10 Natural Ways to be Critter-Free

Nowadays, homeowners are apprehensive when it comes to chemicals being used in-and-outside their homes. Now, more than ever, we are seeing families protecting their homes, children and pets from harmful chemicals.

When it comes to pest control, there are only so many natural remedies. Most of these solutions can help reduce the impact of some insects, but nothing is guaranteed behind them. If you consider your home “natural” and chemical-free this blog is for you! Below are 10 natural ways to make your home pest and insect-free!

1. Basil – Flies hate the smell of basil. To discourage them, place pots of basil at doorways and windowsills and on the kitchen counter. Don’t have enough sun for potted basil? Put dried basil in a small muslin pouch, rubbing it occasionally to keep the scent strong.

Bunch of Basil – Source: Precision Nutrition Blog

2. Catnip – Cats love catnip. Mosquitoes – Not so much. According to Science Daily, catnip repels mosquitoes more effectively than DEET. Grow it in your garden or apply undiluted catnip oil to the skin for up to two hours of protection

3. Citrus – Spiders are not fond of citrus. In a spray bottle, mix water and unsweetened lemon or lime juice. Wipe your countertops with the mixture or spray down doorways and windowsills. You can deter spiders in your garden by spreading around lemon, orange, or lime peels.

4. Vinegar – Use a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water to wipe down countertops and other surfaces—anywhere you’ve spotted ants. For best results, repeat this several times a day. Doing so destroys the scent trails that ants use to navigate.

5. Barn Owls – A pair of barn owls and their brood can eat over 3,000 mice in a nesting season. Attract them to your property with an owl box, if a quiet rafter or tree crook is not available. Should the food supply be dependable, the same owls may return season after season.

6. Fake Nest – Many kinds of wasp are incredibly territorial and will not build a nest within 200 yards of another one. So build or buy your own fake nest! It’s like a scarecrow for wasps. Hang one in the front yard and one in back, and you’re done.

7. Salting – Alternately salting and vacuuming your floors will kill flea eggs. But since fleas have a three-day reproduction cycle, you have to be diligent: Salt every day for nine days and vacuum every third day. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum every time, or the live ones will crawl right back out again!

8. Cinnamon Bark – Cinnamon bark oil has been shown to control dust mites. Mix several drops into a 50/50 solution of water and denatured alcohol. Spray bedding, carpets, and any other places dust collects. Added benefit? Your house will smell like cookies!

Cinnamon and other spices can help rid Ants

9. Trapping – Trap fruit flies with this simple approach: Fill a glass three-quarters full with vinegar or cider vinegar, then add six to eight drops of dishwashing liquid, and fill to the top with warm water. Very effective.

10. Spring Soap – Who could call Bambi a pest? A gardener. Many have had luck deterring deer with Irish Spring soap. Hang it or spike it to a stake near things that deer like to eat. Alternatively, sprinkle shavings or small chunks on the ground.

Irish Spring Soap

If you are considering or are interested in ongoing pest control treatment you may want to consider Green Pest Solutions for your pest control needs.