How to Use Bay Leaves to Repel Pests
The method is incredibly simple:
Ingredients:
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A handful of dried bay leaves
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A pot of water
Instructions:
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Fill a small pot with water and bring it to a boil.
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Add 8–10 bay leaves to the boiling water.
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Let it simmer for 30–60 minutes.
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Leave the pot uncovered and allow the steam to waft through the house.
The rising steam carries the bay leaf’s essential oils into the air, creating a natural pest deterrent. You can even move the pot from room to room to extend its reach or use multiple pots for larger areas.
Why It Works
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Mosquitoes: The scent of bay leaves disrupts their ability to locate human scent trails.
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Flies: Strong smells like eucalyptol overwhelm their senses and drive them away.
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Cockroaches: These resilient pests can’t tolerate the compounds in bay leaves and will avoid treated areas altogether.
Other Ways to Use Bay Leaves for Pest Control
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Crush dried leaves and place them in cabinets, under sinks, or near entryways.
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Make a DIY bay leaf spray by steeping the leaves in hot water, letting it cool, then spritzing around baseboards and windows.
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Mix bay leaves with cloves or cinnamon for a more potent effect and pleasant aroma.
A Chemical-Free, Budget-Friendly Solution
What makes bay leaves especially attractive is that they’re non-toxic, safe around children and pets, and extremely affordable. Plus, unlike chemical sprays, they leave your home smelling warm and herbal, rather than sterile or harsh.
While boiling bay leaves may not completely eliminate an existing infestation, it’s an excellent preventive measure—and a surprisingly powerful one at that.
So the next time you’re battling buzzing mosquitoes or creeping cockroaches, skip the store-bought chemicals. Reach for a pot, some water, and a handful of bay leaves—and let nature handle the rest
