Finding pests such as cockroaches and red ants invading kitchen counters creates an immediate hygiene concern. While commercial chemical sprays often provide quick knockdown power, their harsh ingredients raise valid safety concerns around areas where meals are prepared. Addressing this common household dilemma, actor and author Twinkle Khanna shared an accessible natural remedy. Through an Instagram post on Tweak India, she explained how a simple concoction brewed from bay leaves, cloves, and vinegar can serve as a potent repellent when applied around storage spaces and cupboards.
Required Ingredients for the Mixture
Preparing this natural pest repellent calls for everyday pantry staples without the need for expensive additives. The recipe specifies taking 8 to 10 cloves along with 2 to 3 bay leaves. These dry spices need to be lightly crushed or pounded beforehand, a step that helps release their aromatic compounds into the liquid base during preparation. Alongside these spices, you will need exactly one cup of plain water and one cup of vinegar.
Brewing and Straining Directions
To begin making the solution, pour one cup of water and one cup of vinegar into a clean cooking pot. Add the lightly crushed cloves and bay leaves directly into the liquid mixture. Place the vessel on the stove and allow it to boil for a short period. Once the brew has boiled sufficiently, turn off the heat and let the liquid cool down completely. After reaching room temperature, strain the liquid thoroughly to remove any leftover solid fragments of bay leaf or clove. Transfer the strained solution into a clean spray bottle for application.
Where to Apply the Homemade Solution
The finished liquid can be lightly sprayed directly into kitchen drawers, cabinet recesses, behind storage units, and across any quiet corners where pests typically travel. According to Twinkle Khanna, regularly misting these trouble spots assists in discouraging both cockroaches and red ants from settling inside food storage areas.
Maintaining Cleanliness for Lasting Results
Sharing the tip with her signature humor, Twinkle Khanna quipped that if she could use the same spray on humans, she would happily rid herself of both two-legged and six-legged late-night intruders. Beyond the application of any repellent solution, lasting pest prevention requires disciplined kitchen upkeep. Essential daily measures include wiping down counters, avoiding leftover food crumbs on surfaces, emptying the trash bin regularly, and keeping excess indoor moisture under control.
