Try a ‘skeleton earth’ trick to keep pests out of your home – it kills creepy crawlies but is safe for plants and people
CRAWLING critters won’t plague your home if you sprinkle a natural insecticide, said an expert.
He shared several organic pest control tips for effectively repelling bugs without harming pets and people.
Robert Collins is an expert at My Job Quote, a UK-based online company that connects homeowners with tradespeople.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he revealed little-known tricks for keeping insects out of your home.
BANISH BUGS
Collins said reducing entry points can be useful for limiting pests without resorting to chemicals.
“Closing up any gaps around your window and door frames with an appropriate sealant is a good idea,” he said.
“It will help keep bugs out and reduce draughts in the house.
“Check around any vents or pipes where you could apply a band of sealant to plug up any potential access points for crawling insects.”
He said food debris can attract crawling and flying insects so it’s necessary to routinely wipe countertops, sweep, and vacuum crumbs.
“Use airtight containers for food, even when they are stored in cupboards or fridges,” he said.
“Insects can fit through the smallest cracks in your cupboards and may even sit in the seal of your fridge.”
“Make sure your bin lids are tight fitting and regularly empty them so that the smells don’t attract any unwanted crawling bugs.”
He recommended sprinkling diatomaceous earth around areas of the home where pests may enter to prevent infestations.
“The earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms whose skeletons are made up of silica,” he said.
“It kills crawling insects by absorbing the fats and oils in their bodies as they move over it, causing them to dry out.
“The abrasive nature of the diatomaceous earth speeds up the process. Diatomaceous earth is completely safe for plants, pets, and people and is 100% natural.”
FIGHT FLYERS
Collins said a physical barrier is the “most effective” way to prevent flying pests from entering your home.
He recommended investing in window and door insect screens.
He said greenery that the insects don’t like is an alternative solution.
“Plants that bugs don’t like, planted around your doors and windows, will also help to deter some flying insects,” he said.
“The most effective of these plants are lavender, marigolds, basil, mint, rosemary, and sage.
“Essential oil diffusers on your windowsills may also help to fend off any flying insects.
“Peppermint, citronella, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils are the most effective.
“You could also spray these scents around your windows and doors to provide an extra level of defense against airborne bugs.
“Remove all possible sources of stagnant water from the exterior of your property to deter flies and mosquitos who use them to lay their eggs.
“This includes pet bowls, flowerpots, bird baths, or anything that could hold rainwater.”
Collins said there aren’t specific indoor plants that attract pests but the soil condition could entice them.
Trim bushes, hedges, and trees close to the house so that rats can’t use them to climb and gain access to the roof.
Robert Collins
He warned against overwatering and said to keep plants as healthy as possible.
“If the potting compost remains moist and there is a lack of airflow this creates a humid environment for many plant pests such as fungus gnats, mealy bugs, spider mites, and thrips,” he said.
“Being vigilant can help to eradicate pests on your houseplants.
“Check the plants each time you water them, look under the leaves, in the leaf axils, and check the soil for bugs, treating them as needed.
“Keeping your indoor plants in their optimum condition will reduce the chances of having an insect infestation.
“So, make sure they get the right potting mix, light conditions, fertilizer, and watering regime.”
REPEL RATS
Collins said rats “hate the smell” of cats and just having one in your home is an effective way to deter the rodents.
He said it’s important to pick up pet food bowls and clean them after each feeding to avoid attracting rats and mice.
He recommended keeping bins tightly closed and stored away from the home to avoid giving them places to scavenge for food.
“Rats love having a place to hide and being able to move around undetected so don’t make it easy for them,” he said.
“Don’t allow your garden to become overgrown or let rubbish accumulate.
“Trim bushes, hedges, and trees close to the house so that rats can’t use them to climb and gain access to the roof.
“Rats can gnaw through anything, even concrete, and can fit through the smallest holes so make sure any holes are sealed.
“Check pipes or vents on your external walls and use strong wire grills or mesh to cover any gaps.
“Keep up to date with repairs and maintenance to decrease the number of access points.”
He suggested getting a plug-in repeller that emits an ultra-sonic sound or creates an electromagnetic field in the area.
“These devices are non-lethal but the rats will dislike the noise or sensation and not stick around,” he said.
“If you already have a rat problem in your home then it is best to enlist the services of a professional pest control company.
“They will have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to best deal with the rats.”
Use your vacuum cleaner, an extendable duster, or a broom to reach high corners which are a preferred place for spiders.
Robert Collins
He said store-bought rat traps or poison from a DIY store can worsen the problem.
“While it may kill the rat, it’s likely that the animal will go somewhere inaccessible to die and the body will decompose under your floor or inside your walls,” he said.
“This will cause an incredibly foul smell that will pervade your home.
“The dead rat will also attract flies which will lay eggs and you will then have maggots and soon after, a fly infestation.
“So, rather than curing your rat problem, you end up in a worse situation with a decomposing rat, a pervasive stench, and a swarm of flies in your house.”
SPOOK SPIDERS
Citrus, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and vinegar are among the “strong smells” Collins said can deter spiders.
However, essential oils can be “toxic” to pets such as cats and dogs.
He recommended discouraging spiders by clearing clutter as spiders are usually found in quiet, undisturbed spots.
“Regularly remove webs as you dust and clean,” he said.
“Use your vacuum cleaner, an extendable duster, or a broom to reach high corners which are a preferred place for spiders.
“Hoover awkward to reach spaces where spiders may like to hang out such as behind hard-to-move furniture or on top of cupboards and wardrobes.
“Plug any obvious gaps that make it easy for spiders to enter your home and keep windows closed at night.
“Alternatively, install insect screens on your windows so that you can enjoy the fresh air without inviting unwelcome eight-legged visitors in.”