Cat and Mouse It seems basic, but an effective solution to any rodent problem is to call in their natural enemy. For many, adding a pet solves the problem and keeps mice at bay season after season. It sounds weird, but mice are smart. They know who their natural predators are. So leave your cat’s litter box in trouble spots to leave an unwelcome scent in the area. If you know where mice are coming in, which can typically be identified by large amounts of urine and feces in one area, use steel wool to plug any holes in the space. Mice can fit through a hole as small as a pencil eraser, so shine a light and fill any and all potential entrances.
baseboards, mattresses, rugs, the tops of curtains and cabinets, and underneath furniture. Also vacuum hard surfaces, such as wood floors, where insects deposit eggs in the cracks. Be sure to empty your bag or canister directly into the outdoor garbage rather than inside the house. Cider Vinegar An age-old recipe for getting rid of fruit flies is apple cider vinegar with a few added drops of dish soap. Pour these ingredients into a dish and cover with plastic wrap. Poke some holes with a knife (large enough for the bugs to comfortably get through). Rather than a deterrent, it effectively traps them. You can also draw them into a jar filled with some red wine or fruit. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and puncture a few small holes as an invitation.
From spiders to insects to rodents, make your house a little less welcoming to unwanted guests with the natural pest repellents below. Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a common solution for ridding your home of many insects. This powder is safe to use around children and pets since it is non-toxic. It is readily available in home improvement stores and online, and is inexpensive. Use DE to treat fleas, cockroaches, dust mites, ants, bed bugs, earwigs, stink bugs, spiders, andmore. DE works by dehydrating the bugs. Once insects scurry across the powder, they typically die within 24 hours. To treat your home with DE, lay out thick lines in high-traffic areas (of the pests, not the people). Typically, this is along walls, window sills, and the backs of cupboards. You can also treat mattresses and furniture. Focus on areas where you’ve seen pest activity, especially in places that are less-frequently vacuumed, like behind furniture.
Vacuum Sometimes, the most obvious solution is a simple one. Your
vacuum is an outstanding deterrent. Bugs are smart and know where to hide, so be sure to regularly target
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