7 Natural ways to rid your home of pesky insects
The field of repellent development from plants makes sense because of the wealth of insecticidal compounds found in plants as defences against insects. By harnessing these compounds, healthier, more natural ways to repel bugs can be created.
The Heartysoul website has these tips to offer:
1 Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Lemon eucalyptus oil is commonly used by cosmetic industries for its strong, fresh scent, however, researchers found that it provided insect-repelling properties for up to an hour, making it the most effective natural mosquito repellent available.
Simply fill a small 250ml spray bottle about three quarters of the way with water. Then add a good dose (between 30 and 50 drops) of lemon eucalyptus essential oil to the water and mix well.
Use this on skin or in areas highly infested with mosquitoes and the strong smell will prevent them from even coming near you.
2 Peppermint oil
Peppermint is an excellent insect repellent due to its ability to rapidly turn from a liquid into a gas. When peppermint oil components are broken down, menthane-3, a registered insect repellent can be found.
3 Neem oil
Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the neem, an evergreen tree endemic to the Indian subcontinent and introduced to many other areas in the tropics. Neem oil is effective against insects and fungal infections.
4 Vinegar
Wood vinegar is an excellent, effective, natural pesticide for use in the garden, as well as the home. Since wood vinegar is not easily obtainable, standard apple cider vinegar makes an equally valid bug spray around your home. Just mix two parts vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. You can also mix insecticidal essential oils into the vinegar spray for extra effectiveness.
5 Cayenne Pepper
Bugs hate everything about cayenne pepper and it is effective in repelling a huge range of bugs from beetles to flies and mosquitoes. You’ll need about two heaped tablespoons for every three and a half litres of water and several drops of liquid soap gives the spray extra sticking power. After vigorously whisking the soap and pepper into the water, leave it to stand overnight and then stir it again and use a funnel to decant into spray bottles. Please note: cayenne pepper can be dangerous if too much is inhaled or sprayed on skin continuously.
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6 Mint leaves
Mint leaves can be used to get rid of pests like weevils, amongst others. Try leaving some mint leaves in areas of the house where you know pests live and the mint will make the room smell amazing as well.
7 Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme and Clove oils
These don’t just smell good, but essential oils are great, natural ways to repel insects and are also kind on the skin! Lavender oil has been proved just as useful as commercial bug repellents and is also a fantastic relaxant and headache reliever.
Rosemary, thyme, and clove essential oils have also been tested against crop insects, unwanted weeds and house insects – and found effective. Try mixing these oils into the vinegar blend and spray areas of the house where unwanted pests live.
Fore more on this and other health-related topics, visit The Hearty Soul
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