The Important Reason You Should Keep Orange Peels Outside Your Door in Louisiana Right Now

As we enjoy the warm breezes and the occasional torrential downpour typical of a Louisiana spring, there's a lesser-known but very practical use for those orange peels you might be tossing out. Instead of discarding these citrus scraps, consider placing them outside your door to help deter pesky insects.

If you're skeptical, that's okay. I was also leery when I saw this floating around the internet.

From the swamps to the city streets, Louisianans are no strangers to the uninvited house guests known as cockroaches. However, Orkin suggests a natural remedy that can help keep these critters out of your crib. Osage orange fruit has been noted for its cockroach-repelling properties, thanks to a specific chemical compound it contains. The same principle applies to the more readily available citrus peels, which can serve a similar purpose.

According to research from Bioresource Technology, extracts from the peels of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Citrus aurantifolia (lime) have shown effectiveness as repellents against mosquitoes and other insects, including cockroaches and houseflies. The study primarily utilized orange oil, but as Orkin points out, the peels themselves can be just as useful. Placing these peels around your home, especially near entry points and garden areas, can create a natural barrier against pests.

Beyond their pest control properties, orange peels have many uses that many Louisianans might find appealing. House Digest highlights that these peels can be transformed into candied orange treats and aromatic essential oils and can even be used directly in gardens to deter pests from plants.

Louisiana's warm and wet climate makes it a breeding ground for various insects. Utilizing orange peels could be a simple and eco-friendly strategy to enhance your home’s defenses against pests. Think twice before throwing those peels away next time you enjoy a juicy orange. Instead, scatter them around your porch or place them strategically at potential entry points around your home. Not only will you be recycling in a fragrant and natural way, but you might also enjoy a summer with fewer unwanted insect visitors.