Growing up, I always found my grandmother’s habit of sticking cloves into raw onions and placing them around the house a bit strange. It wasn’t until I had my own mosquito problem that I understood the genius behind it.
The trick combines two powerful natural repellents: onions, which release strong sulfur compounds when cut, and cloves, which contain eugenol — a substance known to repel insects. Together, they create a scent that drives flies and mosquitoes away.
Making it is simple: just cut an onion in half and press whole cloves into the exposed side. Place it near windows or doorways where bugs usually sneak in. While it won’t replace commercial sprays for big infestations, it works surprisingly well in smaller spaces.
Best of all, it’s cheap, chemical-free, and safe around kids and pets. The smell may not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s a small price to pay for a natural solution that actually works — just like Grandma said.