Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Banana peels: Put them in a bottle. If you use them this way, you’ll never throw them away again.

 

What if the solution to mosquitoes was… in your fruit basket? No, it’s not a joke: those banana peels we automatically throw away after snacks or breakfast can be transformed into a natural, economical, and ecological repellent. Zoom in on this amazing trick that’s good for… your skin, your plants, and the planet!

Why Banana Peels Are Much More Valuable Than You Think

Rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamins, and antioxidants, banana peels are an underrated treasure. In  homemade cosmetics , they’re used in hair and skin masks. And in gardening, they’re perfect for nourishing your plants, especially tomatoes and cucumbers.

But did you know that they can also become your best allies against insects?

The easy-to-do mosquito repellent trick at home

Here’s a very simple homemade recipe   that will transform your summer (and your evenings on the terrace).





Ingredients :

  • 1 very ripe banana peel
  • 200 ml of vinegar ( cider or white wine )
  • 400 ml of water
  • 200 g of sugar
  • 1 empty 2 liter plastic bottle

Steps to follow:

  1. Cut the bottle in half (at the top third) with a pair of scissors or a cutter.
  2. In a bowl, mix the water, sugar and vinegar until completely dissolved.
  3. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the bottle.
  4. Add the chopped banana peel.
  5. Place the top of the bottle upside down (like a funnel), without the cap.
  6. Place this trap where mosquitoes are most numerous:  near windows, on a windowsill, on the terrace, in the garden, etc.

Quick tip  : Change the mixture every two to three days to keep it effective.

Why does it work?

The slightly fermented scent   of the mixture attracts mosquitoes and other flying insects. Once inside the bottle, they can’t get out again. And there you have it! No chemicals, no sprays, just a little ingenuity and  common sense .

And what about the garden side?

Banana peels also work wonders in the vegetable garden!  Whole, blended, or in an infusion , they enrich the soil, strengthen your plants, and promote good harvests. Cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries… everyone loves them.

So the next time you eat a banana, think about it: its skin can become your  best summer ally  — mosquito repellent, beauty treatment, natural fertilizer…  Who can beat that?