9+ Ways To Keep Ants, Fleas, And Other Pests Out Of Your Home
July 17, 2019
source: YouTube/MousetrapGenius
Our homes are our homes, so the last thing we want to see in them is ants, fleas, roaches, and other pests. These critters can be seemingly impossible to get rid of without spending a fortune on a professional exterminator. But before you call in the pros, try these 10 simple pest-removal methods instead.
1. Water Roach Trap
Cockroaches need water to survive, so a water roach trap is the easiest way to capture them. Simply fill a jar with water and leave it in an area that’s prone to roaches. Once the roaches climb in the jar, they will be unable to get out.
2. Roach-Proof Your Home
Speaking of roaches, there are a few things you can do to make your home unappealing to them. Roaches thrive in dark, damp places, so ensure that you air out your house regularly and deal with any water leaks. Get rid of excess debris or boxes of junk, as these make perfect homes for roaches.
3. Roach Spray
And one more tip about roaches: They absolutely hate strong smells. Fill a spray bottle with Listerine and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Spray the solution along baseboards, under furniture, under your kitchen sink, and any other places you’ve seen roaches in before.
4. Cinnamon Ant Deterrent
Ants despise strong smells, especially that of cinnamon. Use powdered cinnamon or cinnamon essential oil to coat cotton balls, then place the cotton balls along your windowsills, near door frames, and anywhere else you suspect ants are getting in from.
5. Seal Cracks
Ants get into our homes through any cracks and crevices that lead from the outside in. Go around your house with caulking and seal any cracks or holes that you suspect ants may be getting in from.
6. Kill Fleas With Salt
A favorite hiding spot of fleas? Your carpets. Sprinkle your carpets with a generous amount of table salt. After one or two days, vacuum up the salt. The salt dehydrates the fleas and will kill them.
7. Do Some Spring Cleaning
In order to get rid of fleas for once and for all, spend a few days washing everything fabric in your house. From furniture, to linens, to carpets, to drapes, wash everything thoroughly to kill any existing fleas and their eggs.
8. Pet Prevention
And one more thing: Fleas generally come into our homes through our pets, so ensure that you are giving your pets flea medication as advised by their vet. You can also buy pet-friendly flea shampoos to make sure fleas are taken care of right away.
9. Fruit Fly Trap
Fruit flies come into our homes through open doors, windows, and sink drains. Trap and kill them by mixing together some apple cider vinegar and a few drops of liquid dish soap in a bowl or jar. Cover the top with saran wrap, then poke holes in it. The fruit flies will climb into the jar but will be unable to escape.
10. Citronella
To keep pests away from your outdoor spaces, make a spray using water and a few drops of citronella essential oil. Spray your patio furniture and deck with the solution. You can also buy citronella candles, although they’re not quite as effective as the oil.
11. Cream of Tartar
If ants are gatecrashing your outdoor meals and you’d rather avoid harsh chemicals, cream of tartar could be your go-to solution. Just a light dusting of this common kitchen ingredient around the edges of your picnic table or any areas where ants frequent can help keep them at bay. It’s a simple, natural method for deterring these pesky insects.