Onions are a staple in every kitchen, but many people don’t realize they can also be used around the home as a natural pest deterrent. While onions will NOT permanently eliminate pests such as rats, lice, or cockroaches, their strong smell can help keep certain insects and small pests away for a short time. This makes onions a useful, affordable tool to freshen your home naturally without chemical sprays.
Here’s how onions can help — safely and effectively.
Why Onions Work as a Natural Deterrent
Onions release sulfur compounds that create a strong scent. Humans get used to it quickly, but many pests dislike it.
The smell can help deter:
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Ants
- Cockroaches
- Small bugs
- Lizards
It’s not a long-term solution for rats, lice, or major infestations — those require professional help — but onions can help reduce pest activity in certain areas.
1. Onion Water Spray for Insects
This spray is great for corners, windows, balconies, and doorways.
Ingredients:
- 1 onion
- 1 cup warm water
How to make:
- Chop the onion.
- Soak it in warm water for 30 minutes.
- Strain and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Spray around entry points, cracks, and outdoor areas.
Use: Keeps flies, mosquitoes, and small bugs away temporarily.
2. Onion Slices to Repel Cockroaches & Ants
Cockroaches strongly dislike the smell of raw onion.
How to use:
- Place fresh onion slices in corners, under the sink, behind appliances, or near trash cans.
- Replace every 24 hours because onions spoil quickly.
3. Onion & Salt for Lizards
Lizards avoid strong odors.
How to use:
- Place onion slices mixed with a pinch of salt near windowsills and corners.
- This creates a scent barrier that lizards avoid.
4. Onion + Lemon for Flies
Flies hate citrus + onion together.
How to use:
- Rub a lemon wedge on surfaces.
- Place onion slices nearby.
- Works especially well in kitchens.
A Natural, Gentle Deterrent — Not a Cure-All
Onions won’t permanently remove pests, but they can help keep insects, lizards, and cockroaches away naturally. It’s a safe, inexpensive method to freshen your home and reduce unwanted guests without chemicals.
