It’s that time of year again. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the kids are playing at the park…And those pesky bugs are coming out of a long winter’s nap.
We want to get rid of them, but we want our family and pets to be safe. Those nasty chemicals are great at killing those bugs, but think about what they’re doing to your family.
I have come up with a list of safe ways to repel those nasty little guys.
Bees
Take a few dryer sheets and stick them in a vase on your table. Bees hate the smell, and will not bother you. This is a great tip for picnics.
Bugs And Small Pests
Boil 2 cups of water. Add 2/3 cup of chopped hot pepper. Let boil together for a few more minutes. Put a strainer over a large bowl, and strain out the pepper pieces. Put the liquid in a squirt bottle. Spray around garden area. Don’t spray directly on any of the plants.
Small Insects
Pour 1 cup of hot water and 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil into a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray in areas you notice the insects. Safe around kids and pets. Works great indoors as well.
Citrus Bug Off (Safe for children)
Remove the peel from 1 large orange. Cut the peel into small pieces. Place the peel, 5 mint leaves and 5 sage leaves into a bowl. Pour 2 cups of HOT water into the bowl. Cover the bowl with a piece of cloth and leave it overnight. The next morning hold a strainer over another bowl. Strain the mixture. Keep the liquid. Pour 2 cups of witch hazel into the bowl. Stir the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a plastic spray bottle. Use as you would Insect repellent.
Some Quick Ant Control Tips
- Spread some ground cinnamon at entries to the house, or where you see them drawn to.
- To deter ants, use catnip. Sprinkle it in their paths.
- Make a mixture of 1 cup water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 4 tablespoons of dish soap. Spray where the ants are present.
Flies And Mosquitoes
Sprinkle some basil, or if you have the option, plant a little basil around your yard, or in a planter to display on your patio table.
Crickets
- In a blender, mix together 2 cups of warm to hot water and two chili peppers or 3 tablespoons Tabasco. Blend until there are no chunks. Pour into a spray bottle and let sit overnight. Spray down the area that you are having the problem. Avoid eye contact. It burns!
- Find an old container. An old butter tub works great. Fill the container about halfway with the warm water. Stir in 3 tablespoons of molasses. Set the container in the area you’re having issues and let the “Trap” do it’s work. The molasses will draw the cricket in and when it tries to drink, the cricket will fall in.
- In a bowl, sprinkle ground Cayenne pepper on cucumber peels. Cover and let sit overnight. With tongs, place them in the corners of your garage, on window seals, and near fence posts.