I am so tired of flies and other winged intruders invading my home and patio in the summer. From the moment I fling open the windows to let in some fresh air, it becomes a constant battle to shoo them away or flatten them with (my weapon of choice) an oven mitt. Once they've made it inside, they never want to leave. Happily, I've found a cheap, easy repellent that seems to be keeping them at bay – and it all starts with a cotton ball.
If you're anything like me, you'll prefer using natural pest control solutions over harsh chemicals. With a toddler and an elderly cat in the household, I don't want to take the risk. A trusted friend told me about this clever cotton ball trick a few weeks ago, and I've been using it ever since. The idea is simple: by soaking cotton balls in certain essential oils and placing them near entry points like windows and doors, you can naturally repel insects and infuse your home with a spa-like scent. It's one of the easiest DIY pest control tricks I've come across – and it works surprisingly well.
However, when using essential oils as an insect repellent, not just any scent will do, as they all have different properties. While insects hate many strong scents like peppermint, citronella, lavender, lemongrass, and clove, sweeter aromas like rose oil can attract them. My essential oil combo of choice is lavender and peppermint, but below I share a few other blends to try.
Why Lavender and Peppermint?
I already had lavender and peppermint essential oils in my cupboard. Lavender is a wonderful sleep aid and helps promote a feeling of calm, while peppermint helps relieve headaches and has an energizing effect. They are also powerful pest repellents:
- Peppermint oil contains menthol, which overwhelms the scent receptors of certain insects. It's especially effective against houseflies, mosquitoes, wasps, ants, spiders, and even mice.
- Lavender oil is loved by humans but loathed by many flying pests. Its floral compounds act as a gentle yet consistent repellent for mosquitoes, moths, flies, and even fleas.
When combined, they create a strong scent that is totally offputting to insects, but smells clean and uplifting to us – especially when used on cotton balls next to windows. The fragrance wafts in with the breeze.
How to Make a Cotton Ball Insect Repellent
This method couldn't be simpler, and it's perfect for houses, apartments, offices, or anywhere else you want to repel pests without using harsh sprays. I am planning on trying it out on my patio during my next BBQ.
While I combine peppermint and lavender oil in the main living spaces, I place a lavender-only ball next to my bed at night – as well as deterring mosquitoes, it has the bonus of helping me to fall asleep faster.
What You'll Need
- Cotton balls – any will do, such as these cheap jumbo cotton balls from Walmart.
- 100% pure peppermint essential oil – this Brooklyn Botany oil from Amazon is a good size and price, and comes with a dropper.
- 100% lavender essential oil – this Majestic oil from Amazon is ideal and also comes with a dropper.
- Small bowls, coasters, or plant saucers – these are optional, but protect wooden and painted surfaces from the essential oils.
It's important to use pure essential oils, as synthetic fragrances won't work in the same way.
How to do it
- Take a cotton ball and add 4 to 5 drops of peppermint oil and 4-5 drops of lavender oil to each one.
- Place each one in a small dish, plant saucer, or rest it on a coaster, and position them directly on windowsills, near doorways, around trash bins, and even inside cabinets or pantries.
- Replace or resoak cotton balls every two to three days, or whenever the scent fades.
When positioning your cotton balls, keep them out of reach of pets and small children. Some essential oils can be harmful to pets if ingested or applied in a concentrated form.
More Cotton Ball Recipes to Try
Don't like the combo of lavender and peppermint oil? Try the cotton ball trick using these essential oils instead:
- Citrus and Clove
These oils are effective against houseflies, fruit flies, and gnats, and emit a warm, spicy, citrusy aroma. Use 3 drops of orange or lemon essential oil and 2 drops of clove oil on your cotton ball. - Lemongrass and Tea Tree
Use this uplifting combo to repel flies, mosquitoes, and drain flies. It smells fresh and lemony with a medicinal edge. Use 4 drops of lemongrass oil and 3 drops of tea tree oil. - Eucalyptus and Rosemary
This gorgeous essential oil blend smells herbaceous and invigorating – it's perfect for kitchens and entryways. It's effective against mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
