Oranges are well-known for offering a healthy boost of vitamin C, but their goodness extends far beyond the human body. Experts recommend putting this fruity favorite (or rather, the remains of this fruit) to good use in the garden – where you can use your leftover orange peel to keep pests at bay.
This garden idea may appear unconventional, but it is an effective way to maintain your exteriors this springtime (and beyond) – and it has it's approved by those in the know. This is how to use orange peel to deter pests, for good.
Why do orange peels deter pests?
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According to chef and garden expert Laura Ritterman, pests are repelled by the smell of citrus that lives on your leftover peel. However, its benefits don't end there.
'Orange peels are great for your garden, as they can help to add nutrients to your soil – aiding in the growth and maintenance of your plants,' Laura explains. This kitchen garden idea will deter pests and improve your soil's health at the same time – but where should you begin?
Expert Kevin Rodrigues from Gardening Mentor suggests there are two key ways to bring orange peel into your garden: using a spray or placing chopped-up orange peels near your plants.
'One of the best ways to use orange peels to deter pests is to create a spray,' Kevin says. The gardener recommends boiling a few orange peels in a cup of water for ten minutes, then straining the liquid into a spray bottle (such as this one from Amazon) once cool.
'Spray this every 3-4 days to get rid of pests like slugs, aphids, ants, whiteflies, and fruit flies – and to keep them away,' Kevin says. This option also works equally well indoors, so you can protect your best indoor trees around your home too.
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2. Use chopped up orange peels near your plants
(Image credit: GettyImages)
Alternatively, you can chop up (or grind) your orange peels into small pieces. 'Spread these pieces or scrapes near the base of the plants. The pungent smell of orange peels can help deter some pests and rodents away from the plants,' Kevin explains.
However, Kevin urges you to ask fast and ensure you cut when the pieces are still fresh. 'You need to replace them once they have dried out,' the expert adds.
Gardener Josh Tesolin of RusticWise also urges you to ensure you're placing only the peels and not the orange flesh, as this could have the reverse effect. 'The sugars and juices from orange flesh may actually attract some backyard insects,' Josh warns.
It's time to think twice before throwing away your orange peel, but remember, with this tip, the timing is key.
As such, the smell of citrus that remains on leftover peels is what will ultimately drive pests from your garden. By boiling orange peels in hot water, the liquid retains most of the fresh citrus smell, which is incredibly effective at keeping pests away, including mosquitoes, aphids, slugs, or even biting fleas.
According to chef and garden expert Laura Ritterman, pests are repelled by the smell of citrus that lives on your leftover peel, and thus deters them. 'Orange peels are great for your garden, as they can help to add nutrients to your soil – aiding in the growth and maintenance of your plants,' Laura explains.
By strategically placing dried orange peels around plants, seating areas, and wherever you notice pests lingering and along the patio edges, you can create a pest-free zone without the use of harsh chemicals. Be sure to replace them once they have dried out.
Most cats also detest the scent of citrus fruits, like oranges. Therefore, they tend to steer clear of such fruits. An unpeeled orange won't bother your cat that much, but the oils in the orange peel are sure to turn a cat around and make them go in the opposite direction.
Some plants, like hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and camellias, thrive in acidic soil - so for those looking to plant them, orange peels is a great addition.
Natural Pest Deterrent: Orange Peels to Protect Your Crops: The potent scent of orange peels can act as a natural deterrent against pests in your garden. Simply scatter or place strips of orange peels around vulnerable plants to discourage pests like aphids, slugs, and ants.
And it's a natural pesticide," Murray says in a voiceover. "You take oranges, orange peel—boil it on the stove in a pot for about 15-20 minutes and what you're doing is taking out the nutrients in this, which is the calcium, magnesium, sulfur and nitrogen found in the orange peel and also in the orange."
The use of banana and orange peels as substitutes for mineral fertilizers in tomato plants has shown positive effects on nitrogen and potassium content.
Flies and mosquitoes, on the other hand, are attracted to blue tones and repelled by warm tones like yellow and orange. They prefer dark colors because they use their heat receptors to locate warm bodies to feed on.
Orange peel has natural pest repelling ingredients. It is rich in limonene which helps in keeping the insects and flies, it also helps in keeping away the mosquitoes.
Most likely culprits are grasshoppers, katydids, crickets or weevils. Birds can do damage, but they will usually punch a hole in the fruit. And rodents will eat citrus, but they don't stop at the outer surface of the peel.
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