Pests are more than just a minor inconvenience; if left unchecked, they can potentially cause damage to your beautiful home. However, insecticides available in stores are far too hazardous to use which may pose a health risk to the people in your household such as you, your family, and even your pets. If these substances can eliminate pests, they probably are not good for people’s health as well. Moreover, it is always beneficial to use something natural and safe when available. But what are some safe and effective pest removers at home we can utilize without resorting to harmful chemicals? Read on to find out!
Ants, cockroaches, fleas, flies, drain flies, fruit flies, gnats, stink bugs, and beetles are among the most common insects found in homes. Any one of these pests can appear at varying moments or seasons within the year. Some can even be more troubling in certain parts of the globe than other insects. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies for pests that are proven to work safely and effectively.
Prevention is better than cure!
One of the best ways to get rid of pests, that will not require the use of any pest removers at home, is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. You can do this by sealing up any cracks or openings around your doors and windows. You can also keep pests out by keeping your food sealed up and stored properly.
Read also: 5 Simple tips to keep the pests away
If you already have pests in your home, here are some of the safest and most effective natural home remedies for pests that you can try:
- Essential Oils
Essential oils are oils extracted from plants that contain their aroma and chemical properties. They are procured through a range of methods. Many individuals are unaware that essential oils can be used as pest removers at home. To make a dust mite repellent spray, combine eucalyptus, lavender, clove, or peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Allow the spray to dry after misting your all home furniture. To get the best protection, always dilute essential oils either in water or in a carrier oil like almond, grapeseed, or jojoba oil. Use with extra care around children and pets. Reapply as frequently as needed. - A mixture of Borax and Sugar
The Borax and sugar combination is one of the best ways to deal with ants. You just need to mix a half cup of sugar, one and a half tablespoons of Borax, and one and a half cups of warm water. Then, place some cotton balls in the mixture, and leave these to soak. Then put these near the mess of ants. The sugar attracts the ants, and they bring the Borax back with them. - Coffee Grounds
Many insects, such as mosquitos, fruit flies, and beetles, are poisoned by compounds found in coffee grounds. You can either designate containers of coffee grounds or sprinkle them around outdoor seating areas to use as an insect and pest repellent. In addition, you can also keep pests away from your plants by scattering coffee grounds around them. These contribute to the formation of a barrier that slugs and snails dislike. - Onion
Onions repel spiders because they can easily drive these pests away. All you have to do is slice some onions and place them in a bowl of water then place these at spider entry points at home. When they detect it, they will come to a halt and crawl out. - Baking Soda
Baking soda has long been used to repel roaches inside one’s home. It is even more effective when mixed with powdered sugar. You can combine the two ingredients and scatter them where you usually see pests. Though a little tricky, it is one of the most effective ways to eliminate bugs. - Apple Cider Vinegar
If you have a problem with fruit flies in your kitchen, apple cider vinegar is one effective home remedy for pests you can try. Just take a small bowl and fill it with apple cider vinegar. Enclose the bowl in plastic wrap and poke a few ballpoint pen holes in it. Fruit flies will be drawn to the vinegar and will be able to enter but not exit the bowl filled with apple cider vinegar. - White Vinegar
Ants despise the smell of vinegar as it also disrupts their scent trail. Hence, white vinegar is a good solution for simple ant outbreaks inside your house. Just mix equal parts of water and white vinegar into a spray bottle. You may also opt to add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil. Spray these to all possible ant entry points. Repeat daily to see results. - Fresh or Dried Herbs
Strong-smelling herbs like lavender, mint, lemon balm, sage, and citronella are despised by mosquitoes. Simply toss a few fresh or dried herb branches into an outdoor fire pit to create a natural mosquito-repelling instrument. - Banana Peels
Aphids can be prevented from your garden by using banana peels. Aphids are often deterred by the strong odor of a banana peel. Simply wrap banana peel strips around the base of your affected plants and this will do the trick. - Cucumber Peels
Cucumber peels, most especially bitter ones, are also very effective against ants, and pests. You can repel ant colonies by just placing cucumber peels around your doors and windows. - Homemade Fly Traps
To set up a home fly trap, fill a glass jar halfway with dish soap and sugar. Next, roll a piece of paper into a cone in the opening of a glass jar and enclose this using tape. This will entice and harm flies inactively. This simple device is effective, especially if a piece of old fruit is situated in the jar as a trap. - Mint
Mint is another effective pest repellent that is easy to use. It repels common irritants like flies, mosquitoes, and ants. Simply place mint leaves around your windows, doors, and any other areas where you suspect insects are entering your house. Even better, you may also opt to plant mint around doorways of your home. - Salt
One of the most effective, yet forgotten, home remedy for pests such as ant and flea control, is salt. To keep ants out of your home, simply sprinkle salt around your home windows and doors. Fleas tend to be concentrated around rugs, so it is best to sprinkle salt directly onto this furniture to eliminate these pests.
In a nutshell, there is a variety of safe home remedies for pests that you can use for your affordable house and lot or condominium unit from BRIA Homes. You may need to try a few different methods before you find the one that works best for you, but ultimately, getting rid of pests is possible without resorting to harmful chemicals. Whatever method you choose, it is important to take action quickly when you see signs of pests in your home. The sooner you get rid of them, the less chance they have to multiply and cause even more problems. If you have any questions about the best way to get rid of pests in your home, be sure to consult a professional.
BRIA Homes primes itself on the development of affordable house and lot packages and easy-on-the-pocket condominium units that caters to ordinary Filipino families who aspire to acquire their own homes. It had become the perfect choice for average Filipino workers who wanted to invest in a home that is both high quality and affordable.
Written by: MC Sanchez
