How to Get Rid of Pests with Natural Solutions (No Chemicals)

We’ve all been there before — you go to get something out of your fridge, and notice an ant crawling around your kitchen floor.

Though one ant isn’t enough to cause a scene, you know its friends are close behind — especially if it manages to find any food. Pretty soon, you can expect a small infestation that can quickly escalate and get out of hand, and you might end up needed backup from Nassau County pest control.

The first thought many people have in this situation is to reach for some form of pesticide in order to take care of the problem quickly and effectively.

But what if you have small children around? They put everything in their mouths, even the toy they dropped near the pesticide you just sprayed.

What about pets? They’ll lick just about every surface of your household — the smell of the pesticide might not be enough to deter that.

In these situations, it’s helpful to know what natural solutions are out there that are both effective in getting rid of pests and safe for you and your family. Here are a few:

Baits and Traps

Baits and traps are a great option for a lot of different kinds of pests. They rely on mechanically trapping or killing pests rather than through harsh chemicals, and can usually be hidden away out of reach of small children or pets.

Most traps rely on strong adhesives to trap insects or rodents and prevent them from reaching food. Others instantly kill the pest, like traditional mouse traps or insect-zapping lanterns.

Whichever trap you use, be sure to use caution when cleaning up afterwards, as the pest could have carried diseases. Use gloves to collect the trap and pest(s), and then thoroughly clean the area where the trap was laid.

Peppermint Oil Spray

The strong odor of peppermint is usually enough to deter a large number of pests, especially insects. It is available in most stores, but if you can’t find it, you can easily order it online or make it yourself.

Once you have some spray on hand, simply use it along windows, doors, and any other areas where pests might be able to make their way inside. Once they approach these locations and smell the peppermint, they’ll think twice before coming inside.

Vinegar, Soap, and Water

Much like the peppermint oil spray, you can make a solution out of vinegar, soap, and water that will be just as effective when sprayed near any insect or rodent entrances into your home. Making your own spray is simple, and in most cases you can find everything you need already in your pantry: