Here are a few simple ways to get rid of or keep household pests at bay without using harmful, toxic chemicals.
It goes without saying that you should always keep your kitchen clean, store food properly and take out the garbage regularly. Using vinegar as a disinfectant to clean surfaces is a great way to destroy scent trails and keep household pests at bay.
Make sure to fix any plumbing leaks immediately as many household pests tend to be drawn to sources of water and damp areas. If you find that you have an inordinate amount of fruit flies buzzing around even though you’ve gotten rid of all rotting food sources, a water source may be the luring culprit.
Don’t store firewood in your house as it provides shelter for all manner of creepy crawlies.
You should also stay on top of keeping your garden neat and tidy with bushes and trees trimmed and your grass kept short. Make sure to dispose of all leaves and grass clippings.
Peppermint oil is a must-have bug repellent. Mix several drops in water and spray the mixture around the house. Peppermint oil repels all manner of household pests including ants, mice, mosquitoes and spiders.
You can do the same with lavender essential oil. The scent of lavender is known to keep away moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. Both of these natural remedies are a great way to keep bugs out and leave your home smelling great!
Ants
Spritz white vinegar on areas where ants are likely to roam. To keep these tiny critters at bay simply sprinkle a an unbroken trail of salt or pepper across your doorway as this will prevent them from crossing the line. Ants will also stay away from certain strong smelling herbs such as mint, pennyroyal, rue or tansy and will be deterred by lemon juice and cinnamon. Lemon juice also tends to keep spiders away and cinnamon repels dust mites.
Cockroaches
A couple of natural cockroach repellents to try are vanilla beans and dried pyrethrum daisies. You can also place the ends of cucumbers in cupboards or other trouble spots. You can also keep cockroaches at bay by putting balls of wheat flour and boric powder in every corner of your kitchen.
Flies
Camphor is an effective repellent for flies. Simply place a few pieces around the house.
Fruit flies
A simple trick to getting rid of fruit flies is to make a trap by filling a jar with vinegar and water and adding several drops of dish soap to the mixture. Simply leave the jar on your kitchen counter.
Mosquitoes
Once you’ve made sure to get rid of any stagnant water sources, burning citronella candles is a great way to keep mozzies at bay. Spraying garlic solution by crushing garlic and boiling it in water, is another great natural solution.
Spiders
If you’re not a fan of having spiders in your house, rub citrus peels on areas where they are likely to hide.
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