There are various commercial products available for controlling pests at home. But natural remedies give peace of mind and relief that the health of people living in the home will not be affected. Ants, cockroaches, fruit flies or rodents that invade our home can be controlled using organic and non-toxic techniques. The best part is that many of these methods can be done with the materials that are readily available at home.
Ants – A trail of ants can be found in and around the house.
- Solution made using 1 ½ warm water, half cup of sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of borax can be used to end the marching of ants. Pour the mixture in shallow plastic lids and place it where ants come. Sugar in the solution will attract the ants.
- Keep the grains and sugar rich foods in tight containers.
- Mixture of soap and water can be sprayed around the area to kill the ants. It also helps in removing the trail scents that the ant uses to communicate.
- To get rid of the ants outside the house, sprinkle cornmeal around the house and remove any water sources to derive ants away
Cockroaches – there are many ways to repel the cockroaches.
- Cut a piece of garlic and leave them around the kitchen to get rid of cockroaches. By regularly cleaning and sanitizing the house will force the cockroaches to leave the house in search for the food and water somewhere else.
- The cockroaches outside the house can be stopped by soaking pieces of bread in beer and putting them in open, empty coffee cans outside. Coat the rim of the can with Vaseline so that cockroaches will get in but will not be able to get out of the can.
- Ensure to fix the leaks and remove the standing water to stop cockroaches.
- Ensure to avoid leaving food out on the counters. Clean the counters of any fallen crumbs.
- Seal any cracks and crevices in the house, especially around the plumbing.
- Food bowls for pets will also attract the pets and should only be left out when feed the pets.
Fruit flies – Fruit flies are the common pest which is attracted by any sweet in the house.
- Instead of getting rid of the spray using harmful chemicals on the placed used to prepare food, it is safer to create a simple inexpensive trap:
Pour 1/3cup of warm water into 16 ounce glass jar and stir in a packet of active dry yeast and a teaspoon of sugar which will become a irresistible concoction for the pests. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and secure it with rubber bands. Poke holes into the plastic for the fruit flies can get in. - Regular removal of trash from the kitchen is important to avoid the fruit flies from visiting the house.
- Storing the cans of soda and beer outside should be done as the liquids in these can attract fruit flies.
Avoid buying infested fruits and vegetable from the grocery store. Also buy the young fruits that have not ripened so that it can be eaten before the fruit flies find it out in the house.