Four simple kitchen ingredients to naturally repel wasps, ants, gnats and other insects this summer

As the summer season unfolds, bringing with it warm days and balmy evenings, it also brings an unwelcome increase in garden pests.

From ants making their way into the kitchen to mosquitoes causing a nuisance at outdoor gatherings, these tiny invaders can quickly escalate into a significant annoyance if not dealt with promptly. Thankfully, managing such irritations doesn't always necessitate harsh chemicals or costly treatments.

Whether you're dealing with ants, wasps, flies, moths or even mosquitos, food expert Matt Webster of Seasoned Pioneers shares four kitchen cupboard ingredients that can effectively keep pests at bay.

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Mint leaves

Not only does mint add a refreshing twist to a mojito, but it also acts as a natural deterrent for wasps, mosquitoes, flies, hornets, moths, ants, and cockroaches. These insects possess a strong sense of smell and are often disoriented by potent smelling foods or plants.

Position a pot of mint around your home or the area where you're seated to discourage any unwanted guests - the mint will assist in keeping these pests away from the vicinity. Peppermint oil can also be utilised for the same purpose, reports the Mirror.

Black Pepper

Ever encountered an issue with ants? Consider using a bit of black pepper. Sprinkling black pepper on worktops, door entrances, and between floorboards will certainly deter the ants.

When mixed with a little flour and scattered around garden plants, black pepper will cause all the bugs, previously feasting away, to vanish overnight.

Lemon and cloves

Lemon and cloves are a perfect combination to keep flies at bay during the summer. Flies detest the smell of cloves, and when combined with lemon, the effect is enhanced, making it an excellent natural repellent.

Simply slice a lemon in half, insert cloves into the flesh, and place them around your garden or home. This pair will not only repel flies but also add a pleasant aroma to your surroundings.

Rosemary

Rosemary isn't just great for adding flavour to both savoury and sweet dishes, it's also an effective natural repellent against midges, gnats, and mosquitos. Its strong fragrance is enough to deter these summer pests.

You can even create your own bug spray by adding rosemary to boiling water. Once the water has boiled long enough for the earthy scent of the rosemary to be noticeable, strain the water into a spray bottle and spritz it around areas of your garden that you want to keep pest-free.