Pests can be a nuisance in our homes, especially as we age. Here are some nice and effective methods for getting rid of mice, cockroaches, bed bugs and ants without the use of harmful chemicals.
MICE
Mice tend to be attracted to food and can carry infections and diseases. Instead of using traditional traps, consider catching and releasing them using specific cages. Simply cover the cage with newspaper and add dried fruit or cheese to attract them. Another effective method is to use cloves and peppermint. Spread cotton balls or cloves infused with drops of essential oil throughout the house to deter rodents.
ROACH BEETLES
Cockroaches are not only unsightly, they can also spread disease. Here are some natural remedies to keep them at bay:
Powdered sugar and baking soda: Create a mixture of powdered sugar and baking soda and put it in cups in the kitchen and other warm, moist areas. The sugar attracts cockroaches, while the baking soda kills them if ingested.
Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on dishes and place them in areas where cockroaches are likely to be present. Sprinkle with sugar to attract them. Also, placing cucumber slices on a plate can effectively deter insects.
Sweetened condensed milk and boric acid: Mix one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk with one tablespoon of boric acid. Form a paw and divide it into several cups to insert into the cockroaches’ openings. Repeat the process after three weeks, if necessary, to eliminate the second generation of insects.
Essential oils: Dab lemon and eucalyptus essential oil on pieces of newspaper and place them in roach-prone areas. Lavender essential oil can also be effective when applied on cotton balls and placed in cabinets. Also, white vinegar repels cockroaches, so apply it to areas where they congregate.
BED BUGS.
Bed bugs can cause discomfort and disturb sleep. Here’s how to get rid of them naturally:
Wash and dry bedding: After removing sheets, comforter covers and pillowcases from the bed, wash them in hot water and let them dry on high heat for at least thirty minutes. This method is only suitable for cotton garments.
Clean the mattress: Use a hard brush to scrub the mattress thoroughly, making sure the bugs are removed. Vacuum from top to bottom to make sure all the bugs are gone. Cover the mattress with clean bedding to prevent a new infestation and consider replacing the mattress if the infestation is severe.
Essential oil spray: Create a mixture of essential oils (clove, lavender, tea tree or cinnamon) by mixing equal parts with water. Spray the mixture on furniture, beds, curtains and other surfaces in the house as needed to prevent bed bugs from returning.
ANTS
Ants can quickly invade the house in search of sweet food. Here’s a simple solution to keep them away:
Sugar and boric acid: Create a mixture of sugar and boric acid. This mixture remains an effective home remedy for ants, just as it is for cockroaches. Also, you can try using scents such as cinnamon, cloves, paprika, peppermint or coffee grounds to deter ants from entering your home.
Flying fruit: To get rid of pesky fruit flies, clean the areas around the fruit drawer with a towel soaked in warm water.
Remember that these methods are friendly to both you and the environment and can effectively control common household pests without resorting to harmful chemicals. Try them out and enjoy a pest-free home!
