Onions are not only a kitchen staple —but they also serve as a natural and chemical-free solution to repel common household pests. Onions’ strong smell and natural compounds can effectively deter flies, rats, lice, bugs, lizards, mosquitoes, and cockroaches. Here’s how you can use onions to keep these pests at bay:

1. Repelling Rats

With a highly sensitive sense of smell, rats find the strong odor of onions unappealing.

How to Use:

Slice an onion and place it in areas where rats are likely to enter, such as behind appliances, near doors, or in pantry corners.

Remember to replace the onion slices every 1-2 days to maintain a fresh scent.

2. Keeping Flies Away

Flies don’t like the pungent smell of onions, making them an effective repellent.

How to Use:

Place slices of raw onion near windows, doors, or anywhere flies gather.

For an extra repelling power, add a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or lavender around the onion slices.

3. Treating Lice Naturally

Thanks to its sulfur compounds, onion juice is known for its effectiveness in treating head lice naturally,

How to Use:

Blend a few onions and extract the juice.

Apply the juice directly to the scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.

Repeat once a week until the lice are gone. 

4. Repelling Bugs and Beetles

The smell of onions can deter many types of small bugs and beetles.

How to Use:

Place chopped onions in small bowls around the house, particularly near cracks and entry points.

Remember to replace them every couple of days to maintain a potent smell.

5. Keeping Lizards Away

Lizards are repelled by the strong smell of onions.

How to Use:

Place slices of onion on window sills, under kitchen sinks, or in any other spots where lizards might roam.

This will discourage them from lingering in those areas.

6. Reducing Mosquitoes

While onions alone won’t eliminate mosquitoes, they can help reduce their presence.

How to Use:

Place slices of onion around areas where you sit, such as outdoor patios.

For an added effect, combine onion with a few cloves or a drop of essential oils like citronella.

7. Deterring Cockroaches

The strong smell of onions can deter cockroaches, making it harder for them to find food.

How to Use:

Place small pieces of onion in areas where cockroaches are commonly seen, such as behind the fridge, near trash cans, and under sinks.

You can also mix onions with a bit of baking soda for an extra deterrent.

Tips for Best Results

– Keep Fresh: Replace onions regularly, as their strong smell diminishes over time.

– Combine with Other Natural Deterrents: Using onions along with vinegar, essential oils, or cloves can strengthen their pest-repelling effect.

– Avoid in Pet Areas: If you have pets, make sure to avoid placing onions where they might be tempted to chew on them, as onions can be toxic to cats and dogs.