I think one of the worst things about Summer is all the nasty bugs and flies that always seem to come out and play. Thankfully there are a few ways to keep them at bay. Check them out…
Lavender Oil
Lavender is known as a natural bug-deterrent, along with lemon tea tree, eucalyptus and citronella. To repel insects – especially mosquitos – tie this herb in bunches and hang it around your entertaining areas and kitchen.
Beer
If snails and slugs are an issue in your garden, leave a plate of beer out, or half-bury it in the garden near the plants they like to eat. Slugs can’t resist the yeasty smell and they’ll crawl in and drown.
Citrus Peels
Spiders especially dislike the smell of citrus fruits, so rub down any areas of your house (like that bathtub, or windowsills, bookshelves) that spiders like to frequent.
Herbs
Lavender isn’t the only herb bugs don’t love. Others include catnip, lemongrass, garlic, mint, citronella, basil and bay leaves. Plant these fragrant herbs around your doorways or keep them in pots.
White Vinegar
Do you have ants raiding the home? Just put some white vinegar in a spray bottle, and lightly spritz.
Cedar
You can buy cedar blocks or shavings at your local hardware. Place them in your closet and drawers to stop moths chewing through your clothes and linen.
Cucumber slices
Want to keep ants off your kitchen bench (or picnic table?) Slice up some cucumbers and leave them laying around.
Cinnamon
Sprinkling cinnamon in your child’s sand pit is said to help keep bugs from hanging out in there.
Garlic
Garlic makes a great natural insect repellant spray.
You can make a basic garlic spray to control aphids, slugs, and other insects, or you can make an onion, chili, and garlic spray that will help keep away ladybugs.
Keep a clean house… and a dry backyard
Regularly wiping up food scraps and spills, dusting and cleaning will help keep bug infestations to a minimum.
Also, make sure you get rid of any pools of standing water – it’s a breeding ground for mozzies and other pests. Bird baths, pools…. even small amounts of water, like pots, containers and children’s toys.
Check out this DIY bug spray to keep the flies away.
