No one wants pests in their home, but getting rid of them can be a challenge. Traditional methods like using chemical pesticides can be harmful to your family and pets, and can also be damaging to the environment.
There are eco-friendly ways to get rid of pests, though. Here are a few helpful methods you can use to get started.
Vinegar and water
One way to eliminate pests is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. This can be sprayed directly on pests like ants or cockroaches, and will kill them quickly. You can also use this solution to clean surfaces in your home where pests may be lurking.
To make this solution, mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Then, just spritz it on any pests you see, or on surfaces like countertops and floors.
Diatomaceous earth
Another eco-friendly way to get rid of pests is to use diatomaceous earth. This substance is made from fossilized algae, and it works by puncturing the exoskeletons of pests like ants, cockroaches, and fleas. This causes them to dehydrate and die.
Diatomaceous earth can be found in many hardware stores or online. Just make sure to get food-grade diatomaceous earth, as this is safe to use around people and pets.
To use it, simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home, or in any areas where you’ve seen pests. You can also put some in a small dish and place it near pests to lure them in.
Cloves
Cloves are another effective way to get rid of pests. Their strong scent repels many insects, and they can also be used to kill ants and cockroaches.
To use cloves, simply place them around your home in areas where you’ve seen pests. You can also make a clove oil spray by mixing 10 drops of clove oil with two cups of water. Just spritz this around your home as needed.
Homemade traps
There are a few different types of homemade traps you can use to catch and eliminate pests.
One type of trap is a sticky trap, which can be made by coating the inside of a jar with petroleum jelly. Then, just place this jar near areas where you’ve seen pests. The pests will be attracted to the jelly, but won’t be able to escape once they’re inside.
You can also make a trap using a piece of fruit and some water. Simply place the fruit in a bowl of water and set it near pests. The pests will be attracted to the fruit, but will drown when they try to get to it.
Finally, you can make a trap using dryer sheets. Just place a few dryer sheets around your home, and the pests will be attracted to the scent. Once they’re on the sheet, they won’t be able to escape.
Essential oils
There are a few different essential oils that can help get rid of pests. Peppermint oil, for example, is a natural repellent for many insects. Citronella oil can also be used to keep pests away.
For this method, simply mix them with water in a spray bottle and spritz around your home. You can also put some on a cotton ball and place it near areas where you’ve seen pests.
Pest-control specialists
If nothing else works, you can always call an exterminator. In fact, many first-world countries have this attitude towards pests. For instance, people know that they can call professional pest control in Cairns to at least get some advice on how they can deal with their pest problem.
The main benefit of this is that you can be sure that the job will be done right. These specialists have the experience and the equipment to get rid of even the most stubborn pests.
Of course, this option can be expensive, and it’s not always necessary. But if you’ve tried everything else and you’re still having problems, it may be worth considering.
Coffee grounds
Another surprisingly effective way to get rid of pests is to use coffee grounds. The strong smell of coffee repels many insects, and it can also be used to kill ants and cockroaches.
To use coffee grounds, simply sprinkle them around your home in areas where you’ve seen pests. You can also make a coffee ground spray by mixing 1/2 cup of coffee grounds with two cups of water. Just spritz this around your home as needed.
Conclusion
Pests can be a nuisance, but you don’t have to resort to chemical pesticides to get rid of them. There are many eco-friendly methods you can use to keep your home pest-free. So, try out a few of these methods and see which ones work best for you.