• Home
  • Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure
  • About
  • Contact Us
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Moms in the Trenches

  • Food
    • Meal Prep
    • Recipes
    • Kids in the Kitchen
  • Homeschool
    • Curriculum
    • Unschooling
  • DIY
  • Travel
    • Camping
    • How To Travel
  • Family Life
    • Fun & Games
    • Budgeting
    • Home Management
    • Oils
  • About

Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Pesky Household Pests

Family Life

15 Jul

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. At no additional cost to you, clicking in these links go to support our blog. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Image credit.

Every house has pests. Even though they are commonly found in American homes, that does not mean that they are wanted, especially when it quickly turns into an infestation. There are dozens of home conveniences that can be implemented to drive those pests away. Here are some natural remedies you can try instead of going out and buying some bug spray.

Getting Rid Of Ants In Your Kitchen

Try mixing half white vinegar with half water in a spray bottle. When you see any ants, give them a good spray and wipe up the area. The vinegar is too much for the ant’s sense of smell and they will be sure not to return. The only downside to this is that your home will reek of vinegar. You could also try sprinkling cayenne pepper, cornmeal, or brewed coffee grounds in and around the area where the ants are coming from. This trick will also disrupt the ants’ sense of smell, but without making your entire house smell like vinegar.

Cayenne pepper, cornmeal, or brewed coffee grounds will put a stop to the ants smelling your food in your home as well as their fellow ant. The texture of these materials will also act as an ant force field as many of them will avoid the area.

One other natural remedy is to use dish soap spray. All you need for this is dish soap and water. Mix those two ingredients together, making sure to fill the spray bottle three-quarters of the way full with water and adding 10 to 20 drops of dish soap. It is important that the dish soap that you use is made with natural ingredients. Give that mixture a good shake and spray the areas you are seeing ants trailing or frequent.

You could also sprinkle boric acid or borax powder around outside entrances and alongside any visible trails as well as dust infested areas with boric acid mixed with an equal amount of flour, cornmeal, or sugar inside your home. The ants will think this is food, take it back to their nest to feed, and will die. When you do these remedies, make sure that your pets and children are kept away from these areas.

Getting Rid Of Flies In Your Kitchen

Making fly traps and is probably one of the easiest ways to get rid of flies in your kitchen. Create a jar fly trap using a jar, apple cider vinegar, dish soap, plastic wrap, and a rubber band. Fill the jar with an inch’s worth of apple cider vinegar then add a couple of drops of floral dish soap. Use the plastic wrap to cover the jar, making sure to secure it with the rubber band. Poke holes in the plastic wrap and voila! Now the flies have a way to get inside the jar with a slim chance of leaving it.

You could also make a fruit trap. This is especially great for capturing fruit flies. Cut a piece of fruit of your choosing about an inch thick then place it into a bowl with the cut side facing up. Cover that bowl with a plastic wrap and secure the wrap with a rubber band or tape. Using a toothpick, poke holes at the top. Put the bowl with the fruit in an undisturbed area of the kitchen and watch those fruit flies flock. Fruit flies can always come back somehow though. To keep them gone for good, be sure to always keep your fresh produce sealed.

Getting Rid Of Indian Meal Moths

These little critters are more commonly found in your kitchen and pantry. They can lay their little eggs in flours, cereals, grains, seeds, candies, and dry pet food. Meal moths will spoil your food by taking over your pantry with their webs, feces, and skin. To get rid of them there are a couple of tricks you can try. Always wipe down your cans and bags with a hot soapy washcloth. This will prevent them from spreading to the rest of your food when you come in from the grocery store. You can also sprinkle bay leaves throughout your kitchen cabinets as strong smelling leaves will stop meal moths from infesting your kitchen pantry.

Getting Rid Of Cockroaches

You can use a wine bottle to trap the roaches by filling the bottom of an old wine bottle with something sticky like syrup or peanut butter. From there, line the inside of the wine bottle top with cooking oil. Roaches will be seduced by the sweet smells and contents inside the wine bottle, but once they are inside the wine bottle, they will not be able to climb up the walls of the wine bottle because it will be too slippery.

Another option is to use the catnip plant as its strong smell is hated by cockroaches. To achieve this, fill small bags with fresh catnip or cotton balls that have the catnip essential oil, nepetalactone. Put those satchels in the areas you have seen the roaches.

Getting Rid Of Fleas In Your Bedroom

Ridding your bedroom of fleas because of your pet has never been easier with these natural remedies. Use a herbal flea spray consisted of four cups of vinegar, two cups of water, four ounces of lemon juice and two ounces of witch hazel. Mix these ingredients together and put them in a two-liter spray bottle, spraying it on everything and everywhere in your apartment. Special attention should be given to your carpets, furniture, and pet bed. Keep in mind that you should spray everything after you have vacuumed the entire house as well as wash any belongings on the hottest washing setting.

You can also opt to use salt as salt can dehydrate the fleas, killing them. All you need to do is sprinkle finely ground salt on your carpets and leave it on your carpet for a day. After 24 hours, vacuum it.

You can also try boiling four cups of water and remove it from the heat. After that, add six thinly sliced lemons, chopped rosemary leaves, and three to four drops of Geranium essential oil. Mix everything together in the hot water, cover, and leave overnight. The next day, strain the water and transfer it to a spray bottle. Use this rosemary and lemon spray throughout your home to repulse the fleas.

Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs In Your Bedroom

Bed bugs can be extremely difficult to get rid of without the help of the pest authority of Chattanooga, or wherever you are local. If you have already scheduled an exterminator to treat your home and they are not able to come immediately, you can use these natural remedies in the meantime.

Use steam cleaning and a hairdryer to expose bed bugs and their eggs to high heat as high temperatures can kill them. If you steam clean areas where you find bed bugs with temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use baking soda to try and get rid of bed bugs. Sprinkle the area and surrounding spaces with baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the moisture in the bed bugs and will kill them. You just have to let the baking soda sit for an hour and then vacuum it up. Do this every few days to make sure all the bugs are gone.

Getting Rid Of Crickets In Your Bedroom

Crickets are commonly found in your home and are drawn to warm humid environments. To get rid of them you can make a trap with molasses. Fill a jar half-way with the molasses and that is it! The sweet smell of the molasses will lure them into the jar, but it is so sticky they will not be able to leave, trapping them.

You could also make a chili spray using two cups of boiling water and adding in half a cup of red chilies, red chili powder, or chili sauce. After that step is completed and you have mixed it all together, strain the liquid, and then add two more cups of water. Put all these ingredients in a spray bottle and there you have it. Be sure to spray the outside perimeter of your home to keep the crickets away. Be careful not to spray this inside the house because you could stain your furniture or rugs because of the red.

Getting Rid Of Spiders In Your Bedroom

Having spiders in your bedroom can be terrifying, but they hate citrus scents. To get rid of spiders in your bedroom naturally, rub a citrus peel along the baseboards, window sills, and bookshelves. You could also create a spider spray by mixing water and a few drops of essential oils. These oils can be eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, citrus and cedar as all these scents repel spiders. Spray the areas where you find spiders and you can kiss them goodbye. The most effective time to do this is when you have experienced rain or cold water.

Related Posts:

  • Get Rid Of Bedroom Clutter With These TipsGet Rid Of Bedroom Clutter With These Tips
  • Letting The Sun Shine Some Natural Light In Your BedroomLetting The Sun Shine Some Natural Light In Your Bedroom
  • How to Get Around Chicago with Kids...SoloHow to Get Around Chicago with Kids...Solo
  • How to get Homeschool Books for CheapHow to get Homeschool Books for Cheap
Tweet
Pin
Share
0 Shares

Leave a Comment

About Tonya

Tonya grew up in Western Michigan, but now live with her husband and two teenagers in Central Florida.
She has always loved traveling and possibly loves the planning of travel even more. She gets excited about making out calendars and researching what to do and see.

« The Science of Achieving Success by Knowing Your Audience
Ways to Teach at Home Without Tears »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Get Dinnerly

Popular Posts

Why Using Theater to Teach your Kids is CrucialWhy Using Theater to Teach your Kids is Crucial188 Total Shares
6 Favorite Subscription Boxes for Homeschooled Kids6 Favorite Subscription Boxes for Homeschooled Kids43 Total Shares
Finding Balance in an Unbalanced TimeFinding Balance in an Unbalanced Time42 Total Shares
How to Make Homemade Elderberry SyrupHow to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup42 Total Shares
Grandparents’ Roles in Family Legacy StoriesGrandparents’ Roles in Family Legacy Stories27 Total Shares

Recent Posts

  • 3 Simple Reasons Students Don’t Concentrate In Your Class
  • Discover The Best Ways To Add Crazy Levels Of Extra Value To Your Property
  • Home Improvements You Can Do Yourself
  • 5 Things You May Need To Fix This Winter
  • The Repair Jobs A DIY Beginner Should Think Twice About

Recent Comments

  • Christina on The Successful, Yet Not-so-Perfect Homeschooler
  • Christina on The Successful, Yet Not-so-Perfect Homeschooler
  • Christina on The Successful, Yet Not-so-Perfect Homeschooler
  • Christina on The Successful, Yet Not-so-Perfect Homeschooler
  • Alison Almquist on The Successful, Yet Not-so-Perfect Homeschooler

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • March 2019

Categories

trenchmoms

Christina Sawyer
We had the most amazing day today kayaking, swimm We had the most amazing day today kayaking,  swimming, floating, playing volleyball, eating, and chilling with great friends. The weather was spot on! We closed the place down because we just couldn’t stop having fun. @dotraveler 
.
.
.
#wekivaisland #wekiva #lovewhereyoulive #kayaking #riverfun #playinginthespring  #playinghard #friendsallday #closingdownthepark
I did it!! I made lobster for the first time! See I did it!! I made lobster for the first time! See my story today. I also made the lobster rolls to go with it from scratch though I’m no stranger to bread. Eat your heart out @bostonlobsterfeast! 
.
.
.
#lobstahroll #earyourheartout #bostonlobsterfeast #lobsterforbreakfast #lobster #anyonecancook #missingmimosasthough
New adventures abound! Have you ever been camping? New adventures abound! Have you ever been camping? After months of talking and planning, a few hundred camper tours, (and a little nudge from the good ole COVID), we bought our sweet Baby Salem! She’s our newest family member and our home away from home. We’ve had her since the beginning of September and have already taken 4 trips with 3 more planned including 2 trips to North Georgia! Look. I know Covid has ruined some plans and changed a lot of lives. It certainly has managed to touch every single person I know in some way. We needed to change our path if we didn’t want to sit at home for the next year. So when my husband came home one day and said, “Hey...what would you think about us buying a camper?” I LEAPT!! I’m not gonna lie. There is an enormous learning curve here. And big toys require big work. But it has been so worth it and I can’t wait to see where this new family member takes us! Are you a camper? Comment with some of your adventures and favorite places to visit! 
.
.
.
#campinglife #rvlife #forestriversalem #weboughtacamper #wheretonext #forestriverrv #goingonanadventure
Ridiculously Easy Halloween Costumes for Kids - Mo Ridiculously Easy Halloween Costumes for Kids - Moms in the Trenches⁠
⁠
This 2020 Halloween may look a little different, but that doesn't mean we have to enjoy it any less!  Have you ever heard of Disney Bounding?  Get inspired with these ridiculously easy Halloween costumes for kids that won't break your budget! ⁠
⁠
⁠
#disneybounding #budgetfriendlyhalloween #easyhalloweencostumes #2020halloween #halloweencostumes⁠
⁠
See the link in our bio for more.
***GIVEAWAY ALERT**** 📖 Read all the way for # ***GIVEAWAY ALERT**** 
📖 Read all the way for #details !! 📚 

Have you found yourself homeschooling for the first time? Are you a veteran homeschooler? Schoolhouseteachers.com has a huge variety of curriculum from ready to go box to my favorite, the pick and choose. I have been using them since last year as supplemental but they are incredibly versatile and have all grade levels! Right now they are running a #sharkweek special where you can buy one year, get one year free!! But even better, I am running a #GIVEAWAY!!!! 
📤DIRECT MESSAGE📥  me for the link on #howtoenter for your chance to win a year to @schoolhouseteachers !! 
.
.
.
#homeschoollife #curriculum #homeschoolcurriculum #oneroomschoolhouse #allgradelevels #homeschool
True #TrenchMomMoment. I got this amazing new Medi True #TrenchMomMoment. I got this amazing new Mediterranean cookbook. I’ve been making these awesome recipes and they have been absolutely delicious. Today I decided to try falafel. Things didn’t go as planned. I have no idea what happened. What I do know, this is NOT what #falafel is supposed to look like. I even made the most amazing #tahini and lemon sauce to go with it. Please. Please I beg you to make me feel better and give me your best #cookingfail. I feel pretty defeated in the kitchen at the moment. Oh. And our faucet broke in the shower so my handy husband is repairing it which means we have no water and I can’t cook something else. #crying
.
.
.
#kitchenfailstories #makemefeelbetter #falafeldisaster #mediteranianfoodisthebest #whatdididowrong owrong #needanewdinnernow
Does the thought of moving make you want to bury y Does the thought of moving make you want to bury yourself under a pile of clothes and never come out? Yeah, me too. It’s quite possibly why I’ve only ever moved about 5 times in my life. However, the last time I moved, I did hire a moving company.⁠
⁠
It may sound like an added cost over doing it yourself. Yes, things may be done your way. But at what cost? Let’s take a look at why you should choose a moving company and how to make that decision. Plus, we have one more reason to choose a moving company below.⁠
⁠
There are several reasons why you should choose a moving company. Even if you’re moving locally, a reputable moving company such as Infinite Moving Company does a lot of the work for you. Consider these things a moving company can do for you.⁠
⁠
Providing boxes, pads and other packing materials⁠
Wrapping special items for you to ensure they’re secure⁠
Packing your entire household, deliver it, and unpack it⁠
Giving you organizing tips, checklists, and perform a final sweep for forgotten items⁠
Loading and unloading in a certain order according to your preferences⁠
Again, while you could do it yourself and watch a ton of YouTube videos about the best way to pack and move, a team of professionals does this every day. They’ve seen and done it all.⁠
⁠
Moving is stressful as it is. There are a lot of logistics to consider. Take one thing off your plate and hire a moving company.
In this very strange time we’re living, sometime In this very strange time we’re living, sometimes adding a smile to someone’s face is as simple as a message. A #socialdistancingcard is a simple way to reach out and touch someone without touching! Get yours here and get creative with your #socialdistancing !  http://tidd.ly/10eca7de⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
#funnygreetingcards #quarantinedbutnotforgotten #reachout #donttouch #etsy #smallbusiness
We love our #Etsy products. We know we can trust t We love our #Etsy products. We know we can trust their name and their company.  They’re a go-to when I need to find something good and fast! And a lot of the businesses are offering #freeshipping✈  right now! #etsyaffiliate
We love our #Etsy products. We know we can trust t We love our #Etsy products. We know we can trust their name and their company.  They’re a go-to when I need to find something good and fast! And a lot of the businesses are offering #freeshipping✈  right now! #etsyaffiliate
In this very strange time we’re living, sometime In this very strange time we’re living, sometimes adding a smile to someone’s face is as simple as a message. A #socialdistancingcard is a simple way to reach out and touch someone without touching! Get yours here and get creative with your #socialdistancing !  http://tidd.ly/10eca7de
.
.
.
#funnygreetingcards #quarantinedbutnotforgotten #reachout #donttouch #etsy #smallbusiness
PUT DATE NIGHT ON YOUR CALENDAR⁠ Dating your spo PUT DATE NIGHT ON YOUR CALENDAR⁠
Dating your spouse sometime has to be intentional.  Plan it.  Get it on the calendar.  Make it a habit.  Get alone time in and dig down deep.  Do it for each other and your marriage. Finding ways to date your spouse can be fun all on its own. Do whatever you need to get some time with your spouse.  Trade babysitting with friends or have a date night at home after the kids go to bed.  Set aside a few dollars and pick something free or cheap.  It is so important and so very worth it.  Take pictures and lots of them and don’t be sorry you did.  Encourage your friends to do the same.  Form a group that encourages each other and keeps you accountable.⁠
⁠
⁠
#date #dating #dateyourspoouse #marrieddating #datingadvice #datingtips  #relationshipsgoals #relationshipgoals #couplestuff #momlife #dadlife⁠
⁠
 #momlifebelike #momlife #momlifehacks #momlifebalance⁠
Between the three of us, we have, 16, 15, 15, 14, Between the three of us, we have, 16, 15, 15, 14, 11, 11, 7, & 6. ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#questions #Questionoftheday #questiontime #askingforafriend #momsinthetrenches #momlife #momlifebelike #momlifehacks #momlifebalance
If you’ve never camped before, this could be one If you’ve never camped before, this could be one of the more daunting staycation ideas. However, it could also be the best one to bring you closer to the whole family.⁠
⁠
Find a local county or state park and spend a night or two in the great outdoors. Even if you don’t have camping equipment or an RV, you can rent one through peer to peer sites such as Outdoorsy.⁠
⁠
There might even be local camping events in your hometown. Recently, my hometown did a National Camp Out where about 50 families camped along the waterfront.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#travel #momswhotravel #kidswhotravel #travelmore #travelexperiences⁠ #staycation #springbreakideas #staycationideas⁠
⁠
#homeschoollife #momlife #kids #snacks #homeschoolmom #workathome #stayathome #homeschooling #homeschoolblog #homeschooldays #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolersofinstagram  #momlifebelike #momlife #momlifehacks #momlifebalance⁠
Are you adventurous? Take a kayak ride! Local pl Are you adventurous?  Take a kayak ride!  Local places rent them or maybe, if you’re really adventurous and plan to do this more often, find yourself one on Craig’s List or a local Facebook group.  There are some amazing nighttime bioluminescence tours which, when combined with dinner, make quite a romantic date night.⁠
⁠
Do you live near nature trails or biking trails?  Find some local adventure.  Go on a hike, a bike ride, or walk to a lake or river.  Pack a picnic basket and make a day of it.  Fresh air and exercise can do amazing things to our brains and body not to mention our relationships.  The best part about this date is it is free!⁠
⁠
This one is for all you athletic couples.  Find local climbing gyms and spend the day.  Being active together is a great way to have fun and stay connected and work together.  This one can tend to be a little more expensive but some gyms offer memberships if its something you may return to do more often.  Also, check Groupon for deals that you might be able to cash in on!⁠
⁠
#date #dating #dateyourspoouse #marrieddating #datingadvice #datingtips  #relationshipsgoals #relationshipgoals #couplestuff #momlife #dadlife⁠
⁠
 #momlifebelike #momlife #momlifehacks #momlifebalance⁠
Mine... I'll survive if only one more thing I woul Mine... I'll survive if only one more thing I would do to make sure that you can come over here and get it done.⁠
⁠
Apparently I need your help! 😂⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#questions #Questionoftheday #questiontime #askingforafriend #momsinthetrenches #momlife #momlifebelike #momlifehacks #momlifebalance
Need an idea for a Staycation?⁠
⁠
SEE A SHOW!⁠
Many of the larger cities bring the Broadway Across America Tour series to their signature theater. This is an incredible and fun way to see Broadway-caliber shows, without going to New York. Make a night or weekend out of it and get dressed up, go out for a nice dinner, and see a show. There are over 30 cities in the US and more in Canda that offer these shows.⁠
⁠
Even if you don’t go for the big names, check out your local youth theater. We often partner with Orlando Rep to see their extraordinary lineup of shows and they never disappoint. ⁠
⁠
⁠⁠
#travel #momswhotravel #kidswhotravel #travelmore #travelexperiences⁠ #staycation #springbreakideas #staycationideas⁠
#homeschoollife #momlife #kids #snacks #homeschoolmom #workathome #stayathome #homeschooling #homeschoolblog #homeschooldays #homeschoollifestyle #homeschoolersofinstagram  #momlifebelike #momlife #momlifehacks #momlifebalance⁠
MAKE IT A NIGHT IN⁠ Staying in can be more fun t MAKE IT A NIGHT IN⁠
Staying in can be more fun than going out! YouTube has a multitude of date night painting at home videos. Do a simple search and modify for what you are looking for.  Grab some sushi, a selection of cheeses from your local grocery store, or whatever easy finger foods you like, and top it off with a bottle of your favorite wine.  You can find all the supplies easily at a local craft store or in an all-in-one kit.  This is a date that will be full of laughs and fun in your own home with minimal expense.⁠
⁠
⁠
#date #dating #dateyourspoouse #marrieddating #datingadvice #datingtips  #relationshipsgoals #relationshipgoals #couplestuff #momlife #dadlife⁠
⁠
 #momlifebelike #momlife #momlifehacks #momlifebalance⁠
I would say, not to listen to anyone else but your I would say, not to listen to anyone else but your heart.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#questions #Questionoftheday #questiontime #askingforafriend #momsinthetrenches #momlife #momlifebelike #momlifehacks #momlifebalance
Here at Moms in the Trenches, we do a lot of “lo Here at Moms in the Trenches, we do a lot of “love where you live” activities and posts. With active families, it’s not always possible to get away for a long vacation. Plus, sometimes you need staycation ideas to vacation on a budget.⁠
⁠
⁠
Sometimes the best vacations are the ones that happen at home or on a staycation. We often overlook all there is to do in our own backyards, taking for granted the affordable ways to experience something new. That is what travel is after all, right? Having new experiences. I’ve come up with a few ideas on how to be a tourist in your hometown.⁠
⁠
https://momsinthetrenches.com/staycation-ideas-for-the-whole-family/
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Copyright © 2021 · Refined theme by Restored 316