Replace Regularly: Replace the bay leaves every few days or once their scent starts to fade.
For Flies:
Flies are often repelled by the scent of cucumber peels (огіркова шкірка).
How it works: Cucumbers, especially their peels, emit a natural compound that flies find very unpleasant.
How to use it:
Fresh Peels: Whenever you peel a cucumber, don’t throw away the peels.
Place in Problem Areas: Place fresh cucumber peels on surfaces where flies tend to congregate or near entry points. This could be:
On windowsills
Near doors
On kitchen counters
Near fruit bowls
Replace Frequently: Cucumber peels dry out quickly and lose their scent. Replace them daily or even twice a day for maximum effectiveness.
Why this “old trick” might be appealing:
Natural and Non-Toxic: Both bay leaves and cucumber peels are natural, non-toxic, and safe to use around children and pets (though ingestion of large amounts of anything not food is not recommended).
Pleasant Scent (for humans): Unlike harsh chemical sprays, these methods leave behind a relatively pleasant, or at least neutral, scent for humans.
Cost-Effective: Both ingredients are inexpensive and readily available in Ternopil.
Important Considerations:
Deterrent, Not Exterminator: These methods are primarily deterrents, meaning they encourage pests to leave or avoid an area. They are not exterminators that will kill large infestations.
Best for Mild Problems: These tricks work best for minor fly or cockroach issues or as a preventative measure.
Combined Approach: For more significant pest problems, these tricks should be part of a larger strategy that includes:
Excellent Hygiene: Keeping your home meticulously clean, especially the kitchen. No crumbs, no spills, no open food sources.
Sealing Entry Points: Repairing cracks in walls, sealing gaps around pipes, ensuring screens on windows and doors are intact.
Eliminating Water Sources: Fixing leaky pipes, wiping up spills, not leaving standing water.
While these old tricks can be helpful, consistency is key, and for persistent pest issues, professional advice might be necessary.
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