5 Natural Ways To Keep Bugs At Bay
An Australian summer conjures up images of white sandy beaches, icy poles, BBQ’s and long lazy days around the pool. But, it also means an onslaught of creepy crawlies! Huntsman spiders take up summer residence in your home and ants and cockroaches find a way through any possible nook and cranny to hold house parties in your kitchen while you sleep. Most of us reach for the industrial strength bug spray aerosol, but for those of us who are trying to live a greener lifestyle, what are the best natural ways to keep bugs at bay?
Mosquito Deterrent
Citronella is used in most coils and oil burners which you find in the supermarket and it’s still used because it’s proven to works.
Ants Hate Peppermint
Ants do not enjoy the smell of peppermint, so a great, natural way to keep bugs at bay is to add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to water and use a water sprayer to spray areas where you commonly find ants trailing in the home. It’ll also add a wonderful minty fresh fragrance to your home!
Citrus Is A Natural Spider Deterrent
Huntsman, along with other large Australian spiders are the stuff of nightmares for most people. Keep them outside where they belong by spraying citrus around windows, doors and air vents as a sign that they are not welcome. At some citrus orange peels to boiling water and let the peels infuse and release the citrus oils into the water as it cools overnight. Once cooled down, transfer to a water spray bottle, add a few drops of witch hazel and hit those spider entry locations!
Roaches Hate Rosemary
Roaches do not like the smell of rosemary. Grab some fresh sprigs and lay them on the floor on in cupboards where roaches tend to gravitate too in the home. Refresh once they dry out and enjoy a roach free home and the wonderful, calming and comforting fragrance of fresh rosemary.
A Good All Rounder Natural Bug Deterrent
Create a mix of water, peppermint oil and a spritz of witch hazel to spray around the home as a good natural bug spray. You can also create a natural trap for floor crawling bugs by mixing together baking soda and sugar. Bugs are attracted to the sugar and as they eat it, they eat the baking soda which is poisonous to them.
With all these great natural ways to keep bugs at bay, there really is no better prevention than a clean home. Keep all food covered and sealed, wipe down your kitchen and clean it regularly as crumbs and food particles are a feast for bugs. Manage your pet food too and do not leave wet dog and cat food out for any length of time. Spoiled wet meat is a calling beacon to bugs and flies.
