If you don't want to use commercial repellents or devices, such as the famous "electric rackets", there are still effective methods to keep mosquitoes away from your home. One of the most striking and curious of the moment is burning ground coffee.

With the arrival of summer and heat in the United States, mosquitoes often become one of the most annoying visitors to the home. The idea of ??burning coffee grounds is to create a non-toxic smoke that acts as a repellent.

Although it does not eliminate mosquitoes (it does not kill them) or replace recommended measures to prevent diseases transmitted by them, such as the use of mosquito nets or approved repellents, it can serve as an additional aid in patios, balconies or well-ventilated spaces.

Read also: Homemade trick with bay leaf and baking soda to eliminate bad odors from the closet

Why do burnt coffee grounds help repel mosquitoes?

The effect of this trick is mainly based on the smoke that the coffee gives off when it burns slowly. That smoke, along with the intense, bitter aroma of coffee, can make it difficult for mosquitoes to detect the carbon dioxide and other compounds that people release when they breathe and that they use to locate their potential hosts.

By losing part of these references, insects tend to move away from the area where the smoke remains present. The effect is similar to that produced by other plant materials traditionally used as natural repellents.

However, experts remember that its effectiveness may vary depending on the wind, the number of mosquitoes and environmental conditions.

How to prepare the home remedy

To perform this trick you will need completely dry ground coffee. If you want to reuse the leftover coffee already prepared, first spread it on a tray or aluminum foil and let it dry in the sun or in a ventilated place until all the moisture is removed.

Next, place the dried coffee in a metal container or on a base of heat-resistant aluminum foil. Light it carefully so that it does not produce flames, but rather a slow burn, similar to that of incense.

The idea is to generate constant smoke for several minutes, preventing the coffee from burning quickly.

How to enhance its effect

Some people add bay leaves to the coffee while it is consumed slowly. The combined smoke intensifies the aroma and can help keep insects away for longer.

It is also recommended to place the container near windows, doors, terraces or balconies, ensuring that a light current of air distributes the smoke towards the areas where mosquitoes usually enter.

Another alternative is to take advantage of the used coffee, but without burning it. Spreading it over the potting soil can help keep away some insects that remain between the plants, in addition to providing organic matter to the substrate.

Although it is a very popular home remedy, coffee should always be burned in heat-resistant containers and under constant supervision to avoid fire risks. It should never be used near flammable materials, curtains or wooden furniture.