Can You Actually Stop Bugs With This Coffee And Toilet Paper Hack?

One of the best things about summer is spending those warm evenings outdoors. But whether you're hanging out on your patio, in the backyard barbecuing, or camping next to a lake, there's one thing that can put a damper on the experience: bugs. Social media is full of DIY tricks that claim to keep bugs at bay, and this coffee-and-toilet-paper hack is the latest to go viral. The idea is fairly simple: roll up a strip of toilet paper, coat it in coffee grounds and either honey or toothpaste, then stand one end in a jar filled with vinegar and cloves. When you light the other end and let it smolder, the rising smoke is said to repel mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and more. But does it actually work? 

While there's no formal scientific backing confirming its efficacy, the ingredients all have known insect-repelling properties. Coffee grounds, vinegar, and cloves are all commonly used to repel bugs naturally, and smoke has long been used to drive mosquitoes away. Combined, they create a potent mix that disrupts scent trails and might irritate bugs enough to keep them at bay — at least temporarily. So while it's not a guaranteed, long-term solution, this hack may actually help if you're dealing with a minor bug problem and want to avoid chemical sprays.

Start by rounding up your materials: a strip of toilet paper, some coffee grounds, honey or toothpaste, cloves, white vinegar, a small bowl, a glass jar (glass is key — avoid plastic), and a lighter. Combine about two tablespoons of coffee with a few squirts of honey or toothpaste in the bowl, adding a splash of water if needed to form a paste. Next, tear off a section of toilet paper roughly twice as tall as your jar, fold it lengthwise, and twist it into a tight rope. Coat the entire strip with the paste — it's a bit messy, so prepare for sticky fingers. Grab your jar and pour in just enough vinegar to saturate the bottom inch or so of the toilet paper. Drop in a handful of cloves and if you have it on hand, a spoonful of ground cinnamon as well (there are actually plenty of ways to use cinnamon to deter household pests).

Place the coated toilet paper into the jar with one end sticking out, then set it somewhere bugs like to gather — think kitchen counters, balconies, or patios. Light the exposed end and let it gently smolder rather than catch flame. The idea is to release steady smoke, which many insects find irritating or alarming. As always, monitor the setup closely and keep it well away from kids and curious pets.

Like many viral hacks, the coffee-and-toilet-paper trick has its strengths and its caveats. On the plus side, coffee grounds contain caffeine and strong-smelling compounds that help mask the chemical trails bugs use to find food and mates. Cloves and cinnamon add pungent, spicy aromas that many pests dislike, while vinegar introduces an acidic tang that boosts the repellent effect. And let's not forget the smoke: Insects are naturally wired to avoid it, which is why smoldering setups like this one can work (in theory, anyway).

But for all its potential, results may vary. If the mixture doesn't smolder properly, the smoke — which is key to its effectiveness — won't form. You might think that coffee grounds keep flies away, but pests aren't put off by the smell alone and larger infestations likely require a more robust solution anyway. For persistent bug problems, tried-and-true repellents like citronella or targeted pest control may be a better bet. That said, this hack is non-toxic, budget-friendly, and easy to try, making it a solid option if you're looking for a chemical-free alternative.