Many people spend money on expensive sprays and chemical solutions to protect their homes and plants from pests. But did you know that two common ingredients from your kitchen can do the job just as effectively, without harming your health or the environment? By combining garlic and cloves, you can create a powerful natural repellent that helps protect plants, deter insects, and even keep unwanted pests out of your living spaces.
This method is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and safe to use around your home. Below, you’ll discover exactly how to make it, why it works, and the different ways you can put it into practice.
Why Garlic and Cloves Work So Well
- Garlic contains sulfur compounds that are released when the bulb is pierced, crushed, or cut. These compounds produce the strong odor we all recognize and act as a natural defense mechanism, discouraging many insects and pests from coming near.
- Cloves are well-known for their strong aroma, which has been used for centuries to repel moths, ants, and other household invaders.
When combined, garlic and cloves create a potent natural repellent that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
How to Prepare the Garlic and Clove Repellent
This recipe is simple, requires no special tools, and can be done in just a few minutes.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 head of garlic (size doesn’t matter; use what you have)
- Several whole cloves (the spice used in cooking)
Steps:
- Take the head of garlic and keep it intact.
- Insert the cloves directly into the garlic bulb. You don’t need to pierce every spot closely—spacing them out is enough.
- As you press the cloves in, you’ll notice garlic juice and aroma being released. This is exactly what makes the repellent effective.
- Once you’ve added enough cloves (a handful is usually sufficient), your garlic repellent is ready to use.
Ways to Use Garlic and Clove Repellent
1. In Plant Soil
Place the garlic head with inserted cloves directly into the soil of your potted plants or garden beds. This creates a natural barrier that discourages pests like ants, aphids, and soil insects from attacking your plants. It works both as a treatment if pests are already present and as a preventive measure to stop them from returning.
2. Near Entry Points in Your Home
Placing the garlic and clove repellent near doors, especially at the corners or behind them, can help stop spiders and cockroaches from sneaking inside. The strong odor acts as a natural shield, making it less likely for these pests to cross into your living areas.
3. In Closets and Storage Spaces
Moths and cockroaches often invade closets, damaging clothes and stored items. By placing a garlic head with cloves inside a small bowl or breathable pouch, you can naturally protect your fabrics and belongings from these intruders.
4. As a General Insect Deterrent
This method is effective against a wide range of common household pests, including:
