Below you will find several do-it-yourself remedies for dealing with various insect species. I have collected these from various sources over time. Some of these I read about in magazines, some I found scattered across different websites, and others I have heard about from individuals that swear by them. Make sure you know exactly what you are dealing with before you try to treat it. Our website has a Pest I.D. section that could help you identify some of these.
Even though almost all the formulas on this list are prepared from natural ingredients some could still be poisonous or cause illness and should be kept away from pets, children and anybody with a low tolerance immune system. If you use any powders or chemicals, make sure you follow all directions and safety precautions on the labels. I have purposefully refrained from posting any remedies that include any types of pesticides or chemicals, such as Boric Acid, even though it is naturally occurring. Please be careful and don’t forget to wear any / all personal protective equipment.
We do not intend for these remedies to be used as a substitute for hiring a pest management professional, especially in more severe cases.
Check out the remedies, try them, and have fun! Let us know which ones you have had luck with, and which ones you did not have luck with.
Spiders:
1) Spraying spiders directly with a strong mixture of soapy water will kill them.
2) Do you have any oils in your spice cabinet? Mix any of the following oils with water to create a deadly solution for spiders: citrus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil. Just one drop of any of these oils in 1 quart of water is enough to kill spiders.
3) Do you have a particular corner that consistently gets cobwebs? Spray the corner down with a mixture of one cup of white vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
Mosquitoes:
1) It is a known fact that citronella candles chase off mosquitoes. Did you know that the citronella works by irritating the mosquitoes feet? Keep the candles burning and stay close!
2) Mosquitoes really hate the smell of the original formula of Listerine mouth wash. The next time you’re having a barbecue in the back yard try spraying your chairs, table and umbrella with Listerine.
3) If you buy any spray on mosquito repellants, make sure they contain DEET.
Mice:
1) Get a cat! Does that count as a natural DIY method?
2) Mice hate mint leaves. Plant mint plants around your house to keep mice and rats away.
Fleas:
1) Grind rosemary leaves into a fine dust and sprinkle it onto your pet or its bedding to ward off fleas.
Flies:
1) Want to make a natural fly catcher? Take a narrow necked bottle such as a wine bottle. Put something very sweet into the bottom of the bottle, such as a mango peel. The flies will be able to fly in, but they won’t be able to fly out.
2) Fruit flies are said to like cheap white wine. Pour a little bit of white wine into a bowl and mix it with a little bit of detergent. The flies will drink the mixture and will die.
3) Plant mint or basil around the outside of your house to repel flies. They chase flies away and they smell great.
4) Make your own fly paper by boiling water, sugar and corn syrup together. Spread the sticky mixture on a brown paper grocery bag to create your own fly paper. It works!