Hot summer days often call for a barbecue with friends, but these gatherings can quickly be interrupted by unwelcome guests in the form of insects.
Mosquitoes and other pests can spoil the fun, but there's a simple and effective solution: coffee grounds.
According to Chip.de, using coffee grounds can help keep mosquitoes and wasps at bay. This natural remedy is also recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its ability to repel insects, thanks to its strong scent that intensifies when burned.
Here's how you can use coffee grounds to keep insects away from your barbecue:
Collect and Dry Coffee Grounds: Start by collecting used coffee grounds and letting them dry properly. You can leave them in the sun on a baking sheet or plate for a day. For faster drying, place them in the oven at 80 degrees Celsius for about half an hour or heat them in the microwave on medium power for five minutes.
Burn the Coffee Grounds: Once the coffee grounds are dry, place them on aluminum foil next to the grill and light them with some charcoal or a lighter. The smoke produced is effective at repelling insects, although it may have an unpleasant smell.
Enhance the Aroma: To improve the smell and enhance the insect-repelling effect, add fresh sage or rosemary to the fire.
Additionally, the coffee grounds can be used to clean the grill grate after your barbecue. Their abrasive properties help scrub away food residue and grease, making it easier to keep the grill clean and ready for the next use.
