How to Get Rid of Pests with Natural Solutions

For people concerned about the toxins and chemicals used by professional exterminators, you might be interested in trying a few natural DIY options the next time you find yourself with an insect infestation at home. Just remember that many natural solutions are less potent than commercial pesticides, and even if they do the job, it can take longer for them to take care of the problem.

You can try these homemade ideas, or talk to professionals like Burnaby exterminator Local Pest Control. They usually have milder or non-toxic options at their disposal too.

Do a Clean Up

Many insects are drawn to food sources, such as open food packages or even just too many crumbs on the counter or floor. Though this is the best preventative step you can take, it should also be done even after the pests have arrived.

Not only should all food be packed away securely, dust up all crumbs and then give counters and floors a good washing to eliminate the smell of food. You also want to get rid of any scent trails that bugs like ants lay down to help others to follow. A scented product will help even more, rather than an unscented cleanser for this.

Diatomaceous Earth

This is a favorite for eco-friendly people looking for natural ways to kill insects. Diatomaceous earth a fine powder that is made up (on a microscopic level) of crushed shells. It feels like flour to us but it's like shards of glass to tiny bugs. The fragments get into their joints and quickly damage their exoskeletons. Without any further detail, it kills insects as they walk through it. Sprinkle a generous amount along the edges of baseboards, under cabinets or anywhere else you see the pests. It's harmless to anything larger than a bug, so don't worry about pets or kids either. As long as the DE stays dry, it will quickly start to kill off any insects that cross its path.

Borax and Sugar

This is another recipe for a natural bug-killer that uses easy-to-find ingredients. It works very well for ants and roaches specifically. You need 1/2 cup white sugar, about 1 1/2 tablespoons of borax (check the laundry section at the supermarket) and 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Just mix everything together and stir until the powders dissolve. Now you have your repellent.

Place very shallow saucers or even jar lids in places where the bugs are a problem, along with a cotton ball or two. Add enough of your solution to soak the cotton. The bugs will be attracted to the sweet sugar but will be killed off by the borax. They often take small droplets back to the colony, so they will start to die off even if they don't visit the traps directly.

Scented Repellents

Other options include a wide range of heavily-scented material that will repel insects. Sprinkling cinnamon, mint leaves, garlic powder, or coffee grounds around where the insects are congregating can be enough. Moth balls are a stronger material for this, but they aren't really very natural and might be better saved as a last resort.

If you are unable to handle your insect problem with these natural methods, you should accept defeat and try the exterminator. Letting the problem continue for too long will create a much bigger infestation to deal with.

Expanding Your Family? Start Preparing Your Home Now & Save Time

Photo credit: digsdigs.com

So, your family is expanding. Perhaps you are having a baby or have adult children who are moving back home or even elderly parents that need to move in. Things are about to change and it’s a good idea to prepare your home for the new arrival/s ahead of time. While you might need more space to house an expanded family, very often it’s not practical or economical to consider moving house but there are some steps that will help create more space and save time and stress later.

Where to Put Them?

The first decision you will need to make is where you will put your new arrival/s. If you have a spare room then obviously you can turn this into a nursery or a bedroom. This is the easiest option, but if you do not have a spare room you will need to think a little more laterally. While a baby can be put in your room or even in a small corner of another room, adult family will be harder to manage. You may need to consider converting your garage into a bedroom or splitting a larger room with the help of screens or curtains to create a private space.

Furniture

Your family will need, at the bare minimum, a bed and somewhere to keep their clothing. Your choice of design will depend on the amount of room you have. For ideas and also measurements and other specifications, check online at http://www.superamart.com.au/. A bit of research now will a save you lots of stress later.

It is helpful to provide somewhere for your new arrival/s to place their smaller bits and pieces. A dresser top, some shelving or a small table will suffice. The reason this is so important is that it will help keep some order in your home and make your new house member feel like they belong. Try and utilise something you already have to save money.

Linen

Providing the person with their own bed linen and towels will make them feel welcome and cared for. Supply a few nice fresh towels, a face washer, hand towel and for a nice touch, add some pretty soaps and personal care products. If you don’t have adequate linen you will need to purchase it. Again, it is better to do this ahead of time than be rushing around at the last minute. Your new arrival/s will also feel more welcomed if you are prepared for them.

Let them Personalise their Space

It is really important to allow your family member to personalise their space. Be a bit flexible here. Take down any existing paintings on the walls in their space so they are free to put up pictures to their own taste. Clear off your ornaments from surfaces in their space so they will have room to place their own precious bits and pieces. Giving someone space to put a little bit of themselves will make them feel very much at home and welcomed.