Do you want to naturally keep insects like mosquitoes, flies, or wasps away – without chemicals and without killing them? In this guide, we show you effective, animal-friendly methods for your home, balcony, and garden. We also introduce the LIV insect catcher – LIV by Neher from our shop: a handheld device that allows you to safely collect insects and release them outdoors – without harming them.Natural insect repellent relies on three strategies:
These measures protect beneficial insects, maintain ecological balance, and are safe for children, pets, and plants.
A quiet fan at balcony/patio doors disturbs the flight of small mosquitoes and reduces entry – ideal in the evening when ventilating.
Use warm white light indoors (under 3000 K), partially close curtains; use motion sensors outdoors instead of continuous light. This attracts fewer nocturnal insects.
Tightly closing insect screens, brush seals on sliding doors, insect screen roller blinds – keep them out without harming them. A selection of high-quality insect screens can be found here (link to neher.de)
Avoid UV zappers, sticky traps, or liquid traps if you want to act in an insect-friendly way.
The LIV insect catcher is a simple, hygienic handheld device that allows you to safely relocate insects and spiders outside without harming them. Here's how it works in three steps:
LIV also comes in a pretty organic cotton bag. You can store your device safely and hygienically at home and even take it with you on vacation if needed.
Source and details: Product page LIV insect catcher – LIV by Neher: https://www.livbyneher.de/produkt/liv-insektenfaenger
- Avoidance: Reduce attractants (e.g., standing water, open food).
- Confusion: Use smells, light, or air currents to prevent insects from finding their way into the house.
- Relocation: Gently catch individual animals and bring them outside – e.g., with the LIV insect catcher.
These measures protect beneficial insects, maintain ecological balance, and are safe for children, pets, and plants.
1. Scent Barriers with Plants and Natural Oils
- Balcony/Pots: Lemongrass, lemon balm, mint, lavender, rosemary, basil, tomato plants (against mosquitoes), catnip (against flies/mosquitoes). Place them at entrances, windowsills, and seating areas.
- Essential Oils: 5–10 drops of citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint in 100 ml water + 1 tsp alcohol, as a room/textile spray for screen frames and window reveals (do not apply to skin of children/allergy sufferers; test material compatibility beforehand).
2. Airflow as Invisible Protection
A quiet fan at balcony/patio doors disturbs the flight of small mosquitoes and reduces entry – ideal in the evening when ventilating.
3. Clever Light Management
Use warm white light indoors (under 3000 K), partially close curtains; use motion sensors outdoors instead of continuous light. This attracts fewer nocturnal insects.
4. Gap-Free Barriers at Windows and Doors
Tightly closing insect screens, brush seals on sliding doors, insect screen roller blinds – keep them out without harming them. A selection of high-quality insect screens can be found here (link to neher.de)
5. Do Not Use Killing Traps
Avoid UV zappers, sticky traps, or liquid traps if you want to act in an insect-friendly way.
The LIV insect catcher is a simple, hygienic handheld device that allows you to safely relocate insects and spiders outside without harming them. Here's how it works in three steps:
- Place the device with the opening over the insect.
- Carefully close the slider so that the animal is secured in the catching basket.
- Release it back into nature outdoors.
- Animal-friendly and chemical-free; ideal for spiders, flies, wasps, beetles, etc. (do not catch butterflies to avoid wing injuries).
- 100% recyclable material, made in Germany; includes organic cotton bag for storage and on the go.
- Good for families: Teaches respectful interaction with insects; helpful for insect phobia, as no direct contact is necessary.
- Kitchen: Within reach in the drawer next to the sink – quickly at hand for flies or spiders.
- Bedroom/Living Room/Bathroom: Store near windows to quickly collect visitors on the pane.
LIV also comes in a pretty organic cotton bag. You can store your device safely and hygienically at home and even take it with you on vacation if needed.
Source and details: Product page LIV insect catcher – LIV by Neher: https://www.livbyneher.de/produkt/liv-insektenfaenger
- Kitchen: Cover food, empty organic waste daily; use scent barriers (lavender/mint); LIV near windows.
- Bedroom: Ventilate for 10 minutes before sleeping, use warm white light, fan on low in summer; scent: lavender.
- Balcony/Terrace: Plant row of lemongrass, tomato, basil; scented candles; fan as needed.