DIY Solutions to the Six Worst Bug Problems
Jeanne in Pest Control
Pest control has sent all of us scrambling for bug spray at one point or another, or even hiring an exterminator like Orkin or Terminix. Termites, cockroaches, bed bugs, stink bugs, fleas, and ants are some of the most common unwanted visitors in our homes, but the good news is that there are some tried-and-true methods to kill insects that don’t involve toxic pesticides or poison. Exterminate indoor pests simply and cheaply by using the tips below, and make sure to check out our post on eliminating pests in your garden.
Killing Roaches
It’s been said that cockroaches could survive a nuclear bomb, but luckily you won’t have to resort to explosives to kill them off. Instead, it’s time to make roach balls (no, this isn’t our Recipe of the Week)! Combine 2 cups borax, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl, then roll into small balls. Place three balls into an unsealed sandwich bag and place the bags wherever your roach problem exists. Remember, though, that the roach balls are poisonous; be sure to place them where kids and pets can’t reach them.
Getting Rid of Ants
To kill ants around your home, sprinkle cinnamon where you think they're getting in. They won't cross it! It's also great for sprinkling around the perimeters of your cabinets to make sure ants can't get in.
Keeping Out Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are gaining a foothold (or six) in the US after arriving from Asia in the 1990s. Unless you’re a farmer, they’re more of a nuisance than a threat. Keep them from getting into your home by making sure all windows and doors have secure seals. Place screens over air vents and chimneys. For extra protection, make a mixture of one part dishwashing liquid to five parts hot water and spray on cracks and window and door seals on the exterior of your house.
Terminating Termites
Stop termite damage before it becomes severe with this easy concoction. Grab the borax you used for the cockroaches and mix 1 teaspoon of it with 2 cups water and 10 teaspoons sugar. Soak several large chunks of wood in the solution and then bury the wood in the ground near the site of the infestation. The termites will eat the poisoned wood and take it back to their nest to give to their termite friends. As an extra precaution you should also make a solution of 1 teaspoon borax and 2 cups water and saturate wooden joists and wall studs in your house.
Getting Rid of Fleas
Fleas can be eliminated from upholstery and carpets by first sprinkling them with baking soda, then vacuuming with a high-powered vacuum cleaner (ideally with a canister) with a bag that seals well. Remove the bag and dispose of it outside as soon as you finish. To remove fleas from your pet’s coat without expensive medications, simply bathe your pet in salt water. You can also try steeping rosemary in warm water and using that as bathwater. Better yet, use a combination of the two.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs without an Exterminator
Bed bugs can make your skin crawl – literally – but don’t panic if you have an infestation. While getting rid of bed bugs can take a little time, you can do it yourself with supplies you probably already have in your home. This great article gives detailed information on how to eliminate and control bed bugs.
Have you conquered an insect infestation using all-natural remedies? Share your success story in the comments section below! Want even more all-natural bug remedies? Our eBook Who Knew? Odor-Eliminating Miracles (available in Kindle, Nook, and PDF formats) contains a bonus chapter of all-natural pest remedies for every insect you can think of!
Reader Comments (4)
We take my dog swimming in the Gulf of Mexico around every other month. She is 10 and has never had fleas!
Fleas can not stand strong smells. I started with the animals, a couple small swipes with eucalyptus oil on cotton balls, front and back but be careful, it can irritate the skin, and put the cotton balls in the furthest room from the outside door. Over the course of a few days and eucalyptus cotton balls placed in each room leading to the door (1 or 2 rooms per day) the fleas will escape and you can breathe easy...
Hi, I live in a mobile home & have a termite infestation in what seems to be one wall of my home. I was wondering since the the sheet rock walls are prety thin could I use a syringe to inject the poison into the walls? Thanks in advance for your response. :))
Place a drop or two of lavender oil on your dog or puppy to repel fleas.