What you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup of regular shampoo
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
Mix all in a spray bottle and shake well before each use. Spray around doorways, windowsills, and under appliances.
✅ Does it help?
It acts as a suffocating barrier on small insects and leaves behind an unpleasant texture and smell that most pests avoid. It works best when reapplied regularly.

4. 🕯️ Bonus: Lemon + Clove Repellent (Highly Effective for Flies)
Cut a lemon in half and insert 8–10 whole cloves into each half. Place them in rooms, near windows, or outside on patios.
✅ Why it works:
The citrus and clove scent combo is a natural fly repellent. It doesn’t kill them but works incredibly well to repel them — especially in kitchens and eating areas.
⚠️ Final Thoughts: Are These Truly Effective?
Natural remedies are gentle, non-toxic, and usually safe around kids and pets — but they may not always match the immediate punch of chemical sprays.