Identify Your Pest
Select the pest you're dealing with to discover natural, non-toxic removal methods and prevention strategies
Select a Pest Type
Ants
Fruit Flies
Spiders
Moths
Silverfish
Mosquitoes
Woodlice
Carpet Beetles
Natural Solutions for Ants
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray along ant trails and entry points. The strong scent disrupts their scent trails.
- Peppermint Oil: Apply 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil mixed with water around entry points. Ants dislike the strong minty aroma.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where ants travel. This natural powder is safe for humans but deadly to ants.
- Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice or use lemon essential oil along windowsills and doorways to create a natural barrier.
Long-Term Prevention
- Keep all food sealed in airtight containers
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls and foundations
- Remove sources of standing water
- Use cinnamon or cayenne pepper as natural deterrents
House-Proofing Tips
Regularly inspect and seal entry points. Maintain a clean kitchen environment. Store pet food properly. Trim vegetation away from your home's exterior.
Natural Solutions for Fruit Flies
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a small bowl with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. Cover with plastic wrap and poke small holes. Flies are attracted and trapped.
- Wine Trap: Use leftover wine in a bottle with a narrow opening. Fruit flies enter but cannot escape.
- Basil Repellent: Place fresh basil leaves near fruit bowls. The strong scent repels fruit flies naturally.
- Essential Oil Spray: Mix lemongrass or eucalyptus oil with water and spray around fruit storage areas.
Long-Term Prevention
- Store fruits in the refrigerator when possible
- Keep kitchen surfaces clean and dry
- Empty trash bins regularly
- Clean drains with baking soda and vinegar
- Cover fruit bowls with mesh covers
House-Proofing Tips
Maintain proper food storage. Clean drains weekly. Keep compost bins sealed. Remove overripe fruits promptly. Ensure proper ventilation in kitchen areas.
Natural Solutions for Spiders
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Peppermint Oil Spray: Mix 15-20 drops of peppermint essential oil with water. Spray in corners, windows, and doorways where spiders enter.
- Citrus Peels: Place lemon or orange peels in areas where spiders are common. The citrus scent repels them naturally.
- Eucalyptus Oil: Apply eucalyptus oil on cotton balls and place in spider-prone areas. Refresh weekly.
- Vinegar Solution: Mix white vinegar with water and spray around entry points and corners.
Long-Term Prevention
- Remove webs regularly with a broom or vacuum
- Reduce clutter that provides hiding places
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls and windows
- Keep outdoor lights off or use yellow bulbs (attracts fewer insects that spiders feed on)
- Use cedar chips or chestnuts in corners
House-Proofing Tips
Regular cleaning reduces spider habitats. Seal all entry points. Keep vegetation trimmed away from the house. Use natural repellents consistently. Maintain low humidity levels.
Natural Solutions for Moths
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Lavender Sachets: Place dried lavender in sachets throughout closets and storage areas. Moths dislike the strong scent.
- Cedar Blocks: Use cedar wood blocks or chips in closets and drawers. The natural oils repel moths effectively.
- Herbal Mix: Combine dried rosemary, mint, and cloves in small bags. Place in clothing storage areas.
- Essential Oil Blend: Mix lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils. Apply to cotton balls and place in storage areas.
Long-Term Prevention
- Store clothing in airtight containers
- Regularly clean and vacuum closets
- Wash clothing before storing for long periods
- Use natural repellents year-round
- Inspect stored items regularly
House-Proofing Tips
Maintain clean storage areas. Use natural repellents consistently. Store seasonal clothing properly. Keep closets well-ventilated. Regular inspections catch problems early.
Natural Solutions for Silverfish
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where silverfish are found. It dehydrates and eliminates them.
- Cedar Oil: Apply cedar essential oil in damp areas like bathrooms and basements where silverfish thrive.
- Citrus Spray: Mix lemon juice with water and spray in silverfish-prone areas. The acidity repels them.
- Bay Leaves: Place dried bay leaves in closets, bookshelves, and storage areas. Silverfish avoid the strong scent.
Long-Term Prevention
- Reduce humidity levels with dehumidifiers
- Fix leaks and moisture problems
- Store paper products in sealed containers
- Keep basements and attics well-ventilated
- Regularly clean and declutter storage areas
House-Proofing Tips
Control moisture levels throughout the home. Seal cracks and gaps. Store paper and cardboard properly. Maintain good ventilation. Use natural repellents in problem areas.
Natural Solutions for Mosquitoes
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Citronella Candles: Use citronella candles or oil diffusers outdoors. The natural scent repels mosquitoes effectively.
- Essential Oil Blend: Mix lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint oils. Apply to skin or use in diffusers.
- Herb Plantings: Plant basil, rosemary, and marigolds around outdoor areas. These plants naturally repel mosquitoes.
- Garlic Spray: Crush garlic cloves and mix with water. Spray around outdoor seating areas.
Long-Term Prevention
- Eliminate all sources of standing water
- Clean gutters regularly
- Change water in bird baths weekly
- Use natural repellents during peak mosquito hours
- Install screens on windows and doors
House-Proofing Tips
Remove standing water sources completely. Maintain screens on all windows and doors. Use natural repellents consistently. Plant mosquito-repelling herbs. Keep outdoor areas well-maintained.
Natural Solutions for Woodlice
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around entry points and damp areas. It dehydrates woodlice effectively.
- Citrus Oil: Apply citrus essential oil in areas where woodlice are found. They avoid the strong citrus scent.
- Salt Barrier: Create a barrier of table salt around entry points. Woodlice avoid crossing salt lines.
- Natural Traps: Place damp newspaper or cardboard in areas with woodlice. Collect and remove them regularly.
Long-Term Prevention
- Reduce moisture levels in basements and crawl spaces
- Fix leaks and improve ventilation
- Remove decaying organic matter from around the home
- Seal cracks and gaps in foundations
- Keep areas around the home dry and well-maintained
House-Proofing Tips
Control moisture and humidity levels. Seal all entry points. Remove organic debris near the home. Improve ventilation in damp areas. Use natural barriers consistently.
Natural Solutions for Carpet Beetles
Non-Toxic Removal Methods
- Vacuum Regularly: Thorough vacuuming removes eggs, larvae, and adults. Focus on carpets, rugs, and upholstery.
- Lavender Oil: Apply lavender essential oil to cotton balls and place in closets and storage areas. Carpet beetles avoid the scent.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where carpet beetles are found.
- Cedar Blocks: Place cedar blocks or chips in closets and storage areas to repel carpet beetles naturally.
Long-Term Prevention
- Regular vacuuming of carpets and rugs
- Store wool and natural fiber items in sealed containers
- Clean upholstery regularly
- Use natural repellents in storage areas
- Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing indoors
House-Proofing Tips
Maintain clean carpets and rugs. Store natural fiber items properly. Use natural repellents consistently. Regular inspections catch problems early. Clean second-hand items thoroughly.