5 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Bugs and Insects

With spring arriving we are all starting to think about dusting off the patio furniture and getting outdoors more. But with spring comes bugs and insects. Most people will turn to chemicals to get rid of them and probably do not realize that you can have the same, or even better results by getting rid of them using natural non-toxic methods. The best method in every single case is to prevent them from even being attracted to your outdoor spaces or coming inside your house. Check out these helpful tips that are sure to keep you pest free this summer.

Ants

I have battled ants several times, both inside and outside of the house.  If you have them and want to get rid of them follow these steps. To prevent them from coming back follow these simple tips. 

Flies

Flies aren't scary but they can be annoying. To prevent them from sticking around try planting mint, sweet basil and bay leaves to repel them.

Fruit Flies

The BEST way to get rid of fruit flies is to suck them up with your vacuum. No it does not stop the problem but it sure as hell is a lot of fun chasing them around the house with an evil laugh. When you are done playing around you need to get rid of all sources of food that are attracting the fruit flies, making sure to wash your kitchen compost container, garbage can, recycling bin, counters and floors using hot water and vinegar.  Next you need to make a Fruit Fly Shot (TM).

What you need: 1 clear shot glass, apple cider vinegar, dish soap, evil laugh (optional)

Directions: Fill the shot glass with apple cider vinegar, add a few drops of dish soap (1 do 3-5), sit back and watch the suckers fall in. 

Mosquitoes

One of the best way to get rid of mosquitoes is to make sure you are not creating an environment that will invite them in the first place. Keep standing water to a minimum or move it as far from your sitting areas as possible.  If this isn't possible then ditch the chemical ridden citronella candles and torches and fill your garden with these plants that will repel mosquitoes: natural citronella, cedar, lemongrass and lavender. Or keep a herb garden close by with these mosquito repelling herbs: rosemary, peppermint, basil and thyme.

Wasps

::insert terrified look here:: I do all I can to prevent wasps from coming anywhere near our house but I am never successful because we do use our outdoor area a lot. Wasps are attracted to bright colours, scents like perfume and food. Minimize all of these and you reduce your chances of wasps showing up. You could also make a fake wasp nest out of newspaper (like paper mache) and hang it outside when you are out there. Wasps won't come within 20 feet of another nest so this could be a great deterrent! Another natural option is to purchase a glass wasp trap or make one out of an upcycled plastic pop bottle. 

What you need: 1 2L pop bottle, knife, tape, jam or honey, water, dish soap

Directions: Cut the top off of the bottle, fill the bottle half full of water, add a few drops of dish soap to the water. Coat the neck of the bottle with the honey or jam and invert it into the bottle and tape the neck into place. 

What are your tips for getting rid of bugs and insects naturally?

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