DIY household pest remedies
Household pests can be a real, well, pest. And we know that many of our Over60 members prefer to do things naturally, rather than using chemicals or sprays. So we’ve found some easy DIY remedies to rid your house of these common pests.
Ants can be frustrating when they’re around, but very simple to get rid of. All you need to do is spray a soapy water mixture or window cleaner on them and their trail. It will kill the ants and break the trail. If you can follow some ants back to their nest, pouring boiling water on it will kill many of them in one go. Another handy hint is to sprinkle cinnamon where you think ants might be getting into your house. They won’t cross the line.
Cockroaches could survive a nuclear bomb, so the saying goes, but they won’t survive this incredibly simple DIY solution: Roach Balls. All you need to do is combine 2 cups of borax, ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of cornflour, and 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl. Then just roll the mixture into small balls. Place the balls in unsealed sandwich bags (three balls to a bag), and leave them in the places you’ve seen cockroaches. These balls are poisonous – keep out of any area where pets or children could get to them.
Related link: Chemical-free cleaning for your home
Dust mites can be a problem in warmer, more humid climates. They’re microscopic and can live just about anywhere in your home. People who are allergic to them can suffer from itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; eczema, respiratory problems, nasal stuffiness, and blocked ears. The problem here is the dust, so cleaning thoroughly is key. Use a damp cloth or microfibre cloth to dust surfaces weekly; wash your bedding in water at least 55° each week to kill any mites; switch to synthetic pillows. For people with strong allergic reactions to dust mites, you might want to consider more extreme measures like replacing your carpet with tiles or floorboards, installing vertical blinds or shutters in place or curtains, and getting a household air filter.
Fleas can be a problem for everyone in the family once a pet gets them. But they’re simple enough to eliminate. First, bathe your pet in saltwater, or in warm water in which you have steeped rosemary. To eliminate from any upholstery and carpets, sprinkle the sites with baking soda and then vacuum them up. For this part, it’s advisable to use a vacuum bag that seals well and dispose of it once you’ve finished.
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