It is a fact of life that insects exist, and that they go to where the food is. Who can blame them for wanting to share in our wealth by living under our roof and eating our items left behind. You want to eliminate the pest problem in your home, but chemicals are harmful to you, your pets and the environment. Luckily, there are natural ways to address the common household insect problems that can occur.

Ants -

The first step in the problem is to make sure that there is nothing available to attract the ants to your home. Keep sweets out of reach for the ant and make sure there are no water sources. Should ants persist in their invasion, there are natural things you can do. Spray ants with a bit of soapy water. Cucumber slices and dry and crushed mint and cloves all work as deterrents. If you identified their point entry, placing a line of the following will halt their approach – cayenne pepper, citrus oil, lemon juice and coffee grounds.

Dust Mites

Dust mite are microscopic bugs that are everywhere in the home. Those who have allergies are truly susceptible to their presence. The ways to get rid of these mites are the following – first and foremost, vacuum mattresses and pillows, to grab the excess dust and dust mites. Wash your bed sheets and blanket at 55 degrees centigrade. Make sure that there are no stuffed animals or book in the bedroom as they can harbor mites. Tannic Acid is also a green solution.

Cockroaches -

The best defense is to remove their food. Make sure the kitchen and bathroom are clean. If roaches persist, then you'll need to vacuum thoroughly, following up with a good cleaning. Other tips include placing traps high above, where the roaches prefer to reside. Diatomaceous earth is also a pet and people friendly way to counter roaches, the sand has little sharp edge that cut away the roach's exoskeleton, killing it in 48 hours. Catnip also works as a natural repellent (so long as there are no cats in the house).

Fleas -

Those with pets know of the flea scourge. There may be as many as 30 fleas in the home for every flea on the pet. Citrus is a natural flea deterrent, by taking a lemon slice and covering with boiled water, the resultant liquid will work as a wash for the pat, removing fleas from the animal. Cedar based products also work, given cedar's natural gift for insect repellent. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly, putting flea powder in the bag to kill those fleas you get. A shallow pan filled with soapy water will also work with a lamp above hand attracting the fleas.

Mosquitoes -

These little insects are a constant annoyance, and they can be difficult to get rid of. The best way to combat the invasion is the following - do not keep standing water around the home and garden. Oil of eucalyptus at a 30% concentration is one of the most effect mosquito repellents. Planting marigolds about the home will also work as a deterrent, since the marigold scent is one that insects and mosquitoes do not like.

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Originally posted 2009-01-15 05:41:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Categories:

Handy Man, Pest Control

Tags:

bed sheets, cayenne pepper, citrus oil, cockroaches, coffee grounds, cucumber slices, deterrents, dust mite, dust mites, excess dust, fact of life, fleas, household insect, insect problems, microscopic bugs, pest problem, sharp edge, soapy water, spray ants, water sources