Summer is here and the time is right for pests. Sure, you can call an exterminator…. but it you don’t like using pesticides to eliminate the pesky pests, try these (mostly) chemical free, and cheaper, alternatives:
Ants:
- Sprinkle cinnamon, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, coffee grinds or baby powder in areas where you see them, as well as along baseboards and windowsills (which they use to scurry back to their nests).
- I have had great success sprinkling Borax (It is toxic in high doses so keep kids and pets away)
Cockroaches:
- These ancient pests are evidently turned away with equal parts baking soda and confectioners’ sugar.
- Also try using boric acid on the top of your kitchen cabinets (these fellas evidently like high places) [boric acid is toxic to pets and kids so keep away.]
- Catnip is also supposed to be a natural repellent to cockroaches.
Mice:
- Dip cotton balls in peppermint oil and leave them where mice like to roam– in your pantry.
- Used kitty litter is supposedly another repellent.
- If you don’t want to kill the little rascals in a spring trap or glue pad, try the TinCat. They enter the metal box but can’t leave. Take them out to the fields and let ‘em loose …or add some poison and you got yourself a mice hotel, where they can only check out permanently. I’ve used the Tin Cat and it works great.
The Tin Cat Repeating Mouse Trap (holds 30 of the furry little fellas)
Mosquitoes:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and leave it on your patio, deck, balcony, etc.
- Some claim dabbing lavendar oil on your wrists and elbows works. (at least you’ll smell nice)
- Mix one part garlic juice with 5 parts water in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray lightly on exposed body parts– claims to repel for up to 5 - 6 hours. Strips of cotton cloth can also be dipped in this mixture and hung in your outdoor areass.
- In a New England Journal of Medicine study, soybean oil prevented mosquito bites for 1.5 hours. (DEET-based repellents works best– average 5 hours). Injested remedies (garlic), sound emitting devices and wristbands (even with DEET) are all ineffective to prevent bites.
- If you’re at the BBQ, sprinkle sage or rosemary over the coals (hmm.. wonder how that will affect the flavor of my weenies)
Flies:
- Crushed mint in small satchels scattered around the house will discourage these flying pests.
- A potted sweet basil plant. (also good for sauce–no, you don’t add the flies)
- Make your own flypaper: Mix 1/4 cup syrup, 1 tbsp. granulated sugar and 1 tbsp. brown sugar in a small bowl. Cut strips of a brown paper bag and soak them in this mixture. Let dry overnight. Poke a small hole at the top of each strip and hang with string or thread. (I don’t know about you, but a strip of dead flies is not an attractive sight– but it may lead to less burger consumption at your next barbeque
- Also, fix that screen.
Do you know any tips that work to keep away pests?
Sources: AARP (Sid Kirchheimer); eartheasy.com.
Technorati Tags: household tips, pest control
I’ve recently read to mix Listerine & water in a spray bottle. Spray the air & ground around the area where you’re going to be hanging out - supposed to last for several hours keeping mosquitoes away. I haven’t tried this yet, but likely will be trying it over the next few days. I have my spray bottle all filled up, ready for action!
Let me know if it works, Ann.
Did you know that a liquid made from organic Soapnuts works as a chemical-free yet effective mosquito repellent? You can even add various essential oils to create a scent you like. Perfect for babies and those with skin disorders. Check it out!
Another little tip for getting rid of mice… try peppermint oil on cotton swabs spread throughout the heavily trafficked mice routes. Mice noses are so sensitive and the scent is so strong that it over powers them so the little buggers bug out!