The rainy season brings relief from scorching summer heat, refreshing breezes, and the sweet scent of wet earth. But along with all its charm, it also invites an unwanted guest into our homes — insects. Mosquitoes, ants, flies, cockroaches, and even termites become more active during monsoons due to the increase in moisture and stagnant water.

If you’ve been searching how to keep away insects in rainy season, you’re not alone. Many households struggle with insect infestations as rainwater seeps in, drains clog, and damp conditions take over. While there are plenty of chemical solutions in the market, they can be harsh, expensive, or even harmful to kids and pets.

The good news is that there are free and natural home remedies that can help you control insects during the monsoon — without spending a rupee! Let’s dive into 10 highly effective home remedies to keep insects away in the rainy season.

🌿 1. Neem Leaves or Neem Oil Spray

Neem is a powerful natural insect repellent. You can use fresh neem leaves or make a neem spray by boiling a handful of leaves in water and letting it cool. Strain the solution and spray it in corners, near windows, and kitchen sinks.

Alternatively, mix neem oil with water and a few drops of liquid soap to create a stronger homemade insect repellent. It works especially well against mosquitoes, ants, and bed bugs.

🌱 2. Tulsi (Basil) Plant Near Windows

Tulsi, or holy basil, not only purifies air but also repels mosquitoes and flies naturally. Keeping a tulsi plant near windows or entry points creates a natural barrier for insects.

Its strong smell is something most bugs hate. Plus, it adds a calming presence to your home. You can also crush some tulsi leaves and rub them on your skin for mosquito protection.

🍋 3. Lemon and Cloves Trick

A classic remedy! Cut a lemon into two halves and stick 4–5 cloves into each half. Place them near windows, kitchen counters, or bedside tables. The strong scent of citrus and clove acts as a natural insect deterrent, especially for houseflies and mosquitoes.

This is one of the most effective and aromatic remedies for how to keep away insects in rainy season for free.

🧂 4. Salt for Ant Trails

Ants become extremely active during rains. One of the easiest ways to stop them is by sprinkling salt along their trails or near their entry points. Salt disrupts their scent trails and dehydrates them, forcing them to stay away.

You can also mix salt with water and spray it around baseboards and cracks where ants usually appear.

🧄 5. Garlic Spray for Mosquitoes and Bugs

Garlic isn’t just good for your health — it’s great for pest control too. Boil a few crushed garlic cloves in water. Let the water cool and pour it into a spray bottle.

This pungent spray can be applied around the house to repel mosquitoes, flies, and even cockroaches. Just avoid spraying near fabrics as the smell might linger.

🌾 6. Bay Leaves in Pantry & Storage

If your kitchen attracts weevils or food bugs during the rainy season, place a few dry bay leaves inside your rice, flour, or lentil containers. Bay leaves act as a strong repellent against pantry insects.

This is a traditional remedy used in Indian households for generations — simple, safe, and highly effective.

💨 7. Camphor for Damp Areas and Bathrooms

Camphor is a powerful disinfectant and natural insect repellent. Keep camphor tablets in cupboards, shoe racks, and bathroom corners. The scent helps in keeping cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders away, especially in damp areas.

You can also burn camphor in the evening to purify indoor air and repel flying insects naturally.

🧴 8. Vinegar and Water Spray

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it around sinks, door frames, and windows. Vinegar not only repels ants and flies, but it also cleans mold and mildew — two common rainy season problems.

Add a few drops of peppermint oil to make it even more potent (optional but very effective).

🧼 9. Keep Drains and Corners Dry & Clean

Prevention is the best remedy. Clean your drains and sink holes regularly, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Don’t let water stagnate in plant trays, buckets, or outside the house. Dampness is a major magnet for insects.

Using bleach or baking soda in drains once a week keeps them clean and bug-free. Also, mop floors with a disinfectant like phenyl or Dettol during monsoons to prevent bugs from entering.

💡 10. Use Natural Lighting and Ventilation

Dark, closed, and damp rooms are ideal breeding spots for bugs. During the day, open curtains and windows to let in sunlight and fresh air. Good ventilation and natural light help in keeping dampness at bay, and thus reducing insect presence.

Also, repair window screens and close gaps in doors and windows to block insects from entering in the first place.

🏡 Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Monsoon Pests Naturally

So, the next time you wonder how to keep away insects in rainy season, skip the harmful sprays and try these free home remedies instead. They are natural, safe, and effective ways to maintain a bug-free home — even during the wettest months of the year.

With a little bit of consistency and care, you can easily prevent insects from turning your monsoon into a nightmare. After all, the rainy season is meant to be enjoyed with hot chai and love your family, not bug bites!

If you found these tips useful, share them with your friends and family. Let’s keep our homes healthy, clean, and insect-free — naturally.