It is for a good reason that we call them pests - they are problems in our homes and gardens that we would rather avoid. It can, however, cause as many problems as it solves if you use nasty chemical products to get rid of them. The good news is that there is a way to control pests, and here are a few ideas on how to control bugs naturally.
Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash
In the garden
Occasionally, pests in the garden will make their way inside as well. They will also spoil all your hard work making the garden attractive and green. The natural way to combat them has many advantages.
Get weeding
Weeds can soak up the goodness of the soil, leaving little for your plants. Weeds are a breeding group for other weeds and they can choke the soil of its nutrients. The best time to weed is when it has just rained or when you have just watered. Pour boiling hot water on weeds if they are a large area - this will easily kill the weeds.
Clear out weak or dying plants
Plants have an average lifespan of about ten years, although some can live for decades. When you see a plant weakening or dying, it may be time to remove it, because it may become a breeding ground for bugs. It also makes room for other, healthier plants to grow.
Build up the soil organically
Consider organic methods for improving or boosting the soil in your garden depending on where you live. This will encourage healthy plants and a beautiful garden. If you are planning to grow certain types of plants, then you might want to build the soil accordingly.
Keep plant foliage dry
As plants can be susceptible to pests if their foliage (leaves and stems) is too wet, watering your garden should be done so water reaches the roots without touching the foliage. Choose a system that is low to the ground if you intend to use an irrigation system.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Clean the plants
Even though plants generally keep themselves clean naturally, it never hurts to give them a helping hand. Natural soap and water can be used to wash the plants and eliminate nasty mould and pests. To be sure you are using the right type of soap for your garden plants, do a little research on the type of soap you plan to use.
In the house
There are also natural ways to control bugs naturally in the house, since that's where we live, eat and sleep. As a result, pests in the house are even more of a problem than in the garden.
Preventative measures
Make sure you start by taking good preventative measures such as vacuuming your carpets and floors regularly to ensure that nothing builds up. Additionally, food might need to be sealed in containers and bags in order to prevent pests from getting into them.
Use a Borax mixture
Make a dough of eight parts Borax, four parts flour, one part powdered sugar, with enough water to keep it moist. You can place grape-sized balls around your house in places where bugs are likely to gather. Replace the balls periodically or clean them with water. The substance will be eaten by the bugs, which then die.
Use catnip
The natural plant catnip is another way to control bugs naturally. Harmless to humans and pets, it repels them and helps keep them away. Make a cloth satchel out of fresh catnip and put it around the house.
Cover entry points
The pest problem extends beyond bugs; mice and rats are also serious problems. It is also important to provide a larger entry point for them to enter the house. Make sure that areas near sinks, water heaters, pipes, and vents that may allow them access are covered, or even stapled with mesh.
Natural pest preventatives
It is also possible to get rid of different pests naturally using substances that are completely natural. Some examples are:
- Cedar oil will not only provide a pleasant smell but also ward off moths, so you can hang a piece of wood that has been soaked in the oil in closets to prevent them from getting into your clothes
- Garlic wards off lots of insects, as well as mites. I've heard you can mix it with water and spray it on your skin (if you can handle the smell, that is)!
- Mix a little apple cider vinegar with water and rinse your dog's coat to repel pests and treat bites while using it to trap gnats in a dish.
- Citronella candles ward off pests, especially mosquitoes, since they contain this ingredient
Conclusion
In this article, we've offered some ways to naturally ward off pests and keep your home and garden pest-free. None of these strategies involve harsh chemicals that might harm people, their pets, and the environment.
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