Used Tea Bags: A Natural Pest Repellent for Your Home and Garden
Hey there, fellow homekeepers!
Today, I've got a fantastic little tip up my sleeve that's going to revolutionize the way you deal with pests— used tea bags!
Those little sachets of goodness you usually steep in hot water have a secret power beyond just making a refreshing beverage.
Mosquitoes, and many other insects, hate tea, especially the peppermint variety. Plus, it even works on mice!
So, let’s brew up a cup of tea and get rid of those pesky pests!
Tools and Materials:
- Tea bags
- Peppermint oil
- Dried herb sprigs
- Command hooks
- Bowls
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Best peppermint oil!
1. Brew and Repel
Allow your used tea bags to dry out for about two days, making sure they contain no moisture.
2. Outdoor Placement
Take those used tea bags and strategically place them around your garden, near your plants. The scent of the tea will act as a barrier, deterring insects and rodents from feasting on your precious greens.
Plus, it's a natural alternative to chemical repellents, preserving the health of your garden and its ecosystem.
3. Indoor Defense
The benefits of tea bags don't stop at the garden gate! Indoors, you can use brewed tea bags to keep pesky pests like ants and flies at bay.
Simply place them in areas where these insects tend to frequent.
I love to amplify the benefits of tea by incorporating it with other bug-deterring herbs like lavender or rosemary, creating a functional and decorative piece.
Hang these delightful bundles on command hooks near entryways and windowsills.
Positioning these peppermint tea bouquets in corners will dissuade spiders from weaving webs.
Alternatively, you can repurpose dried used tea bags by placing them in a bowl and sprinkling them with rosemary or lavender. This aromatic concoction can then be tucked away in your pantry or food cabinets, acting as a deterrent against mice and insects.
The aroma of peppermint is particularly effective at repelling pests. Consider adding a few drops of peppermint oil to the tea bags to enhance this effect. Additionally, unused peppermint tea bags tend to retain a stronger scent, making them even more effective in keeping pests at bay.
Remember to add a new tea bag every few days to keep the effect active.
More Tea Bag Secrets
Used Tea Bags: A Natural Pest Repellent
So there you have —a simple, natural, and eco-friendly way to fend off pests using nothing more than little tea bags. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you! And if you've got any other creative uses for tea bags, I'd love to hear about them in the comments below.
Happy gardening and pest-free living!
Comments
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Just grow mint, but keep it in a pot as it is invasive!
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Great post! I use brewed tea bags( emptied) with coffee ground in my garden on acidic loving plants. Great fertilizer for hydrangeas, roses, ferns and more.
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