Few things are quite as infuriating for the homeowner as a pest problem. Pest control can be a frustrating and ongoing situation, not to mention costly. Furthermore, the chemicals employed by pest control services can be toxic to humans and pets in a dwelling, especially over extended periods of time in which they are used.

A Gold Coast pest control company recommends considering using some natural home remedies. They said these can be just as effective in pest control. Plus, likely be cheaply made using ingredients you already have around the house.

Some of the chemicals employed by pest control services can be toxic to humans and pets, so consider using some of these natural home remedies.

Diatomaceous Earth

Few things are quite as versatile against a multitude of pests as this nontoxic, powdery earth. Sprinkle it indoors or outdoors to combat ants, roaches, slugs and snakes.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar mixed with a dash of dish soap, placed in a bottle with a funnel made of paper in the neck with a slight opening at the bottom so flies can get in but not out, is a very effective fruit fly and gnat trap.

Outdoor Insect Spray

Use a food processor to blend fresh mint leaves and garlic cloves, add some cayenne pepper and dishwashing soap, boil over a stove, and then let sit overnight. Placed in a spray bottle, it can be used on outside plants against a variety of pests.

Coffee Grounds

Don’t throw away used coffee grounds, most pests dislike the strong smell and texture, and against ants, it is fatal. Best used outdoors, they can be sprinkled around the perimeter of the house.

Borax

This common cleaner is also fatal to any bugs with a carapace, such as ants and roaches. Sprinkle under sinks or under furniture, where pets can’t reach.

Essential Oil Dust Mite Control

Spray your sheets with a gentle mixture of lavender, peppermint and rosemary.

Essential Oil Flea Control

A mixture of Basil and Lemongrass will work on dust mites as well, along with fleas and lice.

Grasshopper and White Fly Control

Leaves from a tomato plant can be crushed and soaked in water for three days, then sprayed on outdoor plants. However, these leaves are toxic, so do not use indoors or on food bearing plants.

Aphid Control Solution

For aphids in your garden, you can make an effective solution with Basil. Here’s a simple recipe:

First, boil a basil in 4 cups of water
After that, removed it from heat and strained
Lastly, add a dish soap into your solution.

Epsom Salt

Yet another wonderfully versatile item, Epsom salt can be used against mildew, wilt and rust.

Beer Slug Trap

Beer set out in shallow dishes attract slugs, who crawl in and drown.

Baking Soda Soap Mixture

For mildew and rust, you can use a combination of 2tbs dish soap, 2tbs baking soda into a gallon of water.

Peppermint Ant Spray

In areas with ants, spray a solution of peppermint essential oil mixed with a quart of water.

Mineral Oil Mealybug Mix

Three parts of mineral oil mixed with 100 parts water makes a solution useful against mealybugs, codling moth and scaled insects.

Eggshell Pest Prevention

A good preventative measure is to sprinkle crushed eggshells around the home and in areas you want pests to avoid.

Vinegar Pest Spray

The vinegar’s acidity is strong enough to kill many pests. Vinegar is frequently used as a contact insecticide. Hence, it must be sprayed directly onto the spotted pest to be effective.

Wet Newspaper Slug Trap

Stacks of wet newspaper in a plastic container attracts slugs, which can then be disposed of and the newspaper replaced.

Citrus Spray for Food Plants

To make a citrus spray, here’s what you need to do:

Boil an orange and lemon peels with water
Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes
Once cool, transfer the solution into a spray bottle

Pest Prevention Concentrate

Mix dish soap and vegetable oil and boil, then spray in affected areas.

Garlic Tea Pest Control

For pests indoors, you can safely use mixture of chopped garlic, cloves and water.

Pepper Pest Repellent

Because of its strong smell, pepper is very effective against pests. Mix with detergent and boil, then apply the mixture.

Tea Tree Oil Repellent

Another strong smelling ingredient, tea tree oil can be mixed 1tbs into a pint of water and sprayed in affected areas to ward off pests.

Baking Soda Anti-fungal

A mixture of mineral oil, water and baking soda sprayed on fungal infections is an effective treatment.

Onion Spider Repellent

You can use dried onion peels soaked in warm water for three days and strained in spider infested areas.

Rhubarb Leaf Pest Control

In a pest infested area, apply a boiled mixture of Rhubarb leaves mixed and dish soap.

Chili Japanese Beetle Repellent

A mixture of garlic and chili powder can repel Japanese beetles, borers and slugs in your garden.

Banana Aphid Control

Place a banana peel under the soil near plant stems to deter aphids and add nutrients to soil.

Cornmeal Ant Insecticide

Place cornmeal in areas where ants have been seen. They will eat it but can’t digest it, as it’s toxic to them, and they will also carry it back to the colony.

These pesticides are not only natural and safer than commercial products, they are just as effective and occasionally cheaper.

These home made pesticides are not only natural and safer than commercial products, they are just as effective and occasionally cheaper.

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Herbal Mosquito Control

To repel mosquitoes, burn rosemary or sage in a fire pit or a citronella candle

Clove Ladybug Control

Sprinkle clove oil or place satchels of cloves in heavily infested areas.

These pesticides are not only natural and safer than commercial products, they are just as effective and occasionally cheaper. You do not need special equipment or ingredients, and you likely already have these items in your pantry. Best of all, you avoid potentially toxic chemicals while also being mindful of the environment.

Which natural pest control products have you tried?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.