Placing cloves on windowsills can help keep spiders and flies out of homes, according to a natural pest control hack shared online. The method involves using the strong scent of cloves to deter insects from entering properties.
The simple hack was previously shared online to help people keep bugs away from their homes. It was highlighted in a TikTok clip by Jeff and Lauren, who showed what they put on their windowsills.
Alongside the footage, they wrote: "Natural pest control! Strong scented [spices] like cinnamon, star anise and cloves help repel spiders and other bugs! Place at entry points to help to deter them!"
How cloves work to repel insects
Both cloves and clove oil work to repel flies and spiders. The strong scent and active chemical compounds keep them away.
Cloves contain a chemical called eugenol, which has a potent aroma that flies do not like. Spiders taste and smell through specialised sensory organs and tiny hairs (setae) on their legs.
The strong scent of clove oil overloads and disrupts these receptors, so spiders tend to stay away from it. Other bugs, including ants, mosquitoes and moths, also dislike cloves and tend to avoid the spice.
How to use cloves to deter pests
Cloves act as a natural deterrent rather than a permanent fix or extermination method. With regular application when the smell fades, it should help to keep some bugs away.
A DIY spray can be made by mixing 10 to 15 drops of clove essential oil, a few drops of dish soap as a dispersing agent, and one cup to a quart of water in a spray bottle. The bottle should be shaken thoroughly before each use to ensure the oil mixes with the water.
The solution can be misted along windowsills, door frames, baseboards, dark corners and places where cobwebs are noticed. It should be reapplied every few days or weekly during peak seasons.
For deterring flies, some people stick 15 to 20 cloves into freshly cut lemon or a ripe apple and place these fruits on windowsills, kitchen counters or outdoor tables. The strong blend of spice and citrus creates a scent barrier that deters flies.
