Simple solutions for staying healthy, everyday.February 5 ; 2009, Vol. I, Issue 14
- How to Naturally Repel Bugs, Critters & Varmints by Christa McCourt
Pests...we all have to deal with them at some point or another. They secretly enter our homes through the smallest cracks and crevices, surprising us with their presence. They get into our cabinets, our trash, our plants and our food.
We habitually grab the bug killer and start spraying away, not realizing that these commercial bug killers have detrimental effects to our health and our animal's health, too.
There is a much safer way to repel these pesky critters without the risk of damaging our health.
Essential oils are highly effective and can be used as natural replacements for store bought bug sprays.
Here's your A-Z guide to safely repelling creatures that "bug" you:
ANTS
Peppermint
Spearmint
Draw a line with peppermint or spearmint essential oil near the area that the ants are entering. It's fun to watch them come up to the line and then turn around and go the opposite way. They won't cross the line so that means they'll stay out of your house!
APHIDS
Cedarwood
Hyssop
Peppermint
Spearmint
Mix a few drops of any of these essential oils in a small spray bottle with water. Spray on plants affected with aphids, as needed.
CATERPILLARS
Spearmint
Peppermint
Mix one of these essential oils into a spray bottle with water and spray on your plants that attract caterpillars.
CHIGGERS
Lavender
Lemongrass
Sage
Thyme
Mix one of these essential oils into a spray bottle with water and spray body before camping, walking in the woods or going to the beach.
COCKROACHES
Peppermint
Cypress
Mix 10 drops peppermint and 5 drops cypress in 1/2 cup salt water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray where roaches live.
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