Stop Bugging Me: Safe And Natural Pest Control

From spiders to mosquitos to ants, household pests can be a huge headache. Nobody wants bugs creeping around the house, but at the same time, getting rid of an infestation is not easy. One of the most common ways to fight back is with pesticides.

The problem? Many pesticides are filled with chemicals that not only attack pests but also can hurt humans and harm the environment. In some cases, commercial pesticides can even contribute to serious illnesses such as cancer. If you use them as a solution to your pest problems, you risk causing harm to yourself, the people in your household, and the planet. Finding safe and natural options for pest control is a much better alternative.

Recipes for Homemade Bug Repellent

How can you repel pests with natural products? What are the best ways to fight off insects without relying on harsh chemicals? The good news is, lots of ordinary household products work effectively against bugs and pests but are not dangerous to humans. You probably have many of these ingredients in the pantry already.

If you’re looking for a few ideas to try in your own home, here are some examples:

1. Garlic spray:

Did you know combining 1 part garlic with 5 parts water creates a natural bug repellant spray for your home or yard? This natural solution keeps away bugs of all kinds.

2. Neem oil and soap:

Do you need a way to combat bugs as well as mildew and fungal infection on your indoor or outdoor plants? Here’s a highly effective insecticide using natural ingredients: Combine 1 cup of neem oil with 1 tablespoon of castile soap. Put 2 tablespoons of this mixture into a spray bottle, and add a quart of water. Apply it to your plants to naturally deter mites, aphids, and other common pests.

3. Baking soda and powdered sugar:

Mix equal amounts of baking soda and powdered sugar, and you have a combination that’s perfect for sprinkling anywhere roaches are found. The sugar acts as a bait, drawing them out, and the baking soda kills them.

4. Peppermint oil:

Spiders hate peppermint, so creating a good spider spray starts with peppermint essential oil. Combine 1.5 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 1/3 cup of white vinegar, and 10 to 15 drops of peppermint essential oil. Add it to a spray bottle and spray generously wherever spiders like to go in your house.

5. Essential oils and witch hazel:

Speaking of essential oils, combining certain varieties with witch hazel creates a natural mosquito repellant. To make your own, add 5 to 15 drops of peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, or citronella to 2 cups of witch hazel. Spray this as a natural way to keep mosquitos at bay.

As the five ideas above illustrate, there are lots of natural methods to combat pests, even without using harmful chemicals. For more information on natural pesticides, take a look at the attached resource. It lists 10 simple recipes for safe pest prevention you can use in the home and yard. Read it to get inspired with combinations to try!

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About the Author

Excited to share her love of home design and décor with readers, Jaclyn Crawford started with ImproveNet in 2016. As a staff writer, she enjoys chronicling the latest trends and ways you can make your home the loveliest it can be. You may also find her in ImproveNet videos, sharing tips and trends for your home.

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