It’s really nice to have your own place. But this doesn’t come without challenges. One of the greatest challenges that face homeowners everywhere is keeping pests away. There are so many different pests that can easily attack and infest a vulnerable house. Termites, ants, cockroaches, mice, and rats are just a few examples. So, how do you get rid of these pesky bugs?
There are so many methods that you can use if you want to get rid of pests that may be inside or outside your home. The important thing is to make sure that the method you’re using is effective to the specific pest that you’re targeting. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the safety of several forms of insecticides, as well as rodenticides.
Therefore, always read and follow instructions about how to use certain products. If you want to try safer ways, then there are also several techniques or substances that you can try, such as diatomaceous earth, baking soda, as well as boric acid. Try essential oils as well.
Although fragrant oils are generally not used in treating severe pest infestations, these concentrated oils are safer and more Earth-friendly, and these can be used to prevent several pests from plaguing your home. However, always know what safety precautions to take before using concentrated oils. Keep in mind that oils could also be detrimental to other beneficial bugs and even your cats or dogs.
How Do Essential Oils Work?
Bugs use their senses to survive. Anything that negatively affects their primary senses can contribute to their demise. As for essential oils, there are several substances that are detrimental to insects’ bodily systems. Some oils negatively affect the nervous system, while others have an effect on the reproductive, physical, as well as mental capabilities of insects.
Termites
Termites are repelled by certain scents, like cedarwood, garlic, and tea tree oils. Some oils also kill termites once they come in contact with them or once termites get a whiff of the vapors coming from highly concentrated oils. One of the most effective and long lasting oils used against termites is vetiver oil. Clove bud oil and orange oil are also toxic to termites.
Ants
If you want ants to scurry to the opposite direction, squirt diluted peppermint essential oil on known ant trails. Spearmint, tansy, citronella and cinnamon are repulsive to ants as well. You can do some research about mixtures or blends that you can create using these oils.
Roaches
Cedarwood and cinnamon bark essential oils easily keep roaches away. They don’t like the smell of the following oils too: citronella, citrus hystrix (kaffir lime), peppermint, cypress, and lemongrass oils. You can burn oils, or make blends that you can readily spray on roaches or in places where these bugs abound.
Mice and Rats
Minty aromas easily keep rodents away. So, try using peppermint and spearmint essential oils. Pennyroyal, vetiver, patchouli and sandalwood can also be used to repel mice and rats. You can burn oils on burners, or soak cotton balls with your chosen oil and place these in crevices or holes where rodents are known to pass through.