No matter how we clean our home we can not 100% keep our home free from insects and bugs. Like in our home. Last summer, when my son was on vacation and there's no left at home, we experienced ants problem. I swear, a single grain of rice can attract them then they were everywhere.
Although it's an old wives tale that ants building a nest near the door to your house is a clear sign of financial security in the future, ants infestation is not pleasant scene at home right?
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Aside from ants, other common bugs/insects at home especially during summer are spider, bed bugs, cockroaches, beetles, centipedes, crickets, flies and mosquitoes carrying Dengue other deadly disease. It's very scary especially if there are children at home. We can't just spray insecticides to keep those bugs away.
That's why I always look for natural ways to keep these common home bugs away. Let me share some tips.
Keep the home clean
Keeping the home clean is the first and foremost thing to do when we want to get rid of these common home bugs. Dust off and wash all surfaces with soapy water regularly to keep those insects from being familiar at home. Vacuum regularly especially the carpet, sofa and beds. Change bed sheets regularly and sun dry the bed foam at least once a month.
Always keep those areas where food are being kept or eaten free from spills and left over food. Spilled food even as tiny as sugar are bug attractant. Do not stock newspaper, magazine, boxes, paper bags and the likes are cockroaches love the smell of paper so it will be their breeding ground.
Eliminate stagnant water
Disrupt and prevent mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating all the stagnated water around and inside your house. This will greatly reduce the number of larvae and pupae that develop into adult mosquitoes.
Citronella
Citronella is a natural insect repellent. It's lemony grass-like plant that bugs absolutely hate. Recently I get addicted to candles and essential oils like citronella. Aside from it keeps the home from smelly odor, it also repels bugs like mosquitoes and flies. I just bought essential oil burner like this.
Next time, I will buy citronella scented candles too.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is especially effective if you have ant problem. It's strong smell send immediate eviction notice and can mask ant's scent trails too. Put some white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on those areas where ants like to hang out, then wipe up the using using damp paper towel. Aside from this, vinegar is also known as natural disinfectant for cleaning floors, sink and other part of the house. I also use white vinegar to strip off detergent build ups on clothes.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not just for bread but also helpful in keeping the bugs away. Sprinkling cinnamon around the house can keep the bugs out.
Onion
Slice onions, put them in a bowl of water and bugs will run away.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is especially effective if you have ant problem. It's strong smell send immediate eviction notice and can mask ant's scent trails too. Put some white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on those areas where ants like to hang out, then wipe up the using using damp paper towel. Aside from this, vinegar is also known as natural disinfectant for cleaning floors, sink and other part of the house. I also use white vinegar to strip off detergent build ups on clothes.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not just for bread but also helpful in keeping the bugs away. Sprinkling cinnamon around the house can keep the bugs out.
Onion
Slice onions, put them in a bowl of water and bugs will run away.
Cucumber Slices
Ants also hates cucumbers. Slice a cucumber up and leave it laying on kitchen counters or places they like to hang out to keep them away.
Turmeric
Turmeric is great for driving away spiders. Just combine 2 tablespoons of the powder with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to cotton balls and put them in areas prone to spiders. Don't apply the paste directly to furniture, wall or floor as turmeric stains are difficult to remove.
Citrus Peels
Citrus peels aside from its lovely smell can drive spiders away. Rub down the citrus peels to areas where spiders are frequent visitors.
Those are just natural ways to keep common home bugs away. But if you are experiencing insect infestation, you need the help of an expert like Insight Pest Solutions. By the way, just want to share this graphic showing the problematic bugs in the greater Boston area.
Again, remember that cleanliness is the key to a bug-free home. So always keep your home clean.
Happy bug-free day!