Summer – the time of year when we would like to live like in a postcard: open windows, the smell of flowers, evenings on the balcony with a good book or a glass of wine. But the reality? Mosquitoes, flies and those tiny but extremely annoying insects that decide that you are the best target in the whole square. And although we have an arsenal of means at our disposal – from electric torturers to aerosol bombs, we often find ourselves in a dilemma: should we rather suffer from the bites or the smell of chemistry that reminds us of a pharmacy from 1987? No way! Use lemons!
But what if there was a trick that was so simple it bordered on laziness, and yet so natural that even the greenest among us would embrace it? Yes, it's lemons. Yes, the ones with the yellow peel that we usually use for tea, gin and tonics, or as props in Instagram posts. But this time, it gets a new role – as a silent heroine against the flying pest that keeps you up all summer. And all without a single drop of chemicals. Interested? Read on.
Forget about aggressive sprays – lemons are the solution for mosquitoes
Summer is just around the corner – with sun, picnics and (of course) the invasion of winged pests. If we had a euro for every buzzing mosquito visit, we could afford a holiday in Bali. And we haven't even opened the windows yet!
But – don't worry. We have a trick that's so simple you'd almost think it was a grandma's joke from the 80s. But it's not. It's a well-known (and surprisingly effective) home recipe: baked lemons.
How does this citrus miracle work?
- Take 2 lemons (they should be nicely ripe, because if we're after aesthetics and efficiency, why not both?).
- Cut them in half.
- Preheat the oven to 100 °C, then place the lemons on a rack or baking sheet.
- Turn off the oven and leave the door open. and… that’s it! Now you just have to wait for the essential oils to work their natural magic.
The smell of lemon is pleasant to human noses – fresh, citrusy, almost like a cleaning product commercial. But for mosquitoes and flies? A vitamin C nightmare.
Why do lemons work?
Lemon contains natural compounds like limonene and citral that act as repellents. When heated, these substances are released into the air, creating an invisible defense that will turn your living room into a flying pest-free zone.
No chemicals, no sprays, no odor
If you've ever had your bedroom stink from synthetic repellents, you'll appreciate this natural approach. And yes, we know that lemon won't repel every ambitious mosquito, but you'll be surprised at how effective it is.
If nothing else, your home will smell like a Mediterranean oasis – and you'll even perfume your oven, by the way.
Bonus tip
For an even stronger effect, you can sprinkle lemons with a few cloves - the combination will supposedly drive away even the most stubborn hummingbirds.
