As the days get warmer and the sun stays out longer, bugs come out of hiding. We may faint from humidity, but most bugs thrive in it. This article is all about how to fight off pesky bugs by using natural methods. Say it with me: "No pesticides!"
Fleas.
Our pets don't always have a best friend to keep them clean...oh wait, they have us! Battling fleas? fleas lay hundreds of eggs daily, and they get everywhere. You don't need pesticides to stop them in their tracks, but yes, you will have to clean. Some options include:
Salt.
Salt is versatile. Grind any salt you have on hand -- iodized, epsom, or bath salts -- and make it a powder by grinding it into a blender. Sprinkle it all over your carpet and vacuum those eggs up. The salt dries the eggs and prevents hundreds of pesky fleas being born.
Dawn dish soap.
The rumors are true. You don't have to buy expensive flea shampoo for your pets, just use some of your everyday Dawn dishwashing soap to bathe them. The thickness of the soap stops the fleas in their tracks.
Herbal repellants.
Fleas do not like certain scents. No one knows why (except the fleas, of course). But any combination of the following herbs will repel fleas: lemon, rosemary, lavender, witch hazel, apple cider or white vinegar. Mix together the lemon juice, vinegar, and your choice of herbs in a spray bottle to use around your house.
Flea comb.
Seriously, just comb the fleas. It works.
Spiders.
Let's face it: the spiders that hang out in the corners of our homes are just not as cute as this guy. But don't resort to Raid®! When a pesticides' purpose is to kill living things, the chemicals are inevitably also bad for the environment, and bad for you. Instead try:
Peppermint.
Spiders hate peppermint. Maybe the mint tickles their little spider feet? Whether you use peppermint oil, mint candles, or real peppermint extract, spreading the minty fresh love will make those spiders wish they bugged someone else.
Citrus.
Use citrus-scented cleaners to keep those spiders at bay. Spiders love messy heaps and dark corners, so your mom did have a good reason for making you clean your room: it was to keep the spiders away. Adding a citrus twist deters those creepy crawlers. If you don't have citrus cleaner, just rub some citrus peel where the spiders usually hang out.
Vinegar.
Yes! Vinegar is the most resourceful cleaning solution. Just like fleas, spiders do not like vinegar. There are some myths that the acidic nature burns the spiders, but one thing is for certain: they hate the smell.
Fruit flies/gnats.
Apple cider vinegar and soap.
Fruit flies can not resist the scent of apple cider vinegar. If you put some in an empty bottle or can with a layer of soap on top, the flies will stick to the soap and drown in the vinegar. It is an easy, foolproof method. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, try using red wine, a fresh piece of fruit in water, or juice. But always add the soap!
Herbal repellants.
Basil, lavender, bay leaves, and mint have poignant oils that keep the fruit flies away. If you need to ripen fruit on the counter but don't want to attract fruit flies, place a fresh basil plant next to the fruit to deter those flies. And then make pesto afterward!
Clean.
Fruit flies are attracted to any rotting vegetables or fruits, and that includes what you cannot see. Oftentimes, food gets down our drains and stuck in the garbage disposal. Clean your sink frequently to deter fruit flies from laying eggs in hard to reach places like your drain pipes.
With these helpful hints, let's continue enjoying the sun without the bugs. Cheers to a warm spring!
