Do pests invade your house and annoy you? The utilisation of commercial pest control products might be quite effective, however, they do usually contain toxic agents that can be dangerous for a human being or animals and the environment as well. Nevertheless, there are a number of natural alternatives that you can simply deploy at home using basic ingredients.
In this article, we’ll explore safe, effective and easy-to-make DIY pest repellants you can create. From essential oils to citrus rinds, these organic solutions will assist you in repelling pests without the recourse to harmful chemicals.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are plant extracts that can be quite potent, and some of them can naturally repel insects. Peppermint, lavender, tea tree oil (or melaleuca), cittronella, and eucalyptus are insect repellents that can be picked for proper effectiveness. These essential oils do the trick by releasing scents hated by pests, which disorient them and steer them away from your house. To repel pests with essential oils, mix a few drops of dilute a few drops of oil in water and spray the solution around entry points (like windows).
Vinegar
A versatile pantry item, vinegar can be used in everything, believe it or not, from recipes to cleaning your house! Its popularity extends to its ability to naturally deter vermin, especially fruit flies and ants. Vinegar has a very strong smell. It ruins the olfactory system of pests thus they will not enter your house. Blend water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Use it near entry points like wall cracks, doors and windowsills.
Citrus Peels
The peels of citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits harbour essential oils that prove lethally toxic to myriad pests, including ants, mosquitoes, and spiders. To harness their repellent prowess, strategically disperse these peels near windowsills, thresholds, and other potential entry points within your domicile. Also, you can boil the peels in water to make a spray that both keeps pests out and makes your home smell good.
Garlic
While garlic does wonders in your cooking, it is also one powerful natural pesticide. Its sharp smell keeps many bugs away and messes with their eating and mating. It successfully works as a repellent and benefits controlling mosquitoes, ants or aphids. You can crush a few cloves and mix them with water for garlic spray to repel pests. Spray the solution along the perimeter of your home with added attention to entry points such as windows and doors or any areas that are prone to pests.
Diatomaceous Earth
It comprises the fossilised remains of freshwater algae called diatoms. It is non-toxic to both humans and pets, but the same cannot be said for ants, cockroaches and fleas. Upon coming in contact with the diatomaceous earth, it deprives pests’ exoskeletons of their oils and fats causing them to dehydrate and die. You can use diatomaceous earth as a pest deterrent – just sprinkle it around anywhere that the vermins might like to come in – doorways and window sills or where two walls meet.
Neem Oil
For many years, it has been used to keep bugs away. Its ingredients interfere with pests’ hormonal balance, making it the most common insect repellent against pests such as mosquitoes, ants, and aphids. Add a few drops to water and spray it on the perimeter of your home. Focus on the entrance and the areas that are likely to be infested.
Eucalyptus
It stands as a super effective mosquito repellent. According to studies, it is just as effective as the active ingredient in store-bought repellents. In some cases, it was found to be even more effective.
The strong smell we’ve all come to love confuses their sense of direction, making it hard for them to find us (and suck our blood). However, if for some reason this natural remedy doesn’t work, worry not! Eucalyptus is also an antiseptic.
Peppermint
From skin problems to depression, People use it for everything. And it’s also super useful in pest control, particularly in keeping mosquitoes away. Apart from humans, actually, most pests are turned down by the smell of peppermint oil. Planting peppermint all around your house’s perimeter or setting a few leaves of peppermint strategically in areas such as near windows, doorways and other entry points will act extremely well to keep the pesky critters far away.
Cayenne Pepper
It serves as a spicy addition to favourite meals as well as an effective natural pest repellant. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, an irritant for pests that affects their mouths and digestive systems. The best part is it wards off ants, roaches, spiders-as well as common household insects. Mix cayenne pepper and water to create a spray and apply it to areas where pests are likely to enter, such as doorways, windowsills, and cracks in the walls.
Cinnamon
The cinnamon works well to deter ants. If ants bug your plant pots or if you need to keep them off your dining or chill spots, try using cinnamon oil or the powder form to stop them. Mix two small spoons of cinnamon dust into four cups of warm water. Let it sit all night, then filter it with a coffee screen and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the mix on the soil and plants.
Conclusion
A pest infestation can be a frustrating experience, but you do not need anything harmful to deal with it. There are many natural weapons, from essential oils to citrus peels, garlic and more, that will be safe, powerful alternatives you can make at home.
The more of these natural pest repellents you use as part of your DIY pest control routine, the better so that no vermin might disturb the peace between you and your family members. So why wait? Try these DIY pest control solutions and keep pesky critters away for good.
