Biodegradable, orange peels can be your great ally this summer
Oranges are one of the most popular fruits around the world. However, unlike other fruits like apples or pears, whose peels are edible, orange peel is not suitable for consumption. But that doesn’t mean it should be discarded. In fact, orange peel can be extremely useful and versatile, and we will explain how.
Due to its distinct aroma, orange peel can be used to create scented candles or even extract essential oil. Furthermore, it is a natural and ecological alternative to keeping insects away, as mentioned on the House Digest website.
With the arrival of heat, mosquitoes also appear. Although it is pleasant to enjoy a warm afternoon on the patio, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, bothering us with their bites. However, scattering orange peels around your patio or porch can help reduce this problem.
According to a study published in 2001 in the scientific journal Bioresource Technology, the extracts found in oranges are effective as mosquito and other insect repellents. Although the study focused on sprays made from these extracts, pest control professionals say it is also possible to use just the bark. A more recent study, published in 2023, reinforces this theory, recommending the use of orange peels outdoors to ward off mosquitoes.
Orange peel acts as a repellent due to its limonene content, an insecticidal component that affects the respiratory system of insects. Therefore, in addition to spreading the peels outside your home, you can also rub them on your skin to ward off mosquitoes.
The best part is, if you happen to forget the shells on your patio or balcony, that’s no problem. They are biodegradable and will decompose naturally. However, you can also collect and replace the peels when you feel that they are losing their effect or becoming too deteriorated.
Tags: Forget chemicals spread orange peels balcony yard results
