Homeowners urged to use aluminum foil to stop bugs from invading their homes — here’s how

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Banish the bugs indoors

Aluminum foil
(Image credit: Future)

April has arrived, the sun is shining (well, sometimes), and the temperature is slowly rising. I’m spotting the first signs of growth in my garden as my plants wake up and everything comes to life.

And with the warmer weather, I’m opening my windows wide to let the fresh air embrace my home. However, although I welcome the spring and this fresh start, there are certain houseguests I prefer to keep out of my home.

Luckily, I’ve discovered a surprising hack that will deter unwanted bugs from my house, without using chemical sprays. What’s more, it will keep the air in my home clean and fresh. So what is this unexpected item that will help protect my home from pests?

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Use aluminum foil to deter pests from indoors

Ball of tin foil next to rolls of foil

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

You may already know how the reflective surface of aluminum foil can be used to scare away pests outside, such as pigeons, rats and other pests, but according to Love Livehack on Instagram, this household staple can also be used indoors to deter bugs.

However, instead of scaring them off, this clever hack uses aluminum foil as a vessel containing a host of spices to ward off pests indoors. It’s a low-cost hack, and everything you need is probably already sitting in your pantry. There’s no need to spend money on expensive chemical sprays to keep the bugs out.

What you’ll need:
Aluminum foil
Bay leaves
Cloves
Red pepper
Turmeric

Live hack explains that all you need to do is take a small piece of foil, fold it in half, then fold it again to make a small pouch. “Next, place a bay leaf inside. Then add some cloves — about 8 pieces. Now add one teaspoon of red pepper, and for a stronger effect, half a teaspoon of turmeric.”

Once everything is added, close the pouch and seal it well, “Then make about 10 small holes in it — but only on one side.”

How does it work? Love Livehack explains: “Bay leaf, cloves, red pepper, and turmeric contain strong essential oils and a pleasant aroma that insects don’t like. Because of the holes in the foil, the mixture slowly releases its scent, creating a lasting protective barrier in your home. After that you won’t have mosquitoes, flies, or any other unwanted bugs in your house.”

This is one hack I'm definitely going to try to keep my indoors free of nasties during pest season.

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Camilla Sharman
Camilla Sharman
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides. 


Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.


Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

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