Bugs are not only gross creatures that make our lives miserable, but they also bear the guilt of spreading diseases.
Of course, we have to admit that bugs play an important role in the environment. Still, we want them to stay out of our homes, lives and to be far away from our children.
Our instinct may be to kill them with some commercial pesticide, but because we love the nature, want to avoid using chemicals and to protect ourselves, I am going to present you 15 natural ways to repel bugs.
15 Natural Ways to Keep Bugs at Bay
Firstly, before anything, there are some rules that we must follow, if we want to keep bugs at bay:
- Keep the house spick-and-span. This step is essential, as bugs are so in love with dirt and food residues, so this is why your home has to be as clean as possible.
- Get rid of any standing water and fix any leaks that your pipes may have.
- Clean the trash cans regularly.
Now that we have accomplished the above mentioned tasks, let’s learn about the 15 natural ways to keep bugs away, helping us to become less stressed.
1. Tobacco
By chance, are moths your invincible enemy? The tables will turn, if you use some tobacco.
Spread it among your clothes and the moths will disappear soon!
2. White vinegar
Another ingredient that is very efficient in the battle against uninvited bugs trolling in our homes is white vinegar.
You can simply spray it around doors, windows and on any invaded area and you will keep ants at distance, because they hate it.
3. Lavender
Also known for its lovely scent, lavender can easily keep bugs away, especially if you use essential lavender oil.
This ingredient works as a natural bed bugs repellent, because of the smell and taste. But bed bugs are not the only ones scared by this scented plant, as moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes hate its smell to… death. (yep, pun intended!)
IMPORTANT FACT: the lavender oil also destroys bug eggs, which is really difficult to accomplish even by most pesticides.
4. Garlic
When it comes to deterring bugs, garlic is on top! Just spread some garlic around the areas invaded by bugs, especially if we are talking about cockroaches and ants.
If you can’t stand the smell an want something mild, garlic powder may be your friend, but the very enemy of mosquitoes. Sprinkle some powder and enjoy the results!
5. Peppermint
There is no insect to like the smell, nor the flavor of the strong-scented peppermint, but it is mostly efficient when it comes to mosquitoes.
If you intend to go for a walk, but you are afraid of them, just take some mint leaves and rub them on your exposed body parts.
Want better results?
Try the peppermint oil, which is very good at repelling spiders. Spray the corners and other areas where spiders may enjoy webbing!
6. Salt
This natural ingredient can be used for so many needs, but you wouldn’t expect it to be a good option for banishing ants. Well, give it a try and you will see how helpful it is!
7. Slaked Lime
Sprinkle slaked lime around your house and it will definitely prevent ants to want having a tour in your home. This a long term protection and also very efficient.
8. Fresh Cucumber
Slice cucumbers and place the slices all over the areas with problems or on the possible entry points, because this is how you can keep ants ant cockroaches away.
IMPORTANT FACT: Bitter cucumber slices work better.
9. Bay Leaves
Strong scent, great effect! Bugs are simply driven crazy and kept away from your kitchen, if you put some bay leaves in those places where bugs nest.
Also, bay leaves are useful for deterring silverfish, ants and other insects. Don’t be afraid to put some leaves in the cabinets or in the containers where you keep cornmeal or flour.
BONUS TIP: Try this combination, if you are desperately trying to get rid of cockroaches: make a mixture of boiled water with garlic and bay leaves that were soaked in water for about 12 hours. Pour the mixture into an atomizer and then spray the solution on the cabinets, behind the refrigerator, around the stove and even near walls.
10. Cedar Oil
If we aim to get rid of fleas, mosquitoes or ticks, then here is the good news: cesar oil is toxic to them, but perfectly safe for humans. Spray it where needed, even on your body, when you will be exposed to the above mentioned insects.
11. Honey Trap
Take a sponge and pour some honey on it and soon it will be filled with ants. Now all you have to do is carefully picking the sponge and sink it in water, while enjoying the victory!
12. Yeast
Here it is another successful mixture that will solve your problem with ants. Just take two tablespoons of yeast and mix them with half liter of water and one tablespoon of sugar.
Blend the mixture so that the sugar is dissolved and then pour the solution in some tiny plates which you will place in the spots where ants were seen.
13. Rosemary Oil
Another aromatic plant which is not useful only for creating tasty recipes is rosemary. Its oil is helpful against mosquitoes, fleas and flies.
14. Vanilla Extract
You can use it alone or you can make a mixture, by adding some water. This nice-smelling ingredient is an extraordinary bug repellent. Mosquitoes will stay far from you, if you take some vanilla extract and gently rub it on your pulse ponts.
15. Baking Soda & Olive Oil
One last trick for saying “bye” to cockroaches for good is a mixture of 1 tea spoon of baking soda blended with 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Fill an atomizer with half liter of water and add the mixture in the bottle. Now spray, spray, then spray again.
These are some great natural options if you encounter problems with insects. Also, don’t forget to stick to these methods and do not expect them to leave your home overnight. Persevere and the results will soon be noticeable!