Testing DIY Mosquito and Fruit Fly Repellent
Hello, everyone welcome back! If you've been following my videos, you know that I've been battling a mosquito and fruit fly infestation in my backyard. In search of a solution, one of my subscribers recommended the Paul Harvey spray—a DIY repellent that has gained popularity among many. Intrigued by its claims, I decided to put it to the test.
Step 1: Before diving into the DIY spray, I showcased the magnitude of my fruit fly problem. Hidden among my trees, there were numerous fruit flies buzzing around, causing annoyance and frustration. Additionally, my shrubs harbored a significant number of mosquitoes, adding to the challenge.
Step 2: The Recipe for DIY Spray To combat these pests, I prepared a DIY spray known as the Paul Harvey spray. The recipe, popularized in the 80s through a radio broadcast, has been tested and endorsed by many. The ingredients needed are as follows:
Mint-flavored mouthwash (any brand, cheapest available)
Beer (cheapest available, allowed to go flat)
Epsom salt (preferably lavender fragrance)
Step 3: Mixing and Preparing the Spray In a container, combine three cups of Epsom salt with a large bottle of mint-flavored mouthwash. Thoroughly mix the Epsom salt into the mouthwash. Strain the mixture to ensure no salt blockages occur when transferring it into a spray bottle. Finally, add three cans of beer to the spray bottle, securing the sprayer in place.
Step 4: Initial Results and Expanding the Solution After two days of using the initial spray, the results were not as effective as anticipated. It became clear that the solution I had initially prepared was insufficient for the size of my backyard. Considering the cost and limited coverage, I decided to invest more in the spray by acquiring additional ingredients: 12 cans of beer, four bottles of mouthwash, and a full bag of Epsom salt.
Step 5: Comprehensive Application and Costs With an expanded solution, I sprayed the entire perimeter of my house, including trees, concrete, grass, and fence boards. I covered both my front and backyard extensively. The additional expenses amounted to a total of $51.05, resulting in two gallons of spray solution.
Step 6: Evaluating the Results Two days later, the backyard's scent had significantly improved, emitting a refreshing minty fragrance. Most importantly, the mosquito population had vanished. While fruit flies still lingered, their numbers were notably reduced. It is worth noting that the spray does not kill these pests but acts as a deterrent.
Conclusion: Based on my experience, I believe the Paul Harvey spray is effective against mosquitoes, providing excellent repellent properties. It also exhibits some effect on fruit flies, although not as pronounced. However, the cost of the DIY spray can be substantial for larger areas, making it less practical in such cases. Nonetheless, if you have a small space to protect, this natural spray can be a viable option.
I hope you found this comprehensive review helpful and informative. If you did, don't forget to hit the subscribe button for more content. See you in another post!