How to Use Cloves to Repel Pests

Clove is a natural option for keeping common pests away from your home and yard. These 5 tips on How to Use Cloves to Repel Pests will help you use this common spice to your advantage!

Cloves don’t just smell amazing, did you know they are great for pest control too? Found in the spices section at your local grocer, cloves are affordable and such an easy way to keep those pests at bay. If you want to know more about how to put cloves to work for you when keeping your space pest free, take a look at some helpful suggestions below on How to Use Cloves to Repel Pests.

How to Use Cloves to Repel Pests

1. Make your own pest spray. This DIY pest spray using cloves is so simple. Cloves can help repel mites and aphids in your garden, both of which love to eat your ornamental plants. If you are having an issue with mites or aphids, you can soak a jar of cloves (about 2 tablespoons) in a bottle of warm water. Allow to cool (important!) and spray on any areas that pests are present. Always spray in the evening when sun is minimal and temps are cooler.

2. Banish deer. If deer are nibbling on your plants, you can sprinkle cloves around the area where they seem to be dining. They will not like the scent or the taste of cloves, so sprinkling them liberally is always a great idea. You can also sprinkle the cloves in powder form directly onto plants if the whole cloves don’t seem to be getting the job done.

3. Use cloves in place of moth balls. While moth balls are an effective way to keep moths away, they smell horrible. Instead, place a few tablespoons of cloves in a cloth or linen bag and hang it in storage closets or anywhere where moths seem to be an issue. They will hate the smell, but you will love it. You will also find the smell of the cloves won’t linger in your clothing as the scent from moth balls would. It is a win win.

4. Keep ants away. Ants despise the scent of cloves. You can crush whole cloves and sprinkle the powder near entrances where ants seem to be coming in the home. They will hopefully head into another direction, like outside where they belong. Use crushed cloves safely in kitchens, campers, tents, garages, or anywhere where ants are starting to get cozy. Simply wipe away when done, or, you can reapply every few days as needed.

5. Repel biting bugs. If mosquitoes are an issue, cloves can help. Add cloves to jars of water and float a citronella candle in the mixture. The combination not only looks and smells pretty, but it can help keep mosquitoes away. You can also try sprinkling crushed cloves around your picnic area or picnic table if biting bugs are posing a threat.

If you are ready to say goodbye to pests and want to do so in a way that is earth friendly, chemical free, and easy, give these tips for using cloves as pest repellant a try. As you can see, it can be effective with a variety of pests and pest situations.