Scattering cloves, cinnamon, or star anise near windows and doors can help keep spiders and flies out of your home. The tip, shared online by Jeff and Lauren on TikTok, suggests placing strongly scented spices at entry points to repel bugs.
How the spice trick works
The hack involves positioning whole or ground cloves, cinnamon sticks, or star anise on windowsills and doorways. According to the TikTok video, the strong scents of these spices help deter spiders and other insects.
Cloves contain a compound called eugenol, which has a pungent aroma that flies find unpleasant. Spiders detect smells through sensory organs and tiny hairs on their legs, and the powerful scent of clove oil can overwhelm these receptors, causing them to avoid the area.
Other bugs repelled by cloves
The spice also works against ants, mosquitoes, and moths, which tend to steer clear of it. However, cloves act as a natural deterrent rather than a permanent solution, so reapplication is needed as the scent fades.
DIY spray recipe and other methods
To make a spray, mix 10 to 15 drops of clove essential oil, a few drops of washing-up liquid, and one cup to a quart of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use, then spray along windowsills, door frames, skirting boards, dark corners, and areas with cobwebs. Reapply every few days or weekly during peak seasons.
For flies, some people press 15 to 20 cloves into a freshly cut lemon or ripe apple and place it on windowsills, kitchen worktops, or outdoor tables. The combination of spice and citrus creates a fragrant barrier that repels flies.
