Twinkle Khanna’s ‘desi jugaad’ to keep cockroaches and ants out of your kitchen

Twinkle Khanna, the author of a popular lifestyle blog, has shared her unconventional method to deter unwanted guests in her kitchen - cockroaches and ants. In an Instagram post, the writer suggested a simple and affordable solution using easily available ingredients found in most Indian households. The secret lies in creating a DIY spray by crushing 8-10 cloves and 2-3 bay leaves, boiling them in a cup of water and a cup of vinegar, straining the liquid, and then pouring it into a spray bottle.

Her humorous comment about wishing she could use this mixture on human visitors adds a light-hearted touch to the post. However, Dr. Brunda M S, an Internal Medicine consultant at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, cautions that while DIY sprays can provide temporary relief, they should not replace proper pest control methods, especially in cases of persistent infestations.

She also advises against spraying any homemade mixture directly on food, utensils, or surfaces that come into contact with food unless it is confirmed to be safe.

Dr. Brunda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean kitchen to prevent pests from being attracted to food particles, moisture, grease, and waste. Proper cleaning practices, such as regularly washing countertops, dishes, and sponges, keeping the sink dry, and storing food in sealed containers, are crucial for ensuring food safety and hygiene.

Additionally, removing garbage daily, washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, and maintaining good ventilation are essential for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

For better kitchen hygiene, Dr. Brunda recommends following these steps: regularly cleaning surfaces and cooking areas, washing dishes properly, keeping the sink dry, cleaning the refrigerator periodically, storing food in closed containers, removing garbage daily, washing hands before and during food preparation, and replacing dirty sponges and cloths frequently. Lastly, she suggests ensuring proper ventilation and keeping drains clean and free of cracks or gaps where pests can enter.