Keep Fleas, Ants, and Roaches Out Of Your Home For Good With These 12 Easy Methods

Fleas, ants, and roaches are some of the most common and stubborn pests found in households. While there are plenty of products on the market that promise to eliminate these unwelcome guests, many are loaded with harsh chemicals, require you to vacate your home for days, or leave behind toxic residues that aren’t safe for kids or pets.

Fortunately, there are safer and more natural alternatives that can effectively get rid of these pests using everyday household items and simple hygiene practices. Read on to discover 12 effective home remedies to keep your space pest-free!

1. Use dishwashing detergent against fleas

Dish soap acts like a liquid poison to fleas, effectively killing them on contact. Start by washing your pet with a mild, natural detergent to clean their fur and eliminate any fleas. Be sure to test a small area first, as some pets have sensitive skin.

Additionally, you can create a simple flea trap using dish soap. Pour a small amount of dishwashing liquid into a shallow bowl or plate, and place it under a lamp or near a candle. The fleas will be attracted to the light and become trapped in the thick liquid. Over time, you’ll notice the fleas getting caught in the dish, helping to reduce their numbers.

2. Wash and vacuum … everything

To effectively eliminate fleas, it’s crucial to target their eggs and larvae. Dedicate a day to thoroughly washing everything in your home where fleas might be hiding. This includes bedding, bathroom mats, clothing, and soft rugs — with special attention to your pet’s favorite blankets or cushions.

If your flea infestation has been severe, consider discarding your pet’s bed and replacing it, as fleas often lay eggs not only on the cover but also deep in the stuffing. Follow up with a comprehensive vacuuming of your entire house, focusing on all the dark, hidden areas, as fleas prefer to dwell in spots that are shielded from sunlight.

3.  Salt your carpet

Sprinkling a layer of finely ground salt over your carpet can help dehydrate and eliminate fleas. Generously cover the entire carpet with salt and let it sit for one to two days, or as long as possible. Afterward, vacuum thoroughly to remove both the salt and the dead fleas.

4. Make a natural flea spray

After managing the initial flea infestation with the steps outlined, create your own natural remedies to prevent future outbreaks. These homemade solutions are free from harsh chemicals and safe for use around the house. However, avoid using rosemary oil or powder directly on your cat, as it may cause an adverse reaction.

5. Deter ants with household products

To block ants from entering your kitchen, apply a barrier of petroleum jelly, duct tape, or talcum powder along their entry points. You can also wipe the trails with diluted cinnamon oil or scatter ground cinnamon and whole cloves near the entryways.

Additionally, spraying white vinegar, fresh lemon juice, or diluted peppermint oil over old ant trails helps erase their chemical scent, preventing them from following the same route. Drawing a line with chalk around entry points can also deter ants, as they are repelled by calcium carbonate. For outdoor gatherings, place water-filled containers under each table leg to keep ants from climbing onto the table. For a detailed guide on ant prevention, explore these 4 easy methods to keep ants at bay.

6. Bait or trap the ants

Create an effective homemade ant bait by combining 1 part borax with 3 parts powdered sugar. The sugar draws ants in, while the borax serves as a poison. The ants carry the bait back to their nest, where it helps eliminate the entire colony. Alternatively, set up an ant trap by pouring a small amount of honey into a shallow dish. The ants are lured by the sweetness but become trapped and unable to escape.

7. Find the ant nest

Caution is needed when dealing with ants, as some species can be aggressive and deliver painful bites. Additionally, ants play a crucial role in the ecosystem, so it’s best to resort to drastic measures only if other methods haven’t worked. To tackle a persistent ant nest, pour boiling water directly into the entrance; it will travel through the tunnels and kill the colony. Alternatively, use a mixture of camphor oil and methylated spirits. The key to eradicating the colony is to eliminate the queen, as she is essential for reproduction.

8. Starve roaches

Cockroaches can only survive for about a week without water, so it’s essential to fix any leaks in your home. This will make them more likely to be attracted to liquid baits you set out. Similarly, maintaining a clean kitchen is crucial. Ensure there are no crumbs or food splatters, as roaches are particularly drawn to grease. Be sure to thoroughly clean your stovetop to eliminate any residues.

9. Deter roaches

Similar to ants, cockroaches are repelled by certain natural chemicals and scents. These include bay leaves, mint oil, Listerine, cedar, cucumber, and lemon. You can create your own mixtures using these ingredients and spray them in areas where roaches are a problem to help keep them at bay.

10. Use roach bait

While there are various store-bought bait options available, you can also create your own. A common recipe involves mixing boric acid, flour, and sugar. This method may take a few weeks to show results, as it requires killing multiple generations of roaches. However, with patience, it can be an effective way to reduce the roach population in your home.

11. Make your own roach spray

You can effectively combat roaches using just a simple solution of soap and water. Spray this mixture directly onto the roaches; it creates a layer over their exoskeletons, effectively suffocating them. This method works quickly and avoids harmful chemicals. However, it’s important to dispose of the roach promptly, as it might recover if the mixture dries too soon.

12. Make a roach trap

Roaches are highly motivated by the search for water, so you can use this to your advantage. Place a jar partially filled with water in areas where you’ve seen frequent roach activity. The roaches will climb in for the water and become trapped. Another effective trap is the “soda bottle trap,” where a soda bottle filled with water and coffee grounds lures the roaches in, as they are attracted to the coffee.

While natural remedies can be very effective, severe infestations may pose health risks and may require professional intervention. If the problem persists, you might need to resort to chemical bug sprays, insecticide bombs, or consult a pest control expert. However, starting with these natural solutions is often a safer and more environmentally friendly approach for your family and pets.