Pests are always a pain to get rid of. Luckily, you may not have to go very far to shoo them from your home. Many homeowners don't know that what they need may be sitting within their cabinets. Consider these home remedies the next time you have a pest problem.
When life gives you lemons, use them to repel spiders, Bob Vila noted. For some reason, spiders don't like lemons, or anything citrus. Luckily, most people do. Some may even associate the smell of citrus with cleanliness. If you have a few arachnids crawling around your house, grab a few lemons or some lemon juice. Mix it with water, and spray the solution in areas that you suspect may have spiders. If you have spiders outside your home, you can use peels to scare them off.
Baby powder is a substance some people may have in their home, as it can act as a dry shampoo or an antiperspirant. However, it can also keep pests away. Sprinkle baby powder in areas of your house where you've spotted pests. Leave it for a few days. Make sure it's in areas that people can't walk through, or you might have trails of powder around your house.
Vinegar is a great liquid to have in your home, as it's incredibly versatile. It can be used in salad dressings, and also can heal sunburns. Well, it can get rid of ants too. If you have small ants marching around your home, vinegar may be your savior. Mix the liquid with water. Pour the mix into a spray bottle or wipe down areas that are often used by ants. When ants walk around, they leave a scent behind, attracting others from the colony. Vinegar erases that scent.
Salt is a good seasoning to kill fleas. If you are currently dealing with a flea problem, flea eggs most likely will be in your rug. Salting rugs will help kill any eggs or live fleas. You must vacuum the remnants up afterward. Salt for nine days, and then vacuum every third day. Empty out the vacuum to prevent the eggs from hatching and crawling out.
This mix is great for eliminating a few cockroaches around your home, Planet Natural notes. Since roaches are one of the hardest pests to get rid of on your own, try out this solution. Create an equal mix of the two and sprinkle it in areas that you've seen roaches crawl. They'll be attracted to the area because of the sugar, but will be killed by the baking soda.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
The customer is always right, and this is especially true if he or she is complaining about seeing a mouse or cockroach. Pests have no place in your organization, as bugs and rodents will turn away potential business or even lead to a possible lawsuit. Keeping your company protected requires a proactive approach. Work with a pest removal specialist to identify the best ways to stop creatures from infesting your business. Here are just a few ideas for successfully mitigating and preventing any issues:
