12 Creative Ways To Keep Pests Away

Keeping pests away from your home doesn’t have to be a constant battle. With a little creativity, you can protect your space naturally and effectively.

These 20 inventive strategies will help you keep unwanted critters at bay, ensuring a pest-free environment without relying on harsh chemicals.

1. Essential Oil Sprays

Certain essential oils like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus naturally repel pests like ants, mosquitoes, and spiders. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply it around entry points and problem areas to keep bugs at bay.

2. Cedar Chips and Blocks

From https://www.amazon.ca/Repellent-Protection-Natural-Aromatic-Sachets/dp/B079K8XDYF

Cedar has a strong scent that repels moths, roaches, and other insects. Place cedar chips or blocks in closets, drawers, and under beds to protect clothing and fabrics from pests.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

From https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/blogs/learning-center/natural-indoor-ant-treatment

This natural powder is made from fossilized algae and is safe for humans and pets but lethal to insects. Sprinkle it around the perimeter of your home, in garden beds, or wherever you notice pests. It works by dehydrating and killing insects that come into contact with it.

4. Herb Gardens

Planting herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary around your home and garden not only adds flavor to your meals but also deters pests like flies, mosquitoes, and ants. The strong scents of these herbs act as natural repellents.

5. Vinegar Solutions

From https://animalpestcontrols.com/how-to-get-rid-of-household-pests-using-apple-cider-vinegar/

A mixture of vinegar and water can be used to clean surfaces and deter ants, fruit flies, and other pests. The strong scent disrupts their scent trails and makes your home less inviting.

6. Citrus Peels

From https://www.islandernews.com/lifestyle/using-orange-peel-to-deter-pests-an-organic-way-to-regain-control-over-your-garden/article_b7cbcfa8-c23f-11ec-89df-93dcd1ce7a09.html

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain compounds that repel pests. Place citrus peels around windowsills, doorways, and other entry points to keep spiders, ants, and other bugs away.

7. Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds can be spread around your garden and outdoor areas to repel pests like ants, snails, and slugs. The strong scent and texture deter these pests from invading your space.

8. Neem Oil

From https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/news/neem-oil-to-garlic-5-highly-effective-natural-mosquito-repellants-2024-04-27-928266

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, mites, and mosquitoes. Mix it with water and spray it on plants, around the house, and in the garden to keep pests away.

9. Cucumber Slices

From https://www.outdoorguide.com/1624847/slice-cucumber-deter-wasps-patio/

Cucumber slices are known to repel ants and cockroaches. Place them in areas where these pests are commonly seen, like under sinks and along baseboards, to deter them from entering your home.

10. DIY Fly Traps

Create a simple fly trap using a jar filled with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap. Flies are attracted to the vinegar but get trapped by the soap, reducing their numbers in your home.

11. Cloves and Bay Leaves

From https://diyjoy.com/effective-homemade-bug-repellant-spray/

Both cloves and bay leaves have strong scents that repel pests like ants, roaches, and weevils. Place them in kitchen cabinets, pantries, and storage areas to keep these pests away from your food.

12. Properly Sealed Trash Cans

Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and are kept clean to prevent attracting pests like rodents, flies, and raccoons. Consider using trash bags with built-in odor control for added protection.