Guide to Getting Rid of Insects, the Natural Way

Bug time is here! Spring and summer are full of bugs, and there are easy, natural ways to tame the pest problem without the use of chemicals that could be potentially damaging to the environment, or more importantly, you. What would normally be a nice, relaxing summer day, will now be filled with a wide variety of insects, get rid of them before they become a huge problem.

Here are some tips that you can use to repel the pesky little buggars that will soon be flying and crawling around.

Ants are a common problem in households, and if ants are invading your abode, first you need to find the point of entry. Once that's been discovered, make a line of red or black pepper, salt or vinegar and it will stop the ants from coming into the house. Ants will not cross that line. If you can't find their entry way but are still experiencing a problem, put some sugar and borax together in a place where your household pets can't get to it, and it will solve the ant problem. They will be attracted to the sugar, eat the mixture and the borax will kill them.

If you find the anthill, you can pour boiling water down an anthill and it will kill the eggs and destroy the hill. You might have to do this two or three times before you get them all. Stay persistent, it does work!

For other insect problems, dish detergent in a spray bottle mixed with water will suffocate aphids and other small bugs. It will also keep some eggs from hatching on houseplants, and it will not harm your plants.

For houseflies and other flying insects, break out your good old-fashioned fly swatter. There is nothing more effective than that, and you won't be harming the environment!

If you're outside, citronella candles or oils are effective against mosquitoes that carry a wide array of diseases. Try rubbing a dryer sheet on your skin; it will repel mosquitoes as well. Get rid of any standing water that's hanging around in your yard.

Use vinegar to attract and drown fruit flies and other insects. Just set a bowl of vinegar on your kitchen counter and they'll be attracted to it, and will drown themselves.

Insects are a part of life, but there are ways you can control your population without harmful chemicals. Chances are, you probably have most of this stuff hanging around your house anyway!