Tag Archives: natural deterrents

Natural ways to get rid of bugs

Posted on by Posted in Cleaning Tips .

With all the rain we’ve been getting, I’m noticing some unwanted critters around my house. I blame it on the rain because I am not a dirty person, but it is embarrassing when company is over and in comes one of those little critters scurrying across the floor.

Whether your problem is ants, roaches, or anything in between, here are a couple of natural ideas to keep your home bug free.

My biggest problem is the water bugs, also known as palmetto bugs. They are big and gross and on the hunt for food and water. I usually find these ugly guys in the kitchen hiding under appliances or under the kitchen sink because I have a leaky faucet.

One way to get rid of water bugs is to use bay leaves, whole or crushed, around your windowsills, entry ways and other problem areas. They hate the smell. Another solution is to use catnip. You can either place the catnip in the entry ways, the same as the bay leaves or use it in little pouches and place them in your cupboards and behind appliances. Equal parts of sugar and baking soda can be mixed and spread throughout your kitchen. Be careful not to put too much in one area as they stay away from piles of powder. Boric acid powder works well, too. The powder and the acid will be ingested through their legs and antennae.

For smaller bug issues, try mixing essential oils with dish soap and water in a spray bottle. A few drops of peppermint, orange, lemon or tea tree oil mixed with a few drops of dish soap, then fill the rest of the bottle with water. Now you’ve got your own type of natural Raid bug spray. Another version of bug spray can be used by combining orange, peppermint or citronella essential oils and vinegar in a spray bottle.

Ants despise the smell of cucumbers, mint leaves, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, lemon juice and coffee grounds. Try placing these ingredients where you notice gathering points for ants throughout your home.

One last tip, if you are having problems with any of these natural deterrents, try using diatomaceous earth. This is a safe and effective way to control any insect in your home. Diatomaceous earth is mostly used as an insecticide because the dust has razor-sharp edges that are lethal to insects.  Since it has many uses, it can be found at Home Depot, Lowes and Wal-Mart in the gardening center. Be sure not to buy the type sold in pool filtration aisles, as it is too fine and usually contains various toxic chemicals. Make sure it is food grade, as farmers use this to protect crops and store food.

Try these various recipes for a bug free summer! Did I miss something? Let me know at www.facebook.com/Miraclean.

Easy tips to help you in the garden

Posted on by Posted in Cleaning Tips .

Last week, we discussed the chemistry of vinegar. We discussed how it can be used as a cleaning product because it naturally deodorizes, disinfects and cuts grease. Click here to check it out!

 

Vinegar is such a versatile ingredient. Not only can it be used in food and cleaning recipes, it can also be used around your garden. Since the weather is getting warmer, try using these vinegar tips outside.

 

1.)    Remove berry stains from your hands by washing your hands with 1 cup vinegar.

  • Berry stains are organic. Organic stains, like blood and food, respond better to natural, acidic products like vinegar and lemon juice. It’s all about the chemical reaction between a base and an acid.

2.)    Keep rabbits from eating your plants. Put cotton balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container. Poke a hole in the top and place in the garden.
*  Rabbits also dislike pepper, garlic, chili powder and mint. You could also plant some flowers and herbs that are natural deterrents like foxgloves, digitalis, aconitum, catnip plants, or lavender.

3.)    Get rid of rust on spigots, tools, screws or bolts by soaking the items overnight or for several days in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
*Rust forms when moisture on metal begins to oxidize. Even a small amount of moisture, such as sweat, can cause rust to form. Over time, rust will eat away at the metal deteriorating it beyond repair. Vinegar is naturally acidic and will dissolve the rust from the metal without harsh chemicals.

4.)    Clean a hummingbird feeder/bird bath with white distilled vinegar—soap or detergent can leave behind harmful residue.

  • Hummingbirds will starve themselves before eating spoiled food, so be sure to clean your feeders often. At least once a month, clean the feeder thoroughly with ¼ cup of vinegar to one gallon water. Soak for one hour, then clean with a bottle brush.

5.)    Make your own mosquito and moth repellant by combining 2 cups vinegar and 1 cup molasses in a tin can and hang from a tree branch or place on a picnic table.

  • Mosquitoes are a food source for bats, frogs, and birds; but they are also pests when you are trying to enjoy the outdoors. If you’ve got clogged gutters, uncovered rain barrels, bird baths, etc., you’ve got a nesting ground for these blood-suckers. But there is a solution! Mosquitoes hate strong smells like lemon, vinegar, lavender, citronella or geranium. That’s why the recipe mentioned above works so well. Another way to naturally keep mosquitoes at bay is to plant marigolds, basil, tansy and rosemary in your garden. The herbs and flowers give off a smell that helps ward off bugs without using insecticides.

6.)    Avoid skin problems after working in the garden by rinsing your hands with 1 cup vinegar.

* Harsh lotions can strip away your skin’s natural acidity. Vinegar can help restore the natural acidity, which can clear up skin problems like dryness, itching, flaking and acne. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic and antifungal, so it helps reduce and destroy harmful irritants and germs.

 

There you have it. A few ideas about how vinegar can help you outside. If you haven’t checked out our cleaning recipes posted last week, click here. Vinegar is such an amazing, versatile ingredient. Thank goodness they sell it cheap and by the gallon!

 

Do you have vinegar tips? Tell us at www.facebook.com/Miraclean