Photo of Qaqamba Falithenjwa

Tips to easily repel insects in your home this warm season

As temperatures rise, so do the chances of uninvited insect visitors in your home, my least favourite part of the warm season.  From mosquitoes to ants and pesky flies, these tiny invaders can quickly turn your cosy space into a battleground.

Luckily, there are simple, natural tricks to keep bugs at bay without harsh chemicals. These tips will help keep your home an insect-free sanctuary all season long. The Fordia publication states that spraying the outside of your tent or lodging with vinegar can be an effective repellent. It is also added that consuming garlic capsules daily can also act as a natural repellent for insects.

“Mosquito Barrier or Mosquito Less are all-natural, liquid garlic-based products that you can buy and spray on grass, hedges, decks, etc. to keep mosquitos away for up to a month. Many municipalities are using them for parks, golf courses and school grounds. When mixed with oil and liquid soap, it will adhere to trees, shrubs and grass. If you want to spray it on fabric, simply mix it with water alone to avoid staining.”

According to Your Green Team, chalk is a natural repellent that repels ants and slugs by containing calcium carbonate and beer is another effective repellent for slugs, as they love it and drown themselves in it. “We can sprinkle spices such as cinnamon, paprika, and garlic around doors and windows in our homes to block their paths. Repeat sprinkling weekly for effective treatment.”

The above source advises that a DIY spider-repellent spray can be made by mixing lemon oil, liquid soap, and water.

Diatomaceous earth, a rock powder made up of prehistoric algae, can kill most household pests like fleas, ticks, and cockroaches, claims Lancashire Times. It is also added that essential oils can be applied to dogs’ necks weekly to repel ticks and fleas, as they are resistant to these substances.

Also see: 5 Insects and bugs you can eat

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