If you’ve noticed a few uninvited guests in your kitchen or near your trash bin, you’re probably looking for something simple you can try before calling in a professional. A lemon and clove spray is a popular household hack for making common entry points and corners less appealing to pests. It won’t replace proper cleaning or sealing, but it’s an easy, low-cost addition to your routine.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 fresh lemon, sliced or peeled
- 10 to 12 whole cloves
- 2 cups water
- Optional: 5 to 6 drops pure clove essential oil
Tools
- Small saucepan or heat-safe bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- Clean glass or plastic spray bottle
- Measuring cup
- Labeled container for storage
Why This DIY Can Be Useful
Lemon and clove both have strong scents that many people find unpleasant, and some pests may avoid areas where these smells are present. The lemon peel and cloves are used here as a simple infusion, so the water picks up their aroma. Think of this as a light deterrent for doorways, window sills, and under-sink areas rather than a guaranteed pest killer.
How to Make It
- Wash the lemon thoroughly. Slice it or peel off the zest, leaving out most of the white pith if you can, since it can taste bitter.
- Add the lemon slices or peel and the whole cloves to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water.
- Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Let it steep for about 30 minutes, or leave it overnight for a stronger scent.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or jug. Discard the solids.
- If you want a stronger clove scent, stir in the optional clove essential oil after the liquid has cooled. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle and label it with the date and contents.
How to Use It
Spray the solution lightly along the areas where pests tend to travel, such as baseboards, cabinet corners, door thresholds, window frames, and near trash or recycling bins. Use a light mist rather than soaking surfaces. Reapply every few days, or after cleaning, since the scent fades over time. For surfaces where food is prepared or stored, wipe the area with a damp cloth afterward so no residue is left behind.
What to Expect
This spray works best as a preventive measure. You may notice a pleasant citrus and clove scent in the room, and over time you may see fewer pests in the sprayed areas. Results vary depending on how large the problem is and how much food, water, and clutter are available to pests. A heavy infestation, especially of mice or cockroaches, usually needs sanitation, sealing of gaps, and sometimes professional help.
Helpful Tips
- Keep food sealed in containers and take out trash regularly, since these steps often matter more than any scent.
- Fill small cracks and gaps around pipes and doors to limit entry points.
- Use fresh lemon for each batch and store the spray in the refrigerator, then use it within about one week.
- Shake the bottle before each use, since the oils can separate.
Important Notes and Safety
- Test the spray on a small, hidden area first. Citrus and essential oils can stain or damage some painted, waxed, or finished wood surfaces.
- Clove essential oil can be harmful to cats, dogs, and other pets if they lick treated surfaces or are exposed to strong concentrations. If you have pets, skip the essential oil and keep the spray away from their bedding and food areas.
- Avoid spraying directly into your eyes or onto open wounds, and keep the solution away from children.
- Never mix this spray with bleach or other cleaning chemicals. Rinse your spray bottle thoroughly before using a different product in it.
- Store the mixture in a clearly labeled container out of reach of children and pets.
