When many people think of pest control methods, the only option that comes to their mind is chemical control methods. However, several natural pest control methods are equally as effective as their synthetic counterparts. What’s more? These natural methods do not pose a lot of danger to our health and environment like their chemical ones. They do not contaminate our landscapes, yet they protect our pets, family, communities, and world at large from pests.
That being said, here are some of the natural pest control methods available:
1. Cinnamon
Waking up to a kitchen full of ants can be very annoying, but you can prevent that by simply sprinkling cinnamon around the house. If you could identify the ants’ point of entry, sprinkling cinnamon in a line around that area will prevent the ants from crossing into your kitchen.
2. Essential oils
You have probably heard that peppermint oil can help you feel refreshed or that lavender can lull you to sleep; however, one thing you may not know is that these essential oils can also be used to keep pests away from your home. Spraying peppermint oil or lavender in drawers, closets, cupboard, etc. can help repel bugs from those areas.
3. Vinegar
Spiders and vinegar are not best of friends – so, if you want to keep those annoying spiders away from your home, vinegar can come in handy. White vinegar contains a type of acid called acetic acid, which repels spiders. Use some water to dilute some white vinegar and spray the mixture along cracks or any other place in your home where spiders have made their abode.
4. Boric acid and powdered sugar
Cockroaches are probably the most difficult pests to get rid of, but with a combination of boric acid and powdered sugar, you can make your home roaches free. Sprinkle a mixture of powdered sugar and boric acid under and behind the dishwater and stove, under the refrigerator, under the sink, and in cracks where cockroaches hide. The sugar will attract them while the boric acid will kill them.
5. Ugli fruits
Most people have not heard of ugli fruits, which are also known as hedge apple or osage orange. The fruit can be a natural pest dispeller – simply place the unpeeled fruit in under your bed, in corners, closet or other places where you want to keep unwanted bugs at bay.
6. Cucumbers
In addition to being the wonderful fruit that we all love to eat, cucumbers can also help to keep ants away from your home. If you have identified the entry points of ants, cut cucumbers into small sizes and place them on those entry points – the fragrance of cucumber chases ants away.
7. Fresh basil leaves
Basil leaves can serve a dual purpose of flavoring your meals and repelling flies. Simply place some potted basil plants near the different doors or windows of your house, and watch how insects will stop flocking into it.
