🐛🐜 Common Indoor Critters and How to Keep Them Away Naturally 🐜🐛

We’ve all been there — from ants to fruit flies to pantry moths — and depending on the season, there’s always some critter and its buddies to deal with. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-toxic methods to keep these pests at bay. We’ve got a quick reference guide for you: the bug, the problem, and the solution.

Ants

Problem Ants are attracted to food and water, making kitchens and bathrooms their favorite spots.

Solutions:

• Vinegar: Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and use it to clean surfaces. The strong smell of vinegar disrupts their scent trails.
• Lemon Juice: Similar to vinegar, lemon juice can deter ants. Spray a mixture of lemon juice and water around entry points.
• Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon around windowsills and doorways to repel ants. You can do this on the outside of the house as well as indoors.

Cockroaches

 Problem Cockroaches thrive in dark, damp environments and can carry diseases.

 Solutions:

• Boric Acid: Mix boric acid with sugar and place it in areas where cockroaches are seen. The sugar attracts them, and the boric acid kills them.
• Bay Leaves: Cockroaches dislike the smell of bay leaves. Place dried bay leaves in cabinets and under sinks.
• Catnip: Catnip contains nepetalactone, which repels cockroaches. Place catnip sachets in areas prone to infestation.

Fruit Flies

Problem Fruit flies are attracted to ripened fruits and vegetables. And can often set up camp in your fruit bowl. Especially with ripening fruit.

Solutions:

• Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke small holes in the wrap. Fruit flies will enter but won’t be able to escape.
• Basil: Keeping fresh basil in your kitchen can repel fruit flies. Basil in a jar with fresh water not only makes a lovely windowsill accessory but keeps fruit flies away.
• Lemon and Cloves: Stick cloves into a lemon and place it near fruit bowls. The combined scent repels fruit flies.

Flies

Problem Flies are attracted to food and waste. And despite reminding your kids to close the screen door over and over again, a plump fly or two will find its way in the house.

Solutions:

• Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint oils can repel flies. Mix a few drops with water and spray around the house.
• Clove Studded Citrus: Stick cloves into a citrus fruit like a lemon or orange and place it in areas where flies are common.
• Indoor Plug-in Fly Traps: We LOVE this non-toxic solution. Once plugged in, the light gets to work attracting and trapping flies, fruit flies, moths, gnats, etc. This one is our fave.

Pantry Moths

Problem Pantry moths are small, about 1/2 inch in length, with grayish wings and a distinct reddish-brown color on the outer part of their wings.  The larvae are small, cream-colored caterpillars that can be found in grains, cereals, flour, and other dried food items. #extremelyunappetizing

Solutions: 

• Inspect and dispose Identify and get rid of all infested food items. Check all food packages, especially grains, cereals, flour, nuts, dried fruits, and pet food. Look for webbing, larvae, and adult moths inside the packaging. Toss.
• Full pantry cleaning Take everything out of your pantry, including shelves and containers, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris, crumbs, and visible larvae. Pay special attention to corners, crevices, and edges. Then clean all shelves, walls, and corners with a mixture of water and vinegar. Vinegar helps to disinfect and deter moths.
• Store food properly Transfer food items into airtight glass or plastic containers. This prevents moths from laying eggs in your food and periodically check your food supplies for any signs of infestation.

Preventative Measures In addition to these natural remedies, maintaining a clean home is key in preventing bugs taking up residence:

• Keep Food Sealed: Store food in airtight containers

• Regular Cleaning: Clean spills and crumbs immediately, and regularly take out the trash.

• Fix Leaks: Repair any water leaks to prevent damp environments that attract bugs.

• Seal Entry Points: Close gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and foundations.