How many bugs are living in your home? According to PeerJ, the average American home has 100 species of arthropods living in it. No matter how clean you keep your home, these creepy-crawlies seem to find a way in. This is especially true as the seasons change from cold to warm or warm to cold. Luckily, there are ways to get rid of these pests that don’t involve bringing harmful pesticides into your home. Today we look at ten common house bugs and natural remedies for getting rid of them.
1. Ants
Ants are notorious for sneaking their way through cracks in the wall to find any crumbs that are left behind. Where there is one ant, there are sure to be a dozen more on the way.
These pests can contaminate food as well as cause damage to the wooden foundation of your home.
DIY Natural Ant Remedy: Dish Soap Spray
First, fill spray bottle three-quarters full with water. Next, mix in 10-20 drops of natural ingredient dish soap. Spray the areas of your home that have ants and wipe up
2. Flies
Even if you close your door immediately after entering the house, flies always seem to come buzzing in. This is especially true if your husband forgot to take out the trash for the third day in a row.
The two most common types of flies are house flies and fruit flies, both of which can be found in the home. To get rid of these house bugs, you’ll need to create a DIY jar fly trap.
DIY Natural Fly Remedy: Jar Fly Trap
Start by filling a jar with an inch of apple cider vinegar. Add a few drops of floral dish soap. Cover the jar with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Poke holes in the plastic wrap. Finally, place in an area with flies.
3. Indian Meal Moths
Often found in kitchens and pantries, the Indian meal moth is known for laying its eggs in your food. From flours to cereals to grains, these insects can easily spoil and contaminate your groceries.
Natural Indian Meal Moth Remedy: Bay Leaves
Sprinkle bay leaves in your cabinet. Replace them when they lose their fragrance.
4. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are usually found in the kitchen, seeking shelter in the narrow spaces under the sink. These house bugs don’t bite, but they can cause health problems such as asthma. You might be tempted to call in professional Pest Control services, especially if you have a larger infestation of roaches, but there are also natural solutions that you could try before you bring the experts in.
Natural Cockroach Remedy: Wine Bottle Trap
Begin by filling the bottom of an empty wine bottle with syrup. Then, place cooking oil around the inside of the neck of the bottle. Put the bottle in an area where you’ve seen signs of cockroaches. The cockroach will be able to get in the bottle but not out. Once caught, dispose of as you’d like.
5. Fleas
If you have pets, you know that fleas are no joke. These tiny creatures reproduce quickly and spread by jumping onto people or pets. Flea bites cause itching and can sometimes lead to more dangerous infection or allergic reaction.
Natural Flea Remedy: Herbal Flea Spray
Start by finding a 2-liter spray bottle. Mix together 4 cups of vinegar, 2 cups of water, 4 oz of lemon juice and 2 oz of witch hazel. Vacuum your home. Spray everything in the home with the spray. Wait a day and then vacuum again.
6. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tricky creatures. Their small size allows them to sneak into suitcases, boxes and shoes, allowing them to spread like crazy. These bugs feed on human blood and will leave itchy, red marks on your skin.
Natural Bed Bug Remedy: Hairdryer
Take the hairdryer to any problem areas. When the heat kills the bugs, vacuum the area.
7. Crickets
Crickets aren’t dangerous, but their loud chirping is enough to drive anyone crazy. They also are able to multiply quickly, so if your cricket problem can quickly get out of hand.
Natural Cricket Remedy: Chili Spray
Boil 2 cups of water. Add ½ cup of red chili powder or chili sauce. Strain the liquid and add 2 more cups of water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray the outside perimeter of the home.
8. Spiders
Another common house bug and natural remedy are spiders. Spiders are one of the most feared insects. While some are harmless, others can be poisonous and a danger to humans. Not to mention, they leave cobwebs all over the house you just managed to clean.
Natural Spider Remedy: Citrus
Try rubbing a citrus peel along the baseboards, window sills and bookshelves. The scent will repel spiders and leave your home smelling fresh.
9. Termites
Termites are bugs that will silently eat their way through the walls of your home, causing structural damage. If you think you have termites, you might need to call in a professional. This is a common problem that homeowners face. However, they will spray chemicals throughout your home. For a natural home remedy for these house bugs, try using cardboard.
Natural Termite Remedy: We Cardboard
Begin by placing a wet piece of cardboard out to attract the termites. Next, wait at least a day, until they have settled on the cardboard. Burn the cardboard in a safe place.
10. Silverfish
Lastly, another house bug and a natural remedy would be the silverfish. Silverfish got their name from their silver appearance and fish-like movement. They aren’t harmful to humans but can destroy bookshelves, artwork and other household decor.
Natural Silverfish Remedy: Cedar Shavings
Spread cedar chips in areas you’ve seen these pests. The smell will scare them away.
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