Using orange peel to ward off pests is a very simple way to achieve a healthy garden. Oranges are well known for providing a healthy supply of vitamin C, but their benefits go beyond that. Experts recommend putting this fruit (or rather fruit scraps) to good use in the garden, where orange peels can be used to ward off pests.
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Why does orange peel scare away pests?
This garden idea may seem unconventional, but it’s an effective way to maintain your outdoors this spring (and beyond), and it has connoisseur approval. This is how orange peel is used to ward off pests.
Pests are repelled by the scent of citrus fruits that live in the remaining peels. However, its benefits do not end there.
Orange peels are great for the garden as they can help add nutrients to the soil, making plant growth and maintenance easier. This idea will deter pests and improve soil health at the same time, but where do you start?
How to Use Orange Peels to Repel Pests
There are several ways to use orange peel to keep pests away from your garden. using a spray or by placing chopped or whole orange peels near the plants.
Make an Orange Peel Repellent Spray
One of the best ways to use orange peels to deter pests is to create a spray.
To make this espay, boil the peel of one orange in one cup of water, or the peels of two oranges in two cups of water, and so on as needed, for ten minutes. Remember to use only clean, pulp-free shells.
Let everything cool and add a teaspoon of white vinegar (optional), then strain the liquid and put it in a spray bottle.
Spray it every three to four days to repel pests like slugs, aphids, ants, whiteflies and fruit flies, and to keep them away.
This option also works well indoors, so you can protect your best houseplants as well.
Use chopped orange peels near plants
Alternatively, you can chop (or grind) your orange peels into small pieces. Scatter these pieces or scrapings near the base of the plants.
The pungent smell of orange peels can help deter some plant pests and rodents.
However, be sure to use the pieces while they are still fresh, as they must be replaced when they have dried out as they lose their effect.
Also, be sure to use only the rinds and not the pulp of the orange, as this could have the opposite effect. The sugars and juices in orange pulp can attract unwanted insects to the garden.
Slug and snail traps with orange peel
If you’ve noticed holes in plant leaves, slugs and snails are probably to blame, but you might not be able to catch them in the act. This is because they are very sensitive to hot, dry weather and tend to feed mainly at night.
Luckily, you don’t have to plan a midnight slug-picking party to save your plants.
Instead, place the fresh orange peels face down near a plant you suspect may have been eaten.
Leave the shells outside overnight and check them in the morning. With luck, you will turn it over and discover several slugs simultaneously hiding under the wet shell and gorging on “dessert”.
It may also be interesting to read: 10 ways to use eggshells in the garden.
Pick up the shell and slugs and dispose of them elsewhere. Repeat the operation daily with several shellfish to reduce the population of slugs and snails.
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