Natural Ways to Keep Bugs Out of Your Home

Summer means opening the windows and letting the fresh air blow through your home. But as we open our homes to the outside, what we do not want to grant entry to are the flying, crawling bugs that have been waiting to make their triumphant return.

Rather than blast our homes with harsh chemicals, here are a few safe and pleasantly-smelling ways to keep bugs out of your home:

1. Netting

This may seem obvious, but screens and nets are perhaps the best way to ensure that no bugs come into your home. You can get them fitted to your windows or doors or else buy netting that can be cut to size and attach it yourself. Or, if you find you are waking up covered in bites after a night’s sleep, invest in a mosquito net that will hang above your bed and keep you protected. These can be reused year after year with no extra waste.

You can also opt for an eco-friendly net that is made from organic materials and not synthetic.

2. Plants

There are many plants you can keep in your home that will act as a natural repellent for bugs and make your house smell great. These include:

Lavender
Marigolds
Citronella Grass
Catnip

Rosemary
Basil

3. LED lightbulbs

We all know far too well that accidentally leaving a window or door open while the lights are on is a huge attraction for various flying creatures. But it has been suggested that LED lights are less attractive to flies, wasps and mosquitoes and can act as a repellent. LED lights are more environmentally-friendly anyway, so swapping your lightbulbs will help keep you from getting bitten and help reduce your electricity bill.

4. Candles and essential oils

While there has been little research undertaken to prove the effectiveness of candles and essential oils as insect repellents, many households swear by them. Candles and oils that are supposed to repel insects include:

Oil of lemon eucalyptus
Lemon
Peppermint
Eucalyptus

Basil
Lavender
Lemongrass
Cedarwood
Tea tree

5. Vitamin B

Sadly this one has no scientific backing but many people swear that taking Vitamin B supplements makes them less tasty to mosquitoes and other bugs. Even if this one doesn’t turn out to be effective as a repellent, it can’t do any harm to boost your intake of whole grains, legumes and dark, leafy veg!

6. Clothing

Some bugs will actually bite through tight clothing, so to avoid being bitten or stung, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.

7. Stagnant water

Pools of still water are the favoured breeding ground for many insects such as flies and mosquitoes. It is important to make sure that pools of water aren’t allowed to stagnate for more than a few days. Places to consistently replace the water are potted plants, kiddie pools, buckets of water, birdbaths and anywhere else there may be stagnant water in or around your home.