How do natural insect traps work - without killing them?
Do you want to keep insects such as mosquitoes, flies or wasps away naturally – 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 you to the LIV insect catcher – LIV by Neher from our store: a handheld device that allows you to safely collect insects and release them outside – without harming them.
Basic principle: Keep away and relocate gently
Natural insect repellents rely on three strategies:
- Avoid: Reduce points of attraction (e.g. standing water, open food).
- Confuse: Use odors, light or air currents in such a way that insects cannot find their way into the house.
- Relocate: Carefully catch individual animals and bring them outside – e.g. with the LIV insect catcher.
These measures protect beneficial insects, maintain the ecological balance and are safe for children, pets and plants.
Practical, animal-friendly methods
1. fragrance 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, window sills and seating areas.
- Essential oils: 5-10 drops of citronella, eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint in 100 ml of water + 1 teaspoon of alcohol, as a room/textile spray for fly screen frames and window reveals (do not apply to the skin of children/allergy sufferers; test material compatibility beforehand).
2. airflow as invisible protection
A quiet fan on balcony/terrace doors disturbs the flight of small mosquitoes and reduces their entry – ideal in the evening when airing the room.
3. clever management of light
Use warm white (under 3000 K) indoors, close the curtains halfway; outside, use motion detectors instead of permanent light. This attracts fewer nocturnal insects.
4. lock-free barriers on windows and doors
Tightly closing fly screens, brush seals on sliding doors, insect screen roller blinds – keep insects out without harming them. You can find a selection of high-quality fly screens here (link neher.de)
5. do not use killing traps
Avoid UV shock devices, sticky traps or liquid traps if you want to be insect-friendly.
LIV insect catcher
The LIV insect catcher is a simple, hygienic handheld device that allows you to safely relocate insects and spiders outside without harming them. 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 catcher.
- Release them outside in nature.
Advantages:
- 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; including 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.
Where you can best store your LIV:
- Kitchen: Ready to hand in the drawer next to the sink – quickly at hand in case of flies or spiders.
- Bedroom/living room/bathroom: Place near the window to quickly collect visitors at the window.
Incidentally, LIV is supplied 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 necessary.
Source and details: LIV insect catcher product page – LIV by Neher: https://livbyneher.de/en/produkt/liv-insect-catcher/
Room-specific recommendations
- Kitchen: cover food, empty organic waste daily; use fragrance barriers (lavender/mint); LIV near windows.
- Bedroom: Cross-ventilate for 10 minutes before sleeping, warm white light, fan on low setting in summer; fragrance: lavender.
- Balcony/terrace: plant row of lemongrass, tomato, basil; scented candles; fan if required.