How to keep insects away

As evening approaches and people switch on their home lights small flying insects often start gathering around bulbs and tube lights. Some enter homes through open doors and windows and settle on food walls and floors.

This can become annoying for families especially when insects appear in large numbers. Many people try home remedies such as mustard oil, camphor, neem oil and garlic to get rid of these insects.

However there is no guarantee that these methods will work. Experts suggest that choosing the right lighting, keeping the home clean and covering doors and windows are more useful ways to reduce the problem.

Use Mustard Oil to trap insects

A mustard oil trick has become popular on social media. In this method, a small amount of mustard oil is applied to a white plastic bag which is then hung near a light. The idea is that insects attracted to the light will stick to the oily surface.

However there is no reliable evidence that this method works effectively. Also, never hang plastic bags near hot bulbs or electrical equipment, as this could create a fire risk.

Try Camphor and Cloves

Some people use camphor and cloves to keep insects away from outdoor lights. One popular home remedy involves placing camphor or cloves inside a lemon and burning it.

However this is not a proven way to repel all types of insects. If you burn camphor keep it away from flammable materials and avoid using it in closed rooms because of the smoke and fire risk.

 Use Neem Oil Carefully

Neem oil is another common home remedy for controlling insects. Some people mix it with water and spray it around doors and windows.

However its effectiveness can vary depending on the type of insect. Never spray neem oil directly on bulbs, switches or other electrical equipment. Test it on a small surface first and keep it away from children and pets.

 Make a Garlic Spray

Garlic is also used in some homemade insect-repellent sprays. To prepare this mixture, boil a few garlic cloves in water and allow the liquid to cool. Some people then spray it around doors and windows.

However, there is no guarantee that garlic water will stop all insects from entering your home.

Choose Yellow or Amber Lights

The type of lighting you use can also make a difference. Yellow or amber lights attract many flying insects less than white or blue lights.

Using these lights outside your home may help reduce the number of insects gathering around doors and windows. Installing window screens and sealing small gaps around doors can also prevent insects from entering.

Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping your home clean is another important step in controlling insects. Always cover food and drinks, and regularly clean floors, walls and areas around lights where dead insects may collect.

Avoid keeping unnecessary lights switched on, especially in areas where insects usually gather.

Use a plate of water to catch insects

Another simple method is to fill a wide plate or open container with water and place it under a light where insects usually gather.

Some insects flying towards the light may fall into the water and become trapped. This can help reduce the number of insects around the light, although it may not work for every type of insect.

Final thoughts

Getting rid of flying insects does not always require expensive products or complicated methods. Choosing yellow or amber lighting installing window screens, covering food and keeping your home clean can help reduce the problem. Home remedies may also be tried with proper care but their results are not guaranteed.