Latest news with #naturalrepellent
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Homeowner shares genius hack to keep mosquitoes at bay: 'This fixed our problem'
Homeowner shares genius hack to keep mosquitoes at bay: 'This fixed our problem' A helpful TikTok showed people how to turn Epsom salts into a natural and safe mosquito repellent for summer. The scoop Daddybrownn (@daddybrownn) posted the insightful video. "I hate mosquitoes," he declared in the caption. "This fixed our problem at our house!" Daddybrownn breaks down what you need for this hack: a bag of Epsom salts, a gallon of water, and a spray bottle. Thoroughly mix a cup of Epsom salts with the gallon of water, and then put the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the salty water around your outdoor space. You can spray it on walls, furniture, patio or deck flooring — and even plants in some cases, though it's worth researching what's safe for each individual plant. In an educational explanation, the creator tells his viewers that Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate, which is made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. "Mosquitoes find the smell and taste of magnesium extremely unpleasant," daddybrownn says. The sulfur also acts as a natural barrier that stops mosquitoes. How it's helping This easy hack can turn your outdoor space from a buggy nightmare to a summertime paradise. You won't have to deal with mosquitoes buzzing around your head or leaving itchy bite marks on you. It also makes it more comfortable to eat food outside, so you can host a backyard get-together. The mixture is a much safer and more affordable way to manage bugs. Traditional chemical bug sprays can be toxic to humans in high quantities. Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to these chemicals. They can also harm the wildlife in your outdoor space. They're made to stop bugs but can hurt plants and small animals that wander into your yard. These sprays may also deter pollinators, and every ecosystem needs pollinators to thrive. If they don't visit your yard, you might not have beautiful flowers and plants. There are natural bug sprays, but they're often expensive. Epsom salts are wonderfully cheap, making this a cost-effective way to stop the mosquitoes. You can enjoy your outdoor area without being bitten by mosquitoes or breaking the bank. And as long as you are careful about application, Epsom salts can help local flora and fauna in some situations. How bad are the mosquitoes in your area? What mosquitoes? They're annoying They're pretty bad They're relentless Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. What everyone's saying "I thought Epsom salt kills grass and plants like vinegar?" one commenter wrote, underscoring that such a spray must be used around any plants with proper research to avoid leaf scorch and other issues associated with excessive Epsom salts-based misting. Plenty of other users were grateful for the tip. "Will be trying bc I'm SICK OF MOSQUITOS," one person wrote. And another said, "You are my lifesaver. Thanks so much." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
15-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
The £3.99 plant that keeps pesky wasps at bay in your garden and the DIY spray you can make which they hate
SUMMER is great for barbecuing and being outside, but sadly we're often not alone out there. And although we may see some more beloved insects such as bees and butterflies, we're also likely to run into nuisances like wasps too. 3 3 Gardening expert James Higgins at Grass247 has shared three ways to naturally deter wasps so you can still enjoy your time outdoors without any pesky bugs. He said: 'Due to their sting, wasps can cause a panic when you find them flying around you. However, a wasp will only sting if they feel threatened, so try to stay calm and not swat at them when you find them in your garden. 'Wasps are also pollinators, and so they are important for the ecosystem and should be protected where possible, therefore it's important to opt for natural wasp repellent methods to try and keep them away from your space.' Here are his three top tips… 1. Plant some strong smells Planting strong scented plants is a great method when it comes to getting rid of wasps naturally. Wasps are very sensitive to smells, and so plants like lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus will put them off from coming into your garden. Herbs such as rosemary, sage and mint are also perfect ways to keep wasps out of your garden, as these have strong scents. You can also pop these in pots near your window to deter any wasps from accidentally flying into your home. 2. Create a homemade wasp repellent You can use essential oils to also create your own homemade wasp repellent. Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil. Little known trick to keep wasps away all summer using a 1p coin 3 Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you've seen them frequently. 3. Get rid of any waste Wasps like to eat protein, and they especially love anything sugary, so make sure you get rid of any food waste and keep all outdoor bins closed and as clean as possible. It's also best to keep your outdoor bins as far away from your windows as you can, so that any lingering wasps don't come into your home through an open window. Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
The Sun
01-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Cheap 16p hack helps to repel ants from your garden this summer – but be careful to avoid an easy mistake
A SIMPLE step can help protect your plants from an ant infestation this summer. And you won't have to worry about your flowerbeds because this hack is all-natural and budget-friendly. Adding this affordable item to your garden can help to repel unwanted pests all summer long. The scent of bananas is said to work as a natural repellant for insects such as aphids. According to the experts at The Cool Down, placing banana peels in the soil around your plants can work as a barrier for ants. They recommend simply covering your peels with a thin layer of soil for this hack. Alternatively, you can cut the peel into small pieces and evenly distribute them throughout your garden. And since you can pick up bananas for just 16p a-piece from Sainsbury's, this step won't break your budget. There are important steps to remember when carrying out this unique hack. When burying banana peels, make sure to fully cover them in soil so as not to attract animals to your garden. You should also make sure not to leave the peels exposed as it can attract flies to your garden. As well as burying the peels, you can also use them to create a banana water spray. Top Hacks to Keep Foxes Out of Your Garden First, place a banana peel in five cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once the mixture has cooled down, add it to a spray bottle and spritz the mixture directly on the leaves and stems of your plants. Severe infestations can cause plant leaves to turn yellow and die as aphids transmit viruses from plant to plant. You can also use soap and tights to repel flies from your home this summer. Tips for keeping pests from your garden Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails. You can also use a £1.40 household item to deter ants from entering your home. A 49p hack helps to keep wasps from your garden, but you'll want to act soon. Another trick prevents squirrels from digging up your garden and all you need is a kitchen staple. And common storage mistakes may be attracting rodents to your garden shed. A £7 Waitrose buy helps to repel insects from your garden while keeping you cool at the same time. 2
