15 Surprising Ways to Keep Insects and Pests Out of Your Home

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Sometimes it seems like you are always fighting to keep insects and pests out of your home. You’d be surprised at how many homeowners think they’ve tried it all and are tired and frustrated. Don’t worry though, with a few tricks and some natural remedies you can protect your space and keep these little invaders at bay.

These methods are practical, natural and easy to implement. So, let’s explore some quirky but effective ways to keep your home bug free.

Remove Food Related Trash and Spills Instantly

Insects can smell things out from a very far away distance. Wherever there are food crumbs left, wiping down surfaces frequently (right after meals, but especially in the kitchen and dining areas) helps eliminate temptations for ants and cockroaches and other scavengers. This simple practice is amazing at reducing pest issues. It’s like doing a favor for future you, no one wants to be surprised with something under the fridge!

Store Food Properly

Keeping food out in the open is like writing an open invitation to every ant and cockroach within a ten mile radius. Store food in sealed containers and don’t leave fruit or baked goods out on the counter for long. Pet food should also be kept in airtight containers. It turns out, taking a few seconds to store things properly can have a long way in discouraging pests from making themselves at home.

Use Natural Repellents

If you don’t like chemical sprays, try natural repellents like peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, or even lemon. All you have to do is apply a few drops onto cotton balls and put them in corners or places nearby where you could enter. They repel a variety of insects but also make your house smell fresh and clean. Some of these oils may even deter rodents as a bonus!

Keep Your Trash Tidy

Overflowing trash cans are an attractive home for pests. Empty your trash regularly, and make sure the lids are tight fitting to keep odors in. If you have trash cans outside, try to put them as far away from doors and windows as you can so bugs don’t have easy access into your home.

Seal Cracks and Crevices

Crop unrecognizable workman in glove applying caulk from bottle on seam during window montage work in building — Photo Credit: Erik Mclean/Pexels

Small openings can let insects through windows, doors and other holes. Seal up cracks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping in a weekend. Not only will you reduce the number of pests making their way in, but you’ll also improve your home’s insulation—an all around win.

Fix Leaks

Clutter Culprits Hiding in Your Living Room — Image Credit: Pikwizard

Pests like moisture, so a little leak under the sink or in the bathroom can entice them. Any dripping faucet or leaky pipe you find should be repaired. This will also prevent water damage and mold, which are a pain to fix later on, and will discourage insects.

Declutter

Insects like clutter, which gives it ideal hiding spots, so keeping your home tidy goes a long way in discouraging them. Sometimes clear out old stacks of newspapers, boxes, or unused items in attics, basements or garages. Less space gives less opportunity for pests to get comfortable in and make their home.

Use Coffee Grounds

15 Common Items That Could Destroy Your Garbage Disposal — Image Credit:Jason Deines/Pexels

This one may surprise you: Did you know that used coffee grounds can actually help deter pests!? Put them around entry points or in the garden. Coffee grounds repel ants and, as a bonus, can improve your garden’s soil. Who would have thought your morning coffee could have a second life.

Turn off Outdoor Lights at Night

Insects are attracted to bright lights, and often come inside. Leaving porch or patio lights on at night may be luring bugs to your doors and windows. Motion sensor lights or turning off the lights when you don’t need them are worth trying. Less insects buzzing around and maybe less energy bills.

Encourage Natural Predators

If you have a garden, don’t spray pesticides; instead, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs or birds, which feed on many insects. Planting certain flowers will attract ladybugs, and birds will like a feeder or birdbath nearby. Sometimes nature just gets a little help and these tiny allies can help keep pests from becoming a bigger problem.

Install Door Sweeps

Doors that lead out are easy for insects to crawl under. Closing this gap is possible by adding door sweeps to company doors. These can be installed yourself, they’re cheap and effective, and they’ll keep bugs out and drafts out during winter!

Vinegar Can Be Used as a Cleaning Solution

According to MedicineNet, vinegar is a great natural cleaner and also a natural pest deterrent. To wipe counters, floors, and other surfaces, use equal parts of water and vinegar. It’s a deterrent against some pests, and it’s a great way to keep your home sparkling without using harsh chemicals.

Trim Plants Near the House

Insects will use plants growing close to your home as bridges to cross over into your space. Trim shrubs, flowers and trees back, especially near windows and doors. This “welcome mat” will be cleared away and it will be harder for pests to get in.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that’s safe for humans and pets, but deadly to insects with exoskeletons. Sprinkle it along baseboards, windowsills, or wherever you have entry points and it will help to keep bugs like ants and cockroaches away. But if you have pets or kids around, be careful, and just follow your safety instructions.

Try a Homemade Citrus Spray

Many insects hate the scent of citrus. Boiling citrus peels (such as orange or lemon) in water, letting it cool, and spritzing it around entry points or places where you know there are pests is a simple spray. It’s a natural, pleasant smelling method of keeping unwanted visitors at bay without using commercial sprays.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.