Not Just For Drinking: Here's Why Homeowners Are Boiling Herbs

Boiling herbs might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to taking care of your home, but that warm cup of peppermint tea can actually come in handy when dealing with unwanted pests. Herbs are a natural way to repel many pests, from mosquitos and flies to moths and even roaches. You can make a simmer pot by adding herbs like mint, lemongrass, or basil to boiling water, creating a pleasantly fragrant steam that can help deter pests. Once it's done simmering, you can use the leftover water from boiling the herbs to create an all-natural bug spray.

There are many benefits for homeowners using herbs as pest repellents. For starters, herbs are a non-toxic alternative to chemical-laden products, and no one wants harsh pesticides sprayed all over their home. Herbs are also very cost-effective, especially if you grow your own, since they can serve multiple purposes around the house — you can season your dinner with herbs, but definitely not with that bottle of chemical bug spray. Plus, it's easy to find plenty of helpful tips for growing a thriving herb garden, and growing your own can be done no matter the size of your home or yard. Even if you live in an apartment, there are garden tricks to grow more herbs in less space.

Which herbs you should boil depends on which pests you want to deter. For example, it's simple to transform fresh rosemary into a mosquito repellent: Combine 1 cup of rosemary with 1 quart of water and bring to a boil for 30 minutes. Strain and allow the water to cool before adding 5 cups of cold water and pouring the mixture into spray bottles. To maximize its shelf life, keep this mixture refrigerated. Use it on yourself when you're heading outside, or spray in areas where mosquitos have been gathering. Another popular herb to repel pests is lavender, which makes a wonderful-smelling simmer pot in addition to repelling mosquitos, moths, and gnats. If you want a stronger scent that works well against ants, fleas, and even mice, try making a simmer pot with mint.

Herbs can also be combined for more pest-deterring power. Create an herbal bug spray by boiling 2 tablespoons each of mint, basil, and lavender leaves in 1 cup of water. Let it cool, then strain and combine the remaining water with 1 cup of witch hazel. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz wherever you want to keep bugs away. This mix should be effective against insects like ants, flies, mosquitos, and moths. 

If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use essential oils as an alternative. Add around 10 drops each of peppermint, thyme, and rosemary oils to a water-filled spray bottle to create a spray that repels flies, ants, beetles, spiders, and roaches. Mix thoroughly, and you're ready to spray away those pesky bugs and keep your home fresh.