21 Ways To Make Homes Pest-Free Without Harmful Chemicals

We all love those long, warm, and beautiful summer days, don’t we? Spending time at the pool, camping, and doing all kinds of things is what makes summer so incredible. But, we often have a small problem that annoys us while trying to enjoy.

Insects and bugs have bothered us all, and the scratching is definitely not entertaining. So, a lot of people use insect repellents which unfortunately contain DEET – toxic chemicals.

So, the best way to save yourself from the harmful effects of insect repellents is to use natural ones. In this article, we offer you many natural ingredients that will help you out in the battle against insects and bugs.

1. Cedar

Cedar helps keep moths away. Naturally, they do not like cedar, so keeping it in your closet or dresser will prevent them from chewing your clothes.

2. Citrus Peels

You can use a citrus peel to rub the areas of your home that may have spiders. For instance, you can rub your windowsills, bookshelves, etc.

3. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

When it comes to mosquitos, professionals say lemon eucalyptus oil is as effective as DEET. Also, it can prevent tick bites.

4. Garlic

When you are eating a lot of garlic, besides its health benefits you get protection from mosquitos. The body gives off the garlic, and the bugs do not like it, so they stay away. For those who do not like garlic breath, use garlic powder and sprinkle it around your home.

5. White Vinegar

If you are having a problem with ants, then, white vinegar is the solution. Take a spray bottle and fill it with white vinegar. Then, spray every area where you expect them to appear.

6. Herbs

If you want to keep the bugs away from your home, plant some fragrant herbs in the front as well as the back door of your home. For this purpose, you can use garlic, mint, basil, citronella, lemongrass, bay leaves, and catnip.

7. Clean Home

A great way to keep your home safe from insects and bugs is to keep it clean. Use soapy water to wash the surfaces in your home on a regular basis.

8. Cinnamon

Professionals say that bugs would never cross a line of sprinkled cinnamon. Also, if you have kids, you can use cinnamon to sprinkle their sandbox in order to keep the bugs away.

9. Baby Powder

This one is much more effective than DEET. All you need to do is sprinkle the powder where you think it is needed. It will keep annoying bugs and insects away.

10. Chalk

If you have problems with ants, you can try chalk because they do not like it. Just draw lines with chalk around your home, and ants will no longer bother you.

11. Cucumber Slices

Slice a cucumber and leave it in your kitchen. Since ants are not cucumber fans, they will not stay in your kitchen.

12. Dryer Sheets

Keep dryer sheets with you when you are hiking, camping, gardening or any other outdoor activity, and the insects will stay away from you.

13. Onion

Cut some onions and put them in a container filled with water. The bugs will be gone. Also, you can use onions to protect your plants in the garden.

14. Baking Soda and Sugar

Cockroaches adore sugar. So, make a mixture of equal parts of baking soda and sugar and sprinkle where the cockroaches may appear. This mixture is not good for their digestive system so they will no longer be an issue.

15. Vanilla Extract

This is a great way to make an insect repellent without a disgusting smell. Make a mixture of vanilla extract, water, and add mint extracts, lavender, or lemongrass extract. Besides the nice scent, the mixture will keep the insects away.

16. Light Clothes

You should choose light clothes instead of dark ones, since mosquitos like dark colors. In that way, the clothes you are wearing can protect you from bites.

17. Relax

During stress and sweat, we release hormones and pheromones that bugs tend to like. So, you should be calm if you do not want to be attacked by bugs. Choose exercising in an air-conditioned room.

18. Soybean Oil

Besides using it for cooking, soybean oil can also be used for keeping mosquitos away. One study says that repellents which contain soybean oil keep the mosquitos away for 94.6 mins.

19. Citronella

Many outdoor lanterns, torches, and candles contain citronella because bugs are not a fan of it. So, to use it as an effective insect repellent, plant it in your yard, apply the oil on your skin, or use candles.

20. Unscented Toiletries

If you are using some shampoo with a scent of a strawberry, you may be a target of bugs because they are fans of fruits and flowers. So, to avoid bugs problems, use fragrance-free or unscented body products.

21. Remove Standing Water

Mosquitos like to live near standing water, so if you have containers in your home that are filled with standing water, remove them. Also, make sure your grass is trimmed short.