It’s important to understand how to keep bugs out of the home to maintain a pest-free environment. They do not only create unsanitary conditions but also are annoying.
Some bugs like bees, wasps, scorpions, fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks can cause painful stings and carry diseases to pets or humans.
According to the Smithsonian Institute, bug-proofing the home can sometimes feel like a losing battle with more than ten quintillion bugs worldwide.
Fortunately, understanding the factors that attract pests to your home can help you make necessary changes and implement effective pest control measures.
Here are some simple tips to create a pest-free home.
Use Peppermint Oil
Mint plants and peppermint oil smell great and naturally repel ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and mice.
So, mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil in 8 oz of water, shake, and spray in areas around doorways, vents, and windows.
Use Baking Soda
Bed bugs are some of the most harmful pests around. They cover you in itching bites and infest your bedding. Most articles and videos discussing bed bug killing recommend foggers and insecticides that release toxic chemicals.
If you’re wondering which home remedy can kill bed bugs, do not worry. Although it may sound odd, baking soda can completely remove moisture from bed bug bodies.
So, spread baking soda powder in areas with infestations, clean up, and add fresh powder every few days.
In little time at all, the bed bugs will go!
Use Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide derived from the seeds of a neem tree. In fact, this oil kills various types of bugs. It kills termites, cockroaches, and moths, among other insects.
You can combine this natural and non-toxic pesticide with water and apply it to locations where these insects are typically present.
However, hiring professional termite services is the best solution to address severe infestations.
You’ll immediately notice the best results!
Use Salt
Fleas are a terrible pest, particularly when they infest your dog’s fur. Especially when they bite into your poor dog’s coat, fleas are an awful annoyance. Your dog most likely has fleas if you notice that they are scratching more than usual and that the behavior appears to be allergic.
Additionally, fleas have the potential to infest your house. They have the ability to jump really far, which is how they typically end themselves around your household or pets.
One natural technique to get rid of these bugs is salt. Salt kills fleas in the same manner as baking soda kills bed bugs. After applying salt to the trouble spots in your house, clean up and repeat for a few days.
Eliminate Access to Food
Do not forget to properly seal and store food sources like cereal boxes and chip bags in cabinets. Similarly, tidy up crumbs from the floor and counters. Cleaning up pet food is another suggestion that’s often forgotten.
Pests can infest homes if food is left out or sealed, as they don’t discriminate between human and animal food.
Seal Cracks and Openings in Foundation
Entry points to your house are linked to other incentives. Pests can enter your home through gaps in the foundation, tears in the screens, and cracks in the walls. This is the most important step because food crumbs and damp basements don’t necessarily indicate bug problems until they find a way inside.