Bug Repellents: 20 Effective home Remedies
When it comes to keeping bugs away, there are plenty of natural, home-based solutions you can use. Not only are these remedies easy to implement, but they're also environmentally friendly. Below, we've got 20+ ideas for you to repel bugs with items you likely already have at home!
1. Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets are an excellent bug deterrent. They work particularly well for mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. To use, distribute a few sheets around your house or rub them onto your skin. This method helps to ensure you are not bothered by these tiny nuisances. Check out additional uses for dryer sheets here.
2. Irish Spring Soap
The potent aroma of Irish Spring soap is well-known for warding off bugs. You can strategically place bars of this soap around your home, carry a small container on your patio table, or rub the soap directly onto your skin to keep bugs at bay.
3. Essential Oils
Essential oils are an effective way to deter bugs. Some of these include lemongrass, citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, and lavender. To use, mix 1 cup of water with 25-30 drops of any of these oils in a spray bottle. Spray this concoction around your home to keep insects away.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar serves as a natural insecticide against ants, fruit flies, and other bugs. Mix equal portions of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it in areas where bugs are common.
5. Cucumber
The natural insecticide in cucumber is effective in repelling ants, wasps, and other bugs. Scatter cucumber slices around your house or rub them directly on your skin to maintain a bug-free environment.
6. Cedar Chips
For moths, fleas, and other bugs, cedar chips are a natural and effective repellent. By placing cedar chips in your closet or drawers, you can keep these unwanted pests away.
7. herbs
Herbs such as mint, catnip, and citronella can be used to ward off bugs. Crush about 1/2 to 1 cup of these herbs, boil them with a cup of water, and once cooled, filter out the herbs. Mix this solution with a few drops of dish soap and spray it around your house to deter bugs.
8. garlic
The compound allicin in garlic is known to repel both insects and animals. Soak crushed garlic cloves in mineral oil for at least 24 hours, then mix the oil with water and a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice to make a bug-repelling spray.
9. Lemon Juice
The acidity in lemon juice can deter bugs from entering certain areas. Mix lemon juice with water and spray the mixture in bug-prone areas. View more uses for lemons and lemon juice.
10. Vodka
Vodka can serve as a repellent for mosquitoes and other bugs. By mixing equal parts of vodka and water in a spray bottle, you can create an easy-to-use bug deterrent.
11. Cornmeal
A simple way to deter ants is by using cornmeal. Sprinkle it around anthills or other areas where you see ants.
12. Tiki Torches
Filling tiki torches with citronella oil and lighting them can effectively repel mosquitoes and other bugs.
13. listerine
Listerine has the surprising ability to repel mosquitoes and other bugs. Mix equal parts of Listerine and water in a spray bottle and spray it in areas where bugs are a nuisance. Discover more uses for Listerine here.
14. Mint
Mint is a potent repellent for ants, flies, mosquitoes, and even mice. Placing small sachets of crushed mint or mint tea bags around your home can effectively deter these critters.
15. Tea Bags
Used tea bags can help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. Place them around your home or rub them on your skin for protection against these pests. View more uses for tea bags.
16. Baking Soda
Baking soda can help repel cockroaches. Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar, and sprinkle this mixture in areas where you've noticed cockroaches.
17. Bay Leaves
Placing bay leaves around your home can help to repel ants and other bugs.
18. Petroleum Jelly
Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly in areas where ants are present can deter these pests.
19. baby powder
Baby powder can help repel ants. Simply sprinkle it in areas where you've noticed ant activity.
20. Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds are another great deterrent for ants. Just sprinkle them in areas where ants are present to keep these pests away.
Want more ideas? See ways to keep mosquitos away from your yard
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