Common pests may be repelled by common household products. Regular pest maintenance is always recommended, however, some simple, natural remedies are good options to reduce pest problems between regularly scheduled maintenance. And, some common household products make great insect-control solutions and decrease your dependence on less-savory chemical repellants. Keep pests away with these natural remedies.
Coffee Grounds Are Excellent Natural Remedies
As delicious as we think a morning cup of joe is, the coffee grounds are good for pest control! Try sprinkling leftover coffee grounds around the exterior of your home where you think pests may be entering your home. Most critters cannot stand the odor of coffee. They will smell and turn right around. This technique also works well in your home garden.
Banana Peels are Natural Remedies
A great tool to use in your garden is a banana peel. Aphids do not like bananas. If you bury peels into the soil near stems of plants, aphids will be repelled. Plus, the banana peel will add nutrients to your soil, making a more plush environment for your plants.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Fruit flies can be a major annoyance in your kitchen all year long. If you pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into a bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and punch a few holes into the top, you will have a natural trap. Fruit flies will be attracted to the smell, and then get caught inside the bowl. Soon, your fruit fly problem will be eradicated.
Cornmeal
Ants are repelled by cornmeal. If you are seeing ants in your kitchen or bathroom, place small piles of cornmeal down in their path. Interestingly, ants like to eat cornmeal, but they cannot digest it. They will pick up the cornmeal, take it back to their nest, and soon the ant colony will be gone. This process does take several days, but it is an effective non-toxic strategy.
White Vinegar
Ants leave a trail when they walk. This allows other ants from the colony to find their way to food. If you see ants, wash the area thoroughly with white vinegar, water and 10 drops of either peppermint or eucalyptus oil. It will clear the trail and cut ants off from finding their food source.
Use Essential Oils are Natural Remedies
Make your own dust mite repellant with essential oils. Mix lavender, clove, eucalyptus, or peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Mist linens, furniture, and closets. Once it dries, dust mites will leave because they do not like the smell. This solution also works on carpet and rugs.
Sweet Basil
The added touch of sweet basil is a favorite ingredient to many recipes. However, flies do not like it. Fill a planter box with basil and leave it near your door or out on the patio. Plant the basil and it will ward off flies.
Work With A Local Pest Management Company
These simple, non-toxic strategies for reducing pest problems are fun, easy and effective. However, you may find that you have a bigger pest infestation that needs professional intervention. To learn how you can get a handle on your pest and rodent problems, give the professionals at Aantex a call at 925-240-5100 or schedule your free consultation online.
We’re here to help! AANTEX Pest Control offers a variety of free inspections and services the entire Bay Area. 1-800-471-5555
