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

Twinkle Khanna, famous Indian author and lifestyle blogger, shares her quirky solution to keep unwanted guests like cockroaches and ants out of her kitchen. She posted on Tweak India's Instagram about her unique method, known as 'desi jugaad', a Hindi term for the clever use of household ingredients. The recipe involves crushing 8-10 cloves and 2-3 bay leaves, boiling them in a mixture of one cup each of water and vinegar. After straining the liquid, it is poured into a spray bottle for easy application.

Khanna humorously notes that she wished she could spray this mixture on humans to ward off late-night company, whether they are two-legged or six-legged. While some people may find this DIY approach helpful, Dr. Brunda M.S, a Senior Consultant from Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, advises that while homemade sprays may repel certain pests due to their smell, they should not be seen as a complete solution.

Dr. Brunda emphasizes that proper kitchen hygiene is key to preventing pest infestations. Food particles, moisture, grease, and waste can attract these unwanted guests, while dirty surfaces, utensils, and sponges can harbor harmful germs. Regular cleaning, especially of countertops, cooking surfaces, and the sink, is crucial for maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.

Dr. Brunda also recommends keeping the refrigerator clean, storing food in airtight containers, and removing garbage daily to avoid attracting pests. Washing fruits and vegetables before consumption, avoiding food scraps and standing water, and maintaining good ventilation are other essential practices to follow. Additionally, she stresses the importance of keeping drains clean and sealing any cracks or gaps that could serve as entry points for pests.