Cockroaches are unwelcome visitors in any kitchen, no matter the season. However, they tend to get out of control during summer and monsoon, thanks to the hot, humid weather and abundance of food sources. While many people rely on chemical repellents and pest control services, some people prefer natural solutions. One surprising option is the humble orange peelYes, you heard right! Orange peels can help keep cockroaches at bay. But how exactly does it work? Let’s dive into the science behind using orange peels to scare away these pesky intruders.
Read also: 7 Surprising Ways to Repurpose Leftover Fruit and Vegetable Peels
Why do orange peels repel cockroaches?
Orange peels are a surprisingly effective way to deter roaches from the kitchen. That’s because they contain a compound called limonene, which gives oranges their fresh, citrusy scent. While we humans find the smell refreshing, cockroaches They find it repulsive, making orange peels an excellent natural deterrent.
How to use orange peels to repel cockroaches:
To get the most out of your orange peels, start by drying them thoroughly. You can leave them in a sunny spot or use an oven to speed up the process. Once dry, place the peels in areas where roaches are most likely to appear, such as under the sink, behind appliances, or in dark corners of the kitchen. Remember to replace the peels every few days to maintain their effectiveness.
While orange peels may not eliminate a serious cockroach infestation, combined with regular cleaning and proper food storage, they can certainly help reduce their presence.
Photo credit: Pexels
5 other ways to use orange peels in the kitchen
Orange peels are not only good for repelling cockroaches: they also have many other uses in the kitchen.
1. Air freshener
Make an eco-friendly air freshener with orange peels. Simply add the peels to water with cinnamon sticks and cloves and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This natural preparation will help neutralize kitchen odors and freshen up your kitchen.
2. Kitchen cleaner
You can prepare a kitchen cleaner by soaking orange peels in vinegar for a couple of weeks and then strain the liquid. This citrus-infused vinegar is perfect for tackling tough oil and grease stains without harsh chemicals.
3. Stainless steel polisher
Are your stainless steel utensils looking dull? Rub them with the inside of an orange peel and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. The natural oils will help remove fingerprints and restore the shine.
4. Microwave cleaner
Give your microwave a refreshing citrus touch by placing orange peels in a bowl of water and heating it for a few minutes. The steam will loosen food stains, making cleaning easier.
5. Composting
Is your garden struggling? Give your plants a nutritional boost by adding orange peels to your compost. They will enrich the soil with valuable nutrients, helping your plants thrive.
Read also: Health Benefits of Pomegranate Peel: How to Make Pomegranate Peel Tea (Recipe Included)
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.