In a recent report, a man died in Florida after a bug-eating contest in which he consumed cockroaches and worms to win a pet python. While most people do not make it a habit to deliberately eat roaches and worms, they can pose serious health problems such as asthma and other diseases. Instead of using toxic pesticides to deter these pests from your home, try using some old fashioned natural repellants.
Pests have been annoying humans as long as we have both been present on the planet. However, there are natural methods to send these pests scurrying away. Commercial pest repellants often contain dangerous toxic ingredients that can cause neurological damage, cancer and respiratory problems.
Flies – Flies can become bothersome during warm weather. Cloves are a natural repellant that can be sprinkled with natural essential oils, such as peppermint, citronella or lavender oil. The cloves will absorb the oil and can be replenished regularly.
Roaches – Roaches are creatures that love warm, dark places in your home. Mix half a cup of water with approximately 10 drops of essential peppermint oil and approximately 6 drops of cypress tree oil and spray. You can also place citronella, lemongrass or peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in cabinets to repel roaches.
Mosquitos – Mosquitos thrive during warm weather, particularly if there is standing water present. Citronella incense and candles can be burned outside. Lemongrass and citronella oil in a diffuser also works well. Hang a ribbon from a doorway or window that has lavender, citronella, peppermint or lemongrass oil on it.
Mice – For minor mice infestations, you can put a few drops of eucalyptus, spearmint or peppermint essential oil on cotton balls and places them where you believe mice are entering your house.
Ants – Cayenne pepper can be sprinkled where ants are coming into your house. You can also put vinegar in a spray bottle and squirt where you think they are coming in. They aren’t huge fans of vinegar.
Of course, all these natural approaches to pest deterrents will be for naught if you do not keep your house clean in the first place. Avoid keeping unwashed dishes standing in the sink. Mop your floors regularly and remove accumulated leaves from gutters, doors and around the house.
Do you have other ways you keep creepy crawlies from invading your house? Let us know your ideas!
– The Alternative Daily