Pest Control on a Dime

The stores are full of expensive pest control products, but what you might not know is that inexpensive staples you have in your home will rid you of pests at no extra expense. Here are just a few basic home remedies you can use to kill pests.

Ants

To deter ants, wash countertops, cabinets, and floors with equal parts vinegar and water.

Fleas

Add a teaspoon of vinegar to each quart of drinking water that you give your pets to keep them free of fleas and ticks. (One teaspoon to one quart is for a 40 pound animal use less for smaller animals.

Kill Fleas

Score the peel of an orange and rub the juice directly into your pet’s coat. Be sure not to get the juice in your pet’s eyes. Vacuum frequently around your pet’s favorite resting spots, and if you can get it, place eucalyptus branches there. Sprinkle table salt lightly around the area.

Mosquitoes

Citronella oil is inexpensive and is sold in most garden, and hardware stores, It has been used for decades as a mosquito repellent. Or try rubbing a little apple-cider vinegar on your skin. Leave an open bottle of citronella oil, or pennyroyal in your rooms.Use a yellow light bulb outside to attract them out there.

Cockroaches

To kill roaches, add a half cup flour and a quarter cup sugar to a cup of borax and sprinkle along cracks and crevices where they may hide. Another deterrent; Mix lime juice, water, crushed bay leaves, and a small amount of salt together, apply to effected area.

Silverfish

Sprinkle cinnamon into cupboards and drawers and onto bookshelves to be rid of these pests.

About bay leaves, and salt, I have used bay leaves as a deterrent for roaches for years. I just put the whole leaves in kitchen drawers and drop them in any small places I can find. I also put them under the sinks in kitchen and bathroom and behind the washer and dryer. I replace them about every six months. Also if I see ants in the house, I sprinkle table salt around the area. It kills the ants. Wash everything in vinegar and they won’t come back.