Tips for Natural Indoor Pest Control

September 22nd, 2015

Nothing is worse than an infestation of ants, spiders, or other pests. Before you reach under your kitchen sink for a can of pesticide spray, however, think about whether there might be a better option. Commercial pest control sprays are often made with harsh chemicals, and there are plenty of natural options that are safer for your family and pets.

Natural Pest Control Tips

The best way to prevent pest problems is to keep your home clean and dry. Always clean up spills immediately using soap and water, and discard all garbage promptly. Keep any ripe fruit in the refrigerator to prevent fruit fly infestations, and wash your dishes on a daily basis to keep food residue from attracting pests. It is also a good idea to keep food and beverage containers tightly sealed if they are stored outside the refrigerator and choose snap-on lids over screw-top jars for added pest protection. Keep your floors neatly swept and vacuumed, and clean up after your pets.

If you do end up with pests in your house, there are some natural pest control methods you can try. For example, a spray bottle of soapy water can be used to combat ants, and the dried catnip your cat loves is an effective repellent for cockroaches. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth behind your appliances and on top of cabinets to kill insects, and hang sachets of dried mint to repel flies. Citrus is also a great pest repellent – mix some fresh lemon juice with water and use it to clean your household surfaces for added pest protection.

By using some of the natural pest control tips above, you can deal with many of the most common indoor pests. If the infestation is serious, however, you may want to call a pest control service to deal with it.