15 Surprising Ways to Keep Pests Out of Your Home
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The battle to keep your home pest free can be never ending. The reality is that no matter what you do, pests always seem to be knocking, whether it’s ants marching through your kitchen, spiders spinning webs in the corners or what have you. The thought of battling insects and rodents can be overwhelming, but there are some simple, unconventional ways that you might not have thought of that can help you keep your haven pest free.
Maybe you are asking yourself, ‘What do I have to do? Spray chemicals on every surface? The good news is, there are many surprising and eco friendly ways to keep pests away, and we are ready to show you some of them.
Keep Your Kitchen Clean
The first line of defence against pests is an unmessy kitchen. Clean counters, pick up crumbs and store food in air tight containers to minimize attractants. Remember, a small crumb can be the neon sign of welcome for pests. Keeping your kitchen spick and span will also make your home far less appealing to those little invaders.
Invest in Screens and Doors
A basic measure that smartly pushes pests out and lets fresh air in the house is installing screens on windows and doors, especially if you live somewhere where they’re a problem in the first place. Screens are like a good fence that keeps the neighbors at bay, except they keep the flying insects away. Make sure the screens on your windows and doors haven’t got holes and tears in them (those tiny holes are all it takes for pests to move in).
Making Coffee Grounds Barrier
Do you know that coffee grounds can serve as a pest barrier? Coffee smells and feels bad to many bugs, including slugs and snails. Used coffee grounds sprinkled around your plants or garden can keep these pesky critters away. And you’ll be recycling your coffee waste and giving your garden a little bit of a nutrient boost.
Introduce Natural Predators
Often, the best way to deal with pests is to let their natural predators into your space. For instance, ladybugs are great for controlling aphids and spiders for controlling lots of different insects. You don’t have to start a zoo in your house, but a few friendly bugs can help keep the balance in your ecosystem. Imagine it as putting together your own pest control dream team.
Make a Spice Mixture
You might be surprised to learn that many common kitchen spices can also be used as pest deterrents. To keep ants and cockroaches away, mix up a concoction of cinnamon, cayenne pepper and black pepper and sprinkle it around your home. It’ll keep your house smelling good and running the pests out of the hills.
Utilize Vinegar
Pest control is one of the great uses of vinegar as a household item. A spray bottle mixture of equal parts vinegar and water will repel ants and spiders when sprayed around entry points. Many pests dislike the strong scent, and you’ll also have a dual purpose cleaner for your kitchen surfaces. Now you don’t have to go on your pest free home quest alone, it’s almost like having a trusty sidekick!
Plant Pest-Repelling Herbs
Basil, mint, lavender, rosemary and more are not just tasty cooking herbs, they’re also great natural pest repellents. If you plant these herbs in your garden or place pots on your windowsills, they’ll help keep flies and mosquitoes away. On top of that, you’ll be ready to use fresh herbs in your culinary adventures.
Remove Standing Water
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mosquitoes and other pests love standing water; it’s where they go to breed. Check your yard for pools of water — like bird baths or clogged gutters — and empty or clean them often. The best way to do this is to eliminate the standing water, which would greatly reduce the key lifeline for these pests and reduce their appeal to eat, drink and breed there.
Use Traps Strategically
Although traps are an obvious solution, properly using them can make a world of difference. Put sticky traps where you’ve had pest problems, such as under sinks or behind appliances. It alerts you to any sneaky invaders that might have snuck on in and also gives you a clearer picture of where the problem areas are. It’s your home’s security system against unwelcome guests!
Don’t Forget the Outdoors
It’s not just inside your home you need to start pest control! Trim overgrown shrubs and inspect your yard for debris in which pests can hide so that your yard may be kept well maintained. The more you keep your outdoor space clean, the better the chances that pests don’t make it inside. It’s almost as if you’re being pleasant outside and putting up “No Vacancy” signs to any critters looking to crash the party inside.
Use Essential Oils
Not only are essential oils used for aromatherapy, they can also be used as a natural repellent to pests as shown by this ResearchGate study. Ants, spiders, and even mosquitoes will be driven away by scents like peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus. To make the most of them, add a few drops of your chosen oil to water in a spray bottle and spritz around windows, doors and other entry points. Not only will your home smell great, you’ll also be creating an unwelcoming place for those unwanted visitors.
Seal Up Cracks and Gaps
Because pests can get through the tiniest of spaces, you want to check for cracks and gaps around your home. Inspect windows and doors for any openings that allow pests to enter and inspect the foundation for openings as well. Small tubes of caulk or weather stripping do wonders to seal up little spots like this. It’s like having a strong fortress built around your home that will keep invaders out—and leave your space nice and cozy and inviting.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth might be your new best friend if you’re looking for a powdery pest control solution. Harmless to humans and pets, but lethal to insects, this natural substance is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. You can deter unwanted critters from taking residence by sprinkling it in areas in which you see pest activity. It’s kind of like sending pests on their way with their tails between their legs!
Use Citrus Peels
A good strong scent is often a deterrent for pests, and citrus peels can lend a punch. Orange, lemon or grapefruit peels placed around entry points or in an area where you’ve seen the nasty critters help keep them away. Not only do they smell great, but they add a splash of color to your home decor! You get to enjoy some citrus treats before using the peels, plus.
Stay Up to Date About Pest Activity
By keeping an eye on pest activity in your area, you can get a heads up on potential invaders. Seasonal pest trends are covered extensively by many local extension services and tips for prevention are provided. Staying informed allows you to take proactive steps to deal with pest problems before they turn into a full blown infestation. It’s kind of your pest control crystal ball to help you get the one step ahead of the game.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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