Bay leaves are far more than a culinary spice used to enhance soups and stews. These aromatic leaves—harvested from the Laurus nobilis tree—have a long history not only in cuisine but also in traditional medicine. However, few people know that bay leaves can be powerful natural allies in the fight against household pests.
Bay leaves are far more than a culinary spice used to enhance soups and stews. These aromatic leaves—harvested from the Laurus nobilis tree—have a long history not only in cuisine but also in traditional medicine. However, few people know that bay leaves can be powerful natural allies in the fight against household pests.
1. Repelling Cockroaches with Bay Leaves
Cockroaches are notoriously hard to eliminate, but they hate the strong scent of bay leaves. You can use either whole or crushed dried bay leaves to repel them.
How to use:
- Place bay leaves in corners of your kitchen, under sinks, or behind appliances.
- Focus on areas where cockroach droppings or eggs have been spotted.
- Replace the leaves every few days for maximum potency.
The essential oils in the leaves disrupt their habits and keep them from establishing colonies in your home.
2. Keeping Mosquitoes at Bay
Mosquitoes don’t just leave itchy bites—they can spread serious diseases. Fortunately, compounds in bay leaves act as natural insect repellents.
How to make a bay leaf spray:
- Boil a handful of bay leaves in 2 cups of water for about 10–15 minutes.
- Let it cool and strain the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Spray it in mosquito-prone areas like windows, doorways, and patios.
For added protection, you can even lightly mist it onto clothing or exposed skin (do a patch test first to check for any irritation).
3. Driving Flies Away
Flies are a nuisance and a hygiene hazard. They’re drawn to food and garbage but are sensitive to strong odors, especially from herbs like bay leaves.
Two ways to use bay leaves against flies:
- Place dried bay leaves near windowsills, trash bins, and food prep areas.
- Burn a small bundle of dried bay leaves in a fireproof bowl (clay or metal) to release a smoke that naturally repels flies.
Repeat this fumigation every evening until the problem subsides.
