Summer is a wonderful time of year – sun, fresh fruit, open windows… But with the heat comes uninvited visitors: flies, mosquitoes and other annoying insects. If you’re tired of constantly waving a towel or buying expensive sprays full of chemicals, we have a solution straight from our grandmothers’ time. Simple, natural and also fragrant: lemon with cloves.

An old trick that you’ll love
This method has recently become popular again thanks to British chef Nancy Birtwhistle, who reminded us of it on social networks. But our grandparents knew it long ago. Just cut a lemon in half and stick a few whole cloves into the pulp. The combination of citrus scent and strong spice aroma repels flies – but it’s pleasant and refreshing for us.

Where to go with that?
Place the “fragrant trap” on the kitchen counter, windowsill, next to the trash can or directly on the dining table. It also works great at a picnic or on the balcony. When the lemon starts to dry out, just replace it – you can reuse the cloves.

Why does it work?
Flies and other insects have a very sensitive sense of smell. Strong scents like lemon peel, cloves, mint or lavender bother them. Lemon with cloves is therefore a natural repellent that is harmless to children or pets. In addition, it leaves no traces, is non-toxic and smells great in the room.

Other grandmother’s tricks:
Vinegar with spring – pour apple cider vinegar and a few drops of spring into a bowl. The smell of vinegar will attract the flies, but the surface layer of spring will keep them away.
Dried citrus peels – spread them in drawers, on windows or in corners. They work similarly to lemon with cloves.
Aromatic plants – mint, basil or lavender in a pot can be kept on the windowsill. They will decorate the apartment and at the same time protect it from insects.
Essential oils – lavender, eucalyptus or citronella dissolved in water and sprayed on windows and door frames will prevent uninvited guests from entering.
Finally
Flies are not only annoying – they can carry bacteria and contaminate food. That is why it is important not only to drive them away, but also to keep the household clean: take out the trash, cover food and ventilate regularly.

The next time you see the first fly, remember your grandmother – and prepare your own lemon with cloves. Effective, cheap, healthy and smells great. What more could you want? 🍋🌿