser.
2. Let the diffuser run throughout the day. The constant diffusion of oils like **peppermint**, **eucalyptus**, or **citronella** will create an unwelcoming environment for flies and cockroaches.
### Additional Tips for Keeping Flies and Cockroaches Away
– **Keep your home clean**: While natural remedies are effective, maintaining a clean home is crucial in keeping pests away. Regularly clean kitchen surfaces, dispose of trash promptly, and eliminate food crumbs.
– **Seal cracks and entry points**: Preventing entry is key to keeping pests out. Seal any cracks in windows, doors, and walls where flies or cockroaches could sneak in.
– **Remove food sources**: Don’t leave food out, especially overnight. Keep food sealed and stored properly.
### Conclusion: A Natural, Effective Solution
If you’re tired of using harsh chemicals to keep flies and cockroaches at bay, this **old trick** of using essential oils and dried herbs offers a safe, natural alternative. Whether you choose to make a DIY spray, hang up dried herbs, or diffuse essential oils, these simple remedies are effective in keeping your home pest-free while also filling it with pleasant, fresh aromas.
So, next time you spot a fly or cockroach in your home, reach for the power of nature and enjoy a cleaner, more inviting space!
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Let me know if you’d like any more tips or modifications for this pest-repelling solution!
