Say Bye to Bugs, the Natural Way

Finding a balance between being environmentally healthy and being free of bug bites can be tough.  Although aerosol cans of DEET and ant traps often work well, they come at a price of smelling bad and being harmful to the world around us. So, what can you do?

Here are four all-natural ways you can kick those pesky insects to the curb.

Vinegar

Is there anything vinegar can’t do?

Not only does it take the salt off your boots after a snowy day and pickle your cucumbers, it can also help prevent ants from invading your space.

Vinegar is a natural deterrent for ants. A combination of half apple cider vinegar (although normal vinegar works just as well) and half water in a spray bottle works perfectly to repel those pests.

This concoction can be sprayed around the perimeter of your home, on the legs of tables that have food served on them or even around a screen house or tent.

While vinegar is an effective item you can use to get rid of ants, you will need to reapply, as it wears off.

Cayenne Pepper

Another useful ant deterrent is cayenne pepper. When sprinkled in places where ants tend to gather, like areas near sugar and places where crumbs linger, they stay away.

The pepper’s spice serves as a deterrent for the ants by telling them that none of the sweet stuff that they’re looking for is there. It acts almost like caution tape.

It can get a little messy, so try to sprinkle the cayenne pepper in areas that aren’t used as much, like a cabinet – especially ones that contain baking supplies or other sweet goods.

Peppermint Oil

Not only does peppermint oil repel ants, it also repels spiders. In fact, peppermint keeps most pests away, including aphids, beetles, caterpillars, fleas, flies, lice, mice and moths.

There are three ways to effectively apply this oil: soaking cotton balls in the oil and hiding them where the insects gather, applying the oil directly to the affected areas, or diluting it with water and spraying the perimeter of areas you’re trying to protect. If you’re diluting the oil, mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and 16 oz. of water, then transfer to a spray bottle.

Peppermint oil can also keep some of the spiders out of the areas of the home where they frequent most, in addition to making the house smell wonderful.

While this appears to be a simple solution, it’s a game of strategy – putting the oil in locations where you suspect pests are entering.

With a little trial and error, you should be able to find sweet spots to focus on. It’s all about where you put it, using doorways and entrances to your advantage.

Lavender and Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Finding natural solutions for keeping away mosquitos is always a challenging process.

Using a mixture of lavender oil and eucalyptus oil can help prevent them and heal any existing bites.

The mixture has a nice fragrant smell compared to most cans of spray you can buy in the store, and it’s as affordable as a bottle of DEET.

Lavender oil is one of the only essential oils you don’t have to dilute with water to use on the body, although it’s recommended that you speak with your doctor first.

All in all, these bug deterrents all do their jobs well, and finding some natural options for your household and family is always a plus.

Do you have any natural remedies to keep the bugs away? Share them in our comment section!

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