Many people rub a lemon on their doorknobs before going to bed: why?

On nice days, we tend to go outdoors for walks, to spend carefree evenings alone or in company, relaxing on your own terrace and the like. And even if you have to work, summer brings with it a on-holiday type atmosphere. But summer also brings high temperatures and humidity which, in turn, have "side effects".

Insects, for example, proliferate and pester us. There are commercial products to get rid of them on sale in shops, but often they are not terribly effective. However, there are some DIY remedies we can resort to trying.

To solve any problem that arises at home, we are all inclined to rush out and buy something, without thinking that we have useful resources at home. Some resources can, in fact, have multiple purposes - we just need to be made aware of this fact.

For example: have you ever thought of replacing commercial pesticides with a simple citrus fruit? Of course, commercial sprays are very effective against insects of all kinds, but they are certainly not environmentally friendly and can also pose a health risk if not used with caution. Which is why it's always better to look for a natural alternative: maybe there's a DIY remedy that could be right for us, and with zero risks.

Lemons are great insect repellents. It is well known that many insects are repelled by citrus fruits, which is why it is good to always have some to hand. Spraying citrus juice around at home, or rubbing it on surfaces will keep insects away - and without killing them either.

To get the best results, take half of a lemon and rub it on a door handle so that the smell spreads throughout the house and this will stop insects entering your home. If you then want to protect the rest of the house, just squeeze three lemons, put the juice into a spray bottle, mix it with a small amount of water and you're done.

Spray the mixture around windows and doors so that insects no longer feel welcome. And your home will smell great too. Are you tempted to try this?