When an ant, cockroach, or flea decides to make an
appearance at a barbeque or dinner party, it is enough to
ruin the entire event. Pests like these can easily be
controlled with pesticides, but the chemicals that these
products contain can be detrimental to the health of you,
your children, or your pets. With such risks involved, many
people find themselves searching for other methods like
natural pest control and prevention.
One of the most common problems in the summer time is the
ants. They climb onto tables and decks, and frequent the
cabinets in the home. To prevent ants from entering the
home, try finding where the ants enter. Once this spot has
been located, create a barrier by spreading cayenne pepper,
citrus oil, or coffee grounds over the area. The ants will
not pass over these items. If the ants are already in the
home, try placing cucumber peels, garlic cloves, or
spearmint leaves in the cabinets. These products are known
to repel ants, chasing them out of your home. Once ants are
under control in the home, you can focus on infestations
that are outdoors. Sprinkle cornmeal in and around the
entrance to the ant hill. The ants will bring the cornmeal
home and share it with the colony. Cornmeal cannot be
digested by the ants and the colony will be killed off
within a week.
Cockroaches are one of the most repulsive pests around, but
natural pest control does exist for them as well. Catnip
will repel cockroaches, so place it in areas that you know
the roaches will frequent. To kill off an existing
population, place a piece of bread that has been soaked in
beer in a plastic container. Place the container where the
roaches will find it. As with the cornmeal and the ants, the
roaches will not be to properly digest the beer, causing
them to slowly die off. Keep a bottle of soapy water handy
at all times. If a roach is seen out in the open, spray it
with the soapy water, and this will kill the roach within
minutes by breaking down its exoskeleton.
Natural pest control also exists for mosquitoes. As a
preventative measure, remove all standing water from the
yard, as this is the preferred habitat for mosquitoes. When
planning on spending time outdoors, rub on a solution that
is at least thirty percent eucalyptus. The eucalyptus has
been proven to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Planting
sage, rosemary, and marigold throughout the yard will also
help repel mosquitoes. These plants have a natural deterrent
quality. Another effective repellent for mosquitoes is
anything that creates smoke. During a barbeque or other
outdoor gathering, burn incense or other smoky item to help
repel the swarms that may gather and annoy your guests.
With natural pest control methods such as these, there is no
need to keep harmful chemicals around the house.