Have you ever noticed how insects can sometimes make their way into our homes? It’s not always a welcome surprise! Mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and ants are just a few examples of bugs that can become a real challenge, especially if they find their way into our pantries. But don’t fret! There are ways to keep these little visitors out of your home.
Luckily, there is a natural remedy that could help you keep your home free of these annoying visitors: laurel. Known scientifically as Laurus nobilis, it is a plant that is not only used in the kitchen for its ability to enhance flavors, but also possesses properties that make it an effective insect repellent.
The leaves of this plant contain eugenol and other essential oils that emit an aroma that is annoying to bugs, thus acting as a natural shield to protect our home. Moreover, as reported by EFE Verde, the laurel could have been one of the first pesticides in the history of agriculture, effective to scare bugs away from crops, among other uses.
Use this way the laurel in your home
To take advantage of the properties of the laurel, it is enough to place some leaves behind the doors, especially those that communicate with the outside. In addition, it is recommended to place them in other strategic points of the house, such as windows and corners where insects usually enter. It is also important to renew the leaves periodically to ensure that their effect is maintained.
Precautions for homes with pets
Although this remedy is effective in keeping insects at bay, it is essential to keep in mind that bay leaves can pose a risk to pets. Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to compounds present in bay leaves, such as eugenol. Ingesting them could cause digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and even intestinal obstructions.
For this reason, if you have animals at home, it is advisable to take extreme precautions and make sure that they do not have access to bay leaves, or that they are not appetizing for them. This way, you can enjoy a home free of flies, mosquitoes, ants and cockroaches without compromising the health of your pets.
