Home Remedies Archives - Knowledge Weighs Nothing

Mosquito Repellent Plants: 7 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes & Bugs

July 1, 2015

As well as the plants that repel mosquitoes, we’ve also included a few plants repel mosquitoes AND some other insects such as gnats, ticks & fleas (and other bugs); and plants that protect other plants from aphids & mites etc.

Planting and growing insect and mosquito repellent plants provide a great opportunity to get out in the garden and plant some plants which are a perfect mix of beauty and functionality. Some people are sceptical about using plants to repel bugs/insects, whilst others are 100% convinced that mosquito repellent plants do as advertized. My advice is – nothing is going to be as effective as DEET and similar pharmaceutical products, but these plants that repel mosquitoes and other bugs really do help. Many of them a beautiful in their own right, and some also have other useful properties.

The thing is – if you take natural plant based bug repellents out of the equation; the only really option is DEET based products. There are serious health concerns about the toxic effects of DEET as it is absorbed into the body through your skin. Children are thought to be most at risk from side effects, as children’s skin absorbs more DEET than an adult’s. Sure, DEET has its place and it is even vital in certain situations and locations, but I think it is always worthwhile to also consider natural cures and solutions rather than just reaching for the pharmaceutical option each and every time.

At the end of the day, if you plant some of the mosquito and bug repellent plants listed below, at the very least you’ll be getting some pretty plants that smell beautiful. If however you are still not convinced enough to plant any of these plants that repel mosquitoes and other biting insects, why not check out: All Terrain Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent, it is biodegradable, cruelty – free, and contains no petrochemicals or animal by products.

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Here is infographic with the keypoints, see down below for more in-depth information on each plant.

The following plants are known throughout the world to act as natural mosquito repellents. While some work better than others, incorporating these plants into your yard can reduce the concentration of these annoying, and potentially dangerous, insects. So without further ado, here’s our list of the best mosquito repellent plants.

Pennyroyal – one of the most versatile mosquito repellent plants to grow

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal helps to repel mosquitoes, gnats and also ticks and fleas! In fact it should be your number one natural mosquito repellent plant to grow.

Pennyroyal is often used in commercial natural mosquito repellent creams and sprays. Pennyroyal is one of the best bug repellent plants in the garden, but it is best utilized as a natural mosquito repellent applied to the skin.

If you crush pennyroyal leaves and rub them onto your skin, this acts as an effective natural mosquito repellent. Additionally, you can also crush the stems and put them in pockets, bags and hats.

Natural mosquito repellent for dogs! Crushed pennyroyal leaves and stems can also be rubbed on dogs to help repel ticks and fleas. Actually you will often see dogs rubbing in pennyroyal patches when outdoors.

The most effective way to incorporate pennyroyal into your yard is to establish it as a companion plant. Many find success planting pennyroyal close to areas where they congregate. For example, planting near patios and outdoor seating areas. Pennyroyals do exceptionally well when potted. To prevent common fungal diseases that afflict this plant, spray with cooled chamomile tea after planting.

Feverfew is beautiful in its own right AND it’s a natural mosquito repellent too!

Feverfew

Feverfew is great for repelling mosquitoes and other flying biting insects. It is ideal for planting around outdoor seating areas, pathways and close to doorways and windows; for maximum benefit, plant in conjunction with citronella grass and lavender (see below). Double up with these plants that repel mosquitos etc, for maximum results.

In addition to its natural insect repellent qualities, feverfew also has many medicinal uses. It is historically used to help treat nervous disorders, headaches and it also works as a laxative and helps ease bloating.

To enhance its mosquito repelling qualities, it’s suggested to plant feverfew near outdoor seating and congregating areas in your yard. For example, plant around pathways and close to windows and doorways. If you have issues with mosquitoes entering your home, plant feverfew outside and indoors near windows.

Unlike some of the other mosquito repellent plants, feverfew is quite hardy and does quite well in a wide variety of light and soil conditions. If you’re starting plants indoors, it’s best to group 3 or 4 seeds together in 1/4-inch deep soil. Don’t bury seeds deep in the soil, as this plant is light dependent to spark germination and growth. It’s safe to transplant after the first true leaves have grown. Make sure to give feverfew around 8 to 12-inches of space between other plants. Again, this is one of the best bug repellent plants to grow in your garden.

To take advantage of its medicinal uses, harvest flowers when they’re in full bloom and harvest leaves just before the plant starts to flower. Harvesting at these times ensures the maximum concentration of medicinal compounds.

Citronella grass – a versatile natural insect repellent

Citronella grass

Citronella grass is an old favourite; everyone knows it is commonly used as an insect and natural mosquito repellent in outdoor candles, which are used around outdoor eating and seating areas. Citronella grass is one of the best mosquito repellent plants and it can be planted and used in a similar way as citronella candles, to keep flying insects away.

Belonging to the geranium plant family, the fragrance produced by the citronella foliage is known as one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents, which is why it is often found in DEET free natural mosquito repellents. While some proponents claim that by simply growing the plant repels mosquitoes, the actual results are mixed. The bug repelling fragrance produced by its leaves seems to primarily work when the leaves are crushed. Unlike other plants that repel mosquitoes in this list, to maximize your results, you have to do a little extra work.

Once the plant has matured, remove several of its leaves. Using your hands, rub the leaves together to crush them and release its essential oils. Rub these oils over your body. For added relief from these bothersome pests, sprinkle crushed citronella leaves around your outdoor seating area.

To further maximize the insect repelling results, plant citronella grass in your garden & yard and use in conjunction with feverfew and lavender.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of citronella grass is its ease. Unlike other bug repellent plants, citronella is quite hearty and capable of being grown in a wide variety of climates. Because of its versatility it can be grown indoors and outdoors. While the plant thrives outdoors during warmer months, make sure to transplant it to indoor locations before the first frost.

Citronella prefers a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day – this is regardless of its indoor or outdoor location. While full-sun is preferred, they can tolerate partial shade. Citronella may thrive in a variety of soils, as long as it’s well-drained. To maximize the production of mosquito-repelling oils, occasionally fertilize with all-purpose plant food.

On average, a citronella plant can grow anywhere from 2 to 4 feet high. To encourage new growth, pruning and pinching is highly recommended.

Additionally, citronella grass has also been found to have a calming effect on barking dogs, which is worth considering if you have a dog which barks excessively day and night. Your neighbours might thank you for at least giving it a try!

Beautiful! I’d still grow lavender even if it didn’t repel mosquitoes

Lavender

Belonging to the mint family, lavender is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean region. Producing beautiful blue-violet flowers, the oils it creates have a long history being used as a medicinal tincture.

Due to its calming scent, lavender oil is most commonly used as a tension-relief and anti-anxiety remedy. Although its uses in the human body are varied, one of its most potent uses is also one of the most under-rated.

Lavender is a powerful mosquito and general insect repellent. The oils secreted by this plant effectively ward off these pests through completely natural means. There are several ways you can use lavender to naturally repel mosquitoes. The most effective of these methods is by extracting its oils. To utilize this method, simply grind its flowers and apply to the areas of your skin where mosquitoes like to bite, such as your ankles and arms.

Of course, lavender naturally repels mosquitoes by simply growing. Plant lavender around outdoor seating areas, pathways and near doorways and windows. The scent produced by the plant wards off mosquitoes and other bugs. Lavender can be successfully grown indoors and outdoors. Along with its powerful anti-mosquito properties, it’s also a beautiful addition to any home or garden.

Cut and or dried lavender can also be placed on windowsills to stop mosquitoes entering the house. Additionally, dried lavender flowers can also be used in wardrobes to repel moths and keep clothes smelling fresh. All in all lavender is one of the most versatile plants that repel mosquitoes, that you can grow.

Pyrethrum Chrysanthemum repels aphids, leafhoppers, mites and other bugs that attack plants

Pyrethrum also known as Chrysanthemum

Whilst not specifically a mosquito repellent plant, pyrethrum helps to repel a whole host of other insects and bugs, including: aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs and ticks.

Pyrethrum is best used as a ‘companion plant’ to protect other plants with its insect repellent properties. It is planted close to plants which are affected by the insects above.

Additionally a natural pesticide can be made with pyrethrum flowers. The flowers need to be dried and crushed and mixed with water. It is beyond the scope of this article to give specific instructions on potency etc., so please carry out further research before trying this, as even though the pesticide is completely natural, it can still be harmful to humans in certain situations.

The oils produced by the Chrysanthemum plant is one of the most powerful natural bug repellents. In fact, the majority of all-natural repellents call upon its essential oil as its primary active ingredient. Not only does its oil repel mosquitoes, but if they come in contact with it the oils, it actually kills the insect. This is an excellent benefit for those dealing with massive mosquito infestations.

As with many of these plants, Chrysanthemums are relatively easy bug repellent plants to care for, as long as you follow several tips. This plant is particularly susceptible to mildew. Therefore, it’s imperative to keep them as dry as possible. They require ample air circulation, water draining and full morning sun to efficiently dry any dew that’s been deposited on its stems and leaves. Never plant in low-lying or boxed-in areas that feature little air circulation.

As for the soil, these plants require fertile, sandy or loamy soil. To ensure maximum health, make sure the soil maintains a pH level around 6.5. These plants are relatively tough and are able to thrive without much external fertilization. In order to keep these plants as healthy as possible, make sure they’re exposed to light. During the growing season, feed with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer.

Marigolds – the jack of all trades

Marigolds

Marigolds are beautify, strongly aromatic herbaceous flowers commonly found throughout the world. While many choose to cultivate these flowers based upon their season-long blooms and delicious scent, these flowers are also effective mosquito repellents.

As with pyrethrum, marigolds are best used as a ‘companion plant’ to help protect other plants; however, marigolds do also have some natural mosquito repellent properties, so it’s a bit of an all-rounder.

Marigolds contain a chemical compound called thiopenes in the roots. This plant repels aphids, cabbage maggots, white flies and many other pests. Marigolds are particularly good at protecting tomato plants.

Along with its potent anti-mosquito properties, marigolds are relatively easy to grow. Although easy to care for, there are several tips you should follow to ensure maximum growth. The first rule of thumb to remember is marigolds require lots of direct sunlight. Although they can flourish is almost any type of soil, these flowers tend to do best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. As spring warms the soil, sow them directly into the garden. If you’re growing from seeds, starts the seeds indoors around 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost. When seedlings grow to around 2-inches tall, separate them and plant in flats of loose soil. You may also transplant them into a garden.

Once planted, marigolds require very little upkeep. Never water marigolds from overhead. Rather, water at the base of the flowers. Don’t worry about fertilizing these plants. Due to its sensitive nature, excess fertilization causes the foliage to rapidly develop, which reduces flower production. Unlike other plants, marigolds flower best in poor soil. Try to plant these flowers in full-sun as they can mildew quickly if the flowers remain damp from morning dew or rainstorms.

Everyone should grow peppermint, for cooking if nothing else

Peppermint

Peppermint is one of the most beloved plants due to its strong, poignant scent. A common ingredient in a vast array of products, the peppermint plant does far more than simply add a delicious flavor to treats or toothpaste.

The majority of bugs despise the scent and taste of peppermint. Its strong essential oils waft effortlessly through the air to naturally repel mosquitoes and other common insects. Planting peppermint along outdoor seating areas, around windows or near doorways is an effective way to naturally repel mosquitos and other bugs.

Another added benefit? Should you be bitten by a mosquito, rubbing its leaves directly into the the bite offers near-instant itch relief. Double benefit! It’s a plant that repels mosquitoes and it provides mosquito bite relief.

An excellent benefit of growing peppermint is its ease. As with any other plant belonging to the mint family, peppermint is fast growing and requires minimal care. When growing peppermint outdoors, plant about 2-feet apart in moist soil. This plant spreads quite rapidly and requires a decent amount of room to flourish. At its peak, peppermint grows around 1 to 2-feet tall.

In your garden, plant peppermint near tomatoes and cabbage to thwart pesky insects. While these plants tend to do best directly in a garden, they also do quite well in pots. Fill a container with compost-enriched potting mix and place close to outdoor seating areas. The only requirement is these plants require full sunlight to truly flourish.

Unlike other plants in this list, peppermint does best in moist soil. When planting outside, use a light mulch to help keep the soil moist. Water the leaves regularly to keep them clean and to maintain high oil production. When growing peppermint indoors, make sure to water them regularly. Focus on maintaining even soil moistness.

To enhance the mosquito-repelling effectiveness of peppermint, pick several mature leaves from the plant. Mince the leaves into tiny pieces and scatter across your entire outdoor sitting area. Many perform this action immediately before holding an outdoor party or enjoying a nice glass of wine and a book. While the plant itself will help repel mosquitoes, by mincing the leaves and spreading them, the oils are released in greater concentrations. Consider rubbing a little of the minced leaves across areas of your skin where mosquitoes like to bite. However, be careful when doing this. If you have sensitive skin, the oils can cause a rash or irritation. Test on a small portion of your skin and wait 20 minutes. If no reaction occurs, apply to a larger area.

Mosquitoes | An Overview of Blood-Thirsty Pests

Did you know there are over 3,000 different mosquito species throughout the world? While each mosquito has a unique scientific name, their presence to humans and animals is relatively similar. As with most insects, mosquitoes lay eggs to reproduce. These eggs are often found in still, calm waters and float on “rafts.” One of the greatest preventative measures is to eliminate water accumulation in your yard.

There are four stages a mosquito goes through: egg, larva, pupa and adult. During the egg, larvae and pupae stage, the mosquitoes live in water. However, as they molt into the adult stage, they fly away from water sources and become airborne. As summer temperatures rise to 80-degrees Fahrenheit, the larva goes through a rapid transformation. On average, it takes four days for larva to reach the pupae stage. From here, it takes an additional three days before the pupa transforms into an adult mosquito. The lifespan of a single mosquito is relatively short. Female mosquitoes may live for several weeks if they have a constant source of sugar while male mosquitoes typically live for less than a week.

The primary difference between adult male and female mosquitoes is its size. Generally, female mosquitoes are larger than males and have a threadlike antennae. Male mosquitoes feature a more bushy antennae.

Unlike popular belief, mosquitoes find nourishment on more than just blood. Both male and female adult mosquitoes feed on nectar. However, when it comes time to lay eggs, female mosquitoes seek out warm-blooded hosts to feed on their blood. Male mosquitoes don’t feed on blood.

The Importance of Mosquitoes in the Ecosystem

It’s difficult to imagine these annoying pests have any purpose outside of ruining your outdoor enjoyment, but they have several important purposes in your local ecosystem. Mosquito larvae serves as a viable food source for fish and other aquatic animals. As the mosquitoes grow older, they become an important food source for bats, birds, spiders, dragonflies and other arthropods. Without these insects, entire animal groups would lack in nourishment.

The Negative Impact of Mosquitoes

Of course, with a positive benefit comes a negative. Perhaps the most noteworthy downside of mosquitoes is their ability to transmit dangerous pathogens to humans and other warm-blooded animals. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, such as encephalitis, dengue fever and yellow fever. It’s important to note these insects can only be carriers of disease, they cannot spontaneously cause disease. For example, a mosquito must feed on an infected host in order to transmit a pathogen.

(Photos from: Wikimedia Commons)

Flea Home Remedies & A Flea Trap That Really Work! (Updated!)

June 19, 2015

Whilst fleas are a major concern for most pet owners, some people may consider fleas to be nothing more than a minor ailment for your pet; however if left unchecked fleas can wreak havoc on pets and humans alike.

Fleas are problematic as they survive on blood. In fact, a female flea can consume up to 15 times per body weight in blood every day. Fleas are not only a nuisance, but they can also cause serious health complications, such as tapeworms, anemia and flea allergy dermatitis, known as FAD. Although they are wingless, these pests can easily jump from pet-to-pet or from pet-to-human, and from room to room around your home.

If you’re looking for ways to get rid of fleas without having to use synthetic chemical treatments, then read on, as the flea home remedies and the homemade flea trap below will soon have your pets and household flea free.

Get Rid Of Fleas With These Home Remedies

The following home remedies for fleas were chosen for their effectiveness and safety. The majority of flea infestations can be controlled and eliminated via these natural methods. To be honest, you don’t really need to look any further than remedy #1 (DE powder) and remedy #2 (flea trap), but the other home remedies are included here, as they are popular and reported to be effective.

NEW POST: Get rid of fleas from your yard/garden with this garlic flea spray for your yard.

Remedy #1 |Get Rid of Fleas with Diatomaceous Earth Powder

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is actually comprised of ancient algae fossils. Upon contact, the microscopic fossils actually penetrate through the fleas outer shell, and are then soaked into their bodies. Due to the dehydrating effect of DE, fleas are dried out and ultimately destroyed. This remedy is so powerful, DE is often the primary ingredient in all-natural pest cleaners.

Important note: only purchase and use ‘food grade’ diatomaceous earth powder. Other forms of DE, for example, pool DE, can have added harmful chemicals. ‘Food grade’ DE should be clearly labeled as such ‘food grade’.

To utilize this remedy, thoroughly vacuum every room in your home. After cleaned, sprinkle an even layer of DE throughout every room of your home. Focus on areas where humans and pets congregate as this is typically where fleas rest. After the DE powder has rested for 48 hours, vacuum clean. Repeat as many times as necessary to eliminate an entire flea colony. DE really is one of the most effective natural home remedies for fleas, but an added bonus around the home is it also kills ants, spider and cockroaches too!

If anyone in your household suffers with chronic allergies, or skin conditions, it is might best to treat/test one room first (before doing the whole house!), and check for any reactions. DE is considered safe for household use, but you can never be too careful if anyone in your household suffers with a chronic condition.

Using Diatomaceous Earth Powder Directly On Pets?

Food grade diatomaceous earth powder has been used on livestock, all over the world, for decades. It is widely considered safe to use on pets as well. The main caution with using DE on pets is that inhalation of DE should be avoided by humans and pets, as it can cause respiratory irritation, so be mindful of this when using DE powder.

If you are worried about skin irritation, and want to be doubly careful with your pet, try treating a small area of your dog/cat with DE powder for a few days, to see if there is any skin reaction. If all is well, you can proceed to applying the DE powder head-to-foot, being careful around the head area, so that the DE is inhaled. You may need to repeat every few days for heavy flea infestation.

Personally, given DE’s effectiveness at killing fleas, I really cannot see the point in purchasing harmful pesticides and spraying them all over your home. Diatomaceous earth is a safer, natural alternative, that is equally lethal to fleas.

Remedy #2| Homemade Flea Trap

Perhaps one of the most effective home remedies for fleas is to catch these pests before they have time to influence their bite on pets and humans. Although there are many commercial flea traps available on the market, they can be quite expensive. This home remedy for fleas calls upon everyday items to effectively catch and trap fleas throughout your home.

How to make a homemade flea trap

Place a baking tray or plate filled with warm water in the middle of the room.
Add 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to the water and agitate to make the water soapy.
Place 1 tea candle in a jar, in the center of the baking tray/plate and leave overnight. Throughout the night, fleas are attracted to the heat and light coming from the candle. When they jump toward it, they become stuck in the dishwashing liquid water and die. Repeat for three to four consecutive nights, or until you do not wake up to flea bodies in the water.

Homemade flea trap caution – don’t allow pets to access the area the flea trap is located in. They may drink the soapy water, or burn themselves on the candle. If you don’t want to use a candle, you can also try standing an adjustable lamp on the floor, with the light shining into the center of the baking trap/plate. Pets should still be excluded from the area due to the danger of the proximity of the lamp to the water in the flea trap.

Below is a photo of one of our DIY flea traps. To be honest, this old baking tray has much higher sides that our other two traps. I’d have assumed that lower sides would be better, as it’s easier for the fleas to see the light, but this trap works just fine Quick and simple to make, and mighty effective!

Remedy #3 | Homemade Herbal Flea Spray

If you wish to kill fleas throughout your home while leaving a pleasant scent in its wake, then yous should use this herbal flea spray. Each of the ingredients is known to hold powerful anti-flea properties, capable of destroying fleas along the same lines as a chemical treatment without the harmful compounds. To utilize this remedy for fleas, combine the following ingredients into a large container:

1 gallon of white vinegar
1/2 gallon of purified water
16 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
8 ounces of witch hazel essential oil

Once you’ve combined all of these ingredients, pour the solution into a standard handheld spray bottle. After vacuuming the room, spray a liberal amount of this solution throughout your room. Pay attention to corners where carpeting and walls meet. Repeat every day until the fleas have been eliminated. Enhance the effectiveness of this spray by steam cleaning your carpeting and cloth-covered furniture. The steam actively works to kill flea larvae, which can be protected against the spray.

Remedy #4 | Salt Powder – Old Flea Home Remedy

Many ‘all-natural anti-flea powders’ utilize sodium as a means of eliminating these annoying pests. In the most fundamental sense, salt works to kill off fleas by penetrating its shells and dehydrating the fleas from the inside-out. This is an effective, chemical-free, home remedy for fleas that is surprisingly easy and effective. To utilize this remedy, simply purchase finely ground sea salt. In order to work, the salt must be ground to a fine powder. If your salt crystals are too large, grind until it’s a fine powder. The amount of salt you’ll need depends on the size of your room. Once the salt is finely ground, sprinkle throughout every room in your home. Make sure there is an even layer on the carpet. Allow the salt to rest for 48 hours before vacuuming. Repeat until your flea infestation has been eradicated.

Remedy #5 | Homemade Herbal Flea Powder

As you can see, the most effective home remedies for fleas call upon dry powders to penetrate flea shells for full eradication. If you wish to use the power of a flea powder, but without the use of irritating compounds, then you’ll want to utilize this herbal flea powder recipe. Begin by placing all the following ingredients into a coffee grinder:

1/2 cup of dried rosemary
1/2 cup of dried rue
1/2 cup of dried wormwood
1/2 cup of dried fennel
1/2 cup of dried peppermint leaves

Once all these ingredients are in the coffee grinder, grind them together until a fine powder forms. Remove from the coffee grinder and place in a resealable container. Sprinkle the powder throughout your home. Focus on areas where fleas are often found, but also sprinkle in less-active areas. This is an excellent powder to sprinkle around openings of your home, which makes it act as a flea repellent.

Allow the herbal flea powder to rest for 48 hours before vacuuming and repeating. Consider using this home remedy for fleas as an everyday preventative treatment; especially during the warmer months when fleas are most active.

Effective Stink Bug Home Remedies For Home & Yard

June 10, 2017

Stink bugs are a huge pain in the a**. Once these small pests take over your home, most people call for pest control professionals with their chemicals to eradicate them for good. Before you resort to the professionals spraying your entire home with chemical insecticides, why not give some of these traditional stink bug home remedies a try fist?

Before we get to the stink bug remedies, I should point out that once you have stink bugs in your home, the number one most effective (safe) way of getting rid of them is with stink bug traps. A while back we wrote a post showing how to build your own, incredibly effective DIY stink bug trap (see the link!), instead of purchasing the largely ineffective and expensive store-bought versions. I highly recommend you check out this stink bug post first. You can then build some DIY stink bug traps and use them in conjunction with some of the traditional stink bug remedies below.

Soapy Water Stink Bug Spray

A soapy water solution sprayed on stink bugs basically causes them to dry up and die. It works on eggs as well as the adult bugs, but the problem is that you must spray it directly on the bugs for it to work properly. This solution works best when combined with other natural remedies for a full home eradication of the pests.

To make the solution, combine around a liter (32 oz) of warm water with 180 ml (3/4 cup) liquid dish detergent. Put the solution in a spray bottle and get hunting.

Garlic Stink Bug Spray

This solution is perfect for fleas as well, both inside and outside of the home. Garlic spray is made by mixing boiling water with garlic and allowing it to steep overnight. Once added to a spray bottle, the concentrated solution can be sprayed on entryways as a barrier to prevent the stink bugs from entering your home, or practically anywhere else within the home. It needs to be sprayed at least once a week to prevent stink bugs from returning.

Mint Spray Stink Bug Repellent

The scent of garlic may be something that you simply do not want to have in your home in which case there is a less odorous way to prevent stink bugs. Mint is a deterrent for many bugs including stink bugs. Mix the spray by adding around 10 drops of peppermint essential oil to two cups of water. Again, you can spray the solution throughout your home on any type of surface to prevent bugs from entering and ward off the ones that are already there.

Eradicate Stink Bugs in the Garden

One of the easiest ways to prevent stink bugs is by eliminating their favorite places to hide. Although most stink bug infestations are not noticed until the bugs find their way into the home, they all start outside. A well-groomed yard free of weeds and debris is the best way to keep away stink bugs; they tend to hide out in weeds of all types and simply wait for an opportunity to enter the home. You can also use a garlic yard spray to kill stink bugs outdoors. See our garden yard spray for fleas post. This same spray is equally effective against both stink bugs and fleas.

A stink bug infestation should not be ignored. It will not simply go away and will only get worse if not dealt with properly. Stink bugs can find their way into any home at any time of the year, so make sure that you keep your home as clean as possible and employ some of these preventative solutions. Your home is for you and your family and not for the hordes of pests attempting to infiltrate it. Try these stink bug remedies first, before resorting to spraying potent chemical insecticides throughout you home and outdoor spaces.

(Stink bug images from: Wikipedia)

How To Remove Skin Tags At Home (UPDATED)

March 17, 2017

Despite being relatively harmless from a medical point of view, skin tags can have a significant impact on a person’s self esteem and general happiness.

The good news is, there are a host of effective home remedies that can be used to remove skin tags. With this in mind, let’s find out how to get rid of skin tags quickly and cheaply, in the privacy of your own home.

TagBand Skin Tag Removal Device

Whilst creating this post, I decided to have a look and see if there are any skin tag removal products on the market. There are a few creams and potions, but the TagBand skin tag removal device seems to be the most popular option. I have zero experience of the TagBand device, but a quick look on Amazon shows the device comes in two sizes – one for small to medium skin tags, and another for medium to large skin tags. Combined, these devices currently have around 1100 reviews on Amazon, with an average ranking of 4/5. A 4/5 ranking from 1100 reviewers would suggest that the TagBand Devices are definitely worthy of your consideration.

How Does TagBand Work?

The TagBand basically comprises a TagBand cone, 10 x TagBand bands, and a TagBand remover tool, for pushing off the bands onto the skin tag.

Directions for use

Simply slide one of the bands from the narrow end of the cone, to the wider/larger end of the cone.
Now place the larger end of the TagBand cone over the skin tag. Apply gentle pressure so the cone is pressed over the skin tag, and against the surrounding skin.
Finally, use the supplied tool to push the rubber band off. The band will now tighten around the base of the skin tag, cutting off the blood supply. This will cause the skin tag to die and fall off.

Below is a video demonstrating how the to remove skin tags, with the TagBand device.

If you’d like more information about the TagBand device, check it, and it’s 100s of reviews on Amazon.

Below, you will find a number of skin tag removal home remedies. Some appear a little odd at first, but all the home remedies listed are said to be effective at getting rid of skin tags. By far and away, the most popular home remedy for skin tags, is apple cider vinegar. ACV has shown to be safe and effective, over and over. With this in mind, the apple cider vinegar remedy is the one I would start with. This is why it is first in the list, and why we have created an apple cider vinegar skin tag removal infographic.

How To Remove Skin Tags With Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is probably one of the best known home remedies for removing skin tags at home.

How to remove skin tags with apple cider vinegar – despite the intensity of its smell often putting many people off, this home remedy is renowned for removing the skin tag completely. It’s also a home remedy that most of us will find lurking in the bottom of our store cupboard!

Apple cider vinegar is both highly effective and responsive to the removal of skin tags but, before you use this skin tag solution, it’s important to note that apple cider vinegar can sometimes cause very mild itching or stinging. This is nothing to worry about though, and kind of shows that it is doing its job!

It’s worthwhile diluting the vinegar with water before applying it to your skin tag – this will minimize any discomfort or stinging.

Directions for use

First of all, before using apple cider vinegar (ACV), it’s important that you thoroughly cleanse and dry your skin in and around the skin tag.
Now, soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar. Squeeze off any excess ACV.
Start to gently apply the apple cider vinegar to the skin tag. Try to insure the whole skin tag is coated with ACV, whilst trying to minimize contact with the surrounding area, then leave to dry naturally.
Follow this procedure and apply the apple cider vinegar up three times a day.
After a few days, the skin tag should begin to turn brown and dry out. Over the coming days, the skin tag will continue to darken and dry out.
Usually, within 7-10 days, the skin tag will have turned black and completely dried out. When ready, the skin tag will now simply fall off.

How To Remove Skin Tags With Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is commonly used to treat and prevent a host of skin problems, including blemishes, spots and skin tags. Oh, and it’s most likely that you will find a bottle nestled deep in the bottom of your bathroom cupboard!

It’s also known as the most painless way to remove skin tags from your body. This is because the oil contains a wealth of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties that actively join forces to dry out your skin, causing your skin tag to fall off on its own. Find out how to remove skin tags at home with tea tree oil below.

Directions for use

Start by taking a clean cotton ball and soak it in warm or cold water.
Now, squeeze out most of the water, and add three drops of tea tree oil onto the cotton ball. (Alternatively, if your tea tree oil has a pipette dropper, you can instead, carefully dispense some undiluted tea tree oil directly onto the skin tag, whilst being careful not to get any on the surrounding skin)
Before you apply the oil, make sure that you clean your skin tag thoroughly in order to remove any access dirt or oil (your skin tag must also be clean to achieve the most effective results!).
Now take your cotton ball and gently massage the skin tag, as well as the surrounding area, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
The results are not instant but, in time, the skin tag will fall off of its own accord. For the best results, repeat this process up to 3 times a day.

How To Remove Skin Tags With Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is not only super tasty and good for you, it’s also a powerful antiseptic, making it one of the best home remedies for removing skin tags from the body.

This is because it also contains citric acids, which actively seek to dry out skin tags by decomposing their cells – who knew?

Directions for use

Simply cut a fresh lemon in half and carefully apply its juice to a cotton ball.
Now, apply this directly to the skin tag and surrounding areas.
For best results, do not wash it off.
Integrate this into your daily routine and you should start to see results in no time at all (obviously, as with all of these skin tag removal at home methods, results are not always instant, so keep repeating the process up to three times a day.)

Remove Skin Tags With Dandelions

Yes, dandelions are much more than those never-ending, annoying weeds that populate your back yard!

In fact, dandelion stem juice is used around the world to help with a host of skin issues including the removal of skin tags! And it’s so easy to start making the most of this effective skin tag home remedy at home.

Directions for use

First of all, you will need to get your hands dirty and collect a handful of dandelions from your back yard, ensuring that they are still attached to their stems.
This is important as the stem is where you will need to extract the juice from and is integral to the process.
Simply squeeze the stems tightly and this should remove all of the juice you need.
You will see that a milky liquid will come out of the stem, this is the liquid that you will then apply to your skin.
Now you need to cover your skin tag and the surrounding area with the liquid.
Once you have done this, take a band-aid and cover it to ensure that it remains in place.

The dandelion stem juice works by drying out your skin tag, causing it to eventually fall off. This is a proven method that has worked on thousands of people around the world however, it’s not suitable for everyone. If you are allergic to marigolds, daisies, ragweed or other similar plants, you will also most definitely be allergic to dandelions so avoid this natural remedy!

Remove Skin Tags With Oregano Oil

Applying oregano oil is another great way of removing skin tags at home, quickly and painlessly. Using Oregano Oil regularly can result in skin tag removal in as little as 4 weeks and, providing you apply the oil to your skin tag up to three times a day, it will eventually drop off of its own accord.

This is because the oil contains three types of phenolic terpenoids components (thymol, arvacrol and p-cymene). All three of these components contain powerful antibacterial properties that actively work together to remove the skin tag.

Alongside these powerful components and properties, oregano oil also contains antispasmodic, antimelanomic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic properties and anti-oxidatives.

Directions for use

Start by creating a mixture of 4 to 6 drops of coconut oil and 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil.
Next, apply this formula to your skin tag and the surrounding areas up to 3 times a day to achieve the most effective and long lasting results.
The system will eventually dry out your skin tag and cause it to drop off your skin.

If you have a skin tag near to your eyes this is not a remedy you should use as it can causes redness or skin irritation. It is also important to always dilute oregano oil with another oil.

Remove Skin Tags With Garlic

Despite being deliciously stinky, garlic is also great for removing skin tags yourself (if you can stand the smell of course!).

This is because fresh garlic contains a whole host of anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that work together to help improve a variety of skin issues. Fresh garlic works by drying out your skin tag, causing it to eventually drop off. And, it’s easy to use.

Directions for use

All you need is three or four fresh garlic cloves that should be ground into a paste. Then simply apply the paste directly to your skin and place a band-aid over it to keep it secure.

Remove Skin Tags With Fig Stem Juice

Fig stem juice is well known for it’s connection to assisting with a whole host of skin related issuing, including skin tag removal, due to its ability to help balance the alkaline-acid balance.

Directions for use

Simply pick up some fresh fig stems and blend them together in order to extract the juice.
Once the juice has been blended together, apply it to the affected areas up to four times a day.
The majority of people notice a difference within four weeks however, results indicate that cases vary from person to person, so don’t be disheartened if you do not see the results you want within this period of time!

Remove Skin Tags With Onion juice

We all know the effect it has on our eyes when we are cooking but did you know that it is also a proven method of helping to remove skin tags?

So, how to use onion juice for skin tag removal at home?

Directions for use

Well, simply cut an onion up into small segments and leave it in a vessel overnight, ensuring that the vessel also contains some salt.
Make sure that you leave it for at least 7 hours, then extract the juice from the onion when you wake up.
Now, simply apply the juice to the skin tag for at least 10 -12 days.
This should then remove the skin tag completely!

Remove Skin Tags With Nail Polish

Now this is a skin tag remover that almost all of us will have in our bathroom cupboard or beauty box. Nail polish works by drying out the skin tag, which then results in it dropping off completely.

Directions for use

Like the majority of home removal solutions mentioned, this is not a one off skin tag removal solution. It’s important that you apply the nail polish up to three times a day until you the skin tag fades away.

Remove Skin Tags With Banana Peel

How to remove skin tags with bananas! Bananas are not only super nutritious and healthy, their peels are also perfect for helping with skin tag removal from all parts of the body.

Directions for use

Start by cutting off a small piece of banana peel.
Next, place the inside part of the banana over your skin tag, ensuring that it is completely covered!
Now cover it with gauze and keep it on overnight. If you repeat this on a daily basis, the skin tag should naturally fall off!

Remove Skin Tags With Potato

Using potato as a natural solution to remove skin tags at home is another tried and tested solution that has proven to be extremely successful. It’s super easy to do too, but best done at night when you are not out and about!

Directions for use

Simply take one piece of potato, place it over your skin, and secure it in place with a band aid. Continue to do this for a few days, and you should start to notice a difference.

What Is A Skin Tag (Acrochordon) Anyway?

A skin tag, also know as an acrochordon, and sometimes refereed to as fibroepithelial polyps, is a type of benign skin growth. In non-technical terms, they are basically soft skin growths that look like a small piece of skin, which can often be found hanging from your body. Although some are barely noticeable, others can occur in sensitive areas such as on the eyelids, groin folds, armpits and under the breasts.

And there’s no limit to how many skin tags (acrochordons) can appear on your body at any one time. In fact, it’s possible for an individual to have up to 100 skin tags present on their skin in a lifetime, so you can see how they can become an annoyance!

What Causes Skin Tags?

There isn’t one trigger associated with skin tags (remember medically known as acrochordons), although obese adults are more prone as experts have regularly identified a corresponding link between the two. Chaffing and skin rubbing together is also thought to be a trigger This said, it’s predicted that each and every one of us will develop a skin tag at some point in our lives.

Luckily, there are a host of skin tag removal treatments available, many of which you can do yourself, at home. We’ve compiled a list of helpful skin tag removal treatments and home remedies that should help you to remove your skin tags. Just to note – we don’t recommend just cutting off skin tags. Cutting off skin tags can lead to injury and infection.

So there you go! With the TagBand device, plus a host of natural ways to remove skin tags at home options, hopefully you’ll find a solution that works for you.

(Image from: Wikipedia)

Homemade Ant Killer Recipes & 13 Ant Bite Remedies

September 9, 2018

Ants attracted to fruit dropped on the floor (prevention is better than using ant killers)

Ants. They bury, build and breed on epic scales and leaving a nest to go about its business for even so much as a week can see them seemingly plotting on taking over your household.

What’s more, the majority of us will have, at some time, been out and about, fishing, hunting or camping, and will have suffered a pretty nasty ant bite.

Here’s how you can take on this tiny but rather powerful little critter and how you can wage war and win through equally as powerful homemade ant killer recipes, remedies and tips.

Ants… All about them and the havoc that they can cause

As a starting point, rather than jumping right in and eradicating ants with these homemade ant killers, it’s advisable that you at least have a little background about your adversary.

Ants live within colonies and they are interested in only two things: food and water. The only exception to this rule is where the weather outside may be cold, and in such an instance they will seek shelter and warmth.

Contrary to popular belief only a small amount of any one colony is made up of workers, accounting for approximately 10%, so if you see a big group of ants heading off outside and coming back in with their spoils then you can rest assured that the total colony is about 10x as large.

Do you really have an ant problem? Or could it be termites?

Before we get started on the ant killer tips, tricks and recipes let’s be sure that you really have an ant problem.

The differences between flying ants and terminates

Waists – Ants always have waists that are split into segments, whereas termites are about the same width all the way along their body, and do not feature a pinched in waist.

Antennas – Both ants and termites have antennas, however ants’ antenna are bent, whereas termites’ antennas are straight.

Wings – Both ants and termites have two sets of wings, however ants have a second set of wings that are of a smaller size, whereas termite’s wings are all of the same size.

Preventing Ant Infestations

Before we move on to my kick ass homemade ant killer recipes, here are a few essentials tips that can help with ant issues, or even forgo the need for going nuclear upon ants in the first place.

Seal any cracks and crevices that may lead into the home where you suspect the ant may be entering from.

However bear in mind that ants are particularly skilled at finding the very smallest of entrances to a home and so you may struggle to close any and all possible entrances.

Clean up possible entry points with detergent.

This will remove the chemical trail that ants leave behind them (which helps them in finding their way back to the colony). You can then finish this off by spraying any of my natural ant killer recipes within this guide around the entry points.

Avoid leaving food scrapes on the floor or on countertops. Ants send out scouts first – once the find food they bring in all their friends!

Some common foods that attract ants are:

Maple syrup
Honey
Fruit juice
Sugar
Peanut Butter
Honey
French Fries
Fruit

Before moving on to the homemade ant killer recipes, I want to point out one thing – ants are one of the world’s great recyclers and they rank as one of the most important species on the planet. They are vital to every ecosystem they exist in. Here’s an interesting soundbite: ants are the biggest consumers or protein on the planet!

When in the wild, away from your home, please leave ants in peace to go about their business. These ant killer recipes and tips are only to be used when ants are invading your home and causing a nuisance. Also, rather than just reaching for an ant killer, remember, prevention is better than the cure! Keep floors and work surfaces clean and avoid leaving any waste or spoilt food laying around.

Borax is extremely effective at killing ants

Homemade Ant killer Recipe: The Overnight Recipe

Ingredients that you’ll need

Warm water
Sugar
Borax

Equipment that you’ll need

Cotton Balls
Mixing bowl

The Overnight Homemade Ant Killer recipe: Step by step

This homemade ant killer recipe is probably the quickest and most effective one to use.

Step One – Measure 1 cup of warm water, then add 1/2 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of borax, then mix well.

Step Two – Now soak some cotton balls in the mixture and then place where you have seen ants.

That’s it, it’s cheap, simple and it works! The ants should be all gone within 24 hours.

Homemade Ant killer Recipe: A five minute recipe

Ingredients that you’ll need

6 Tablespoon of Sugar
1 Cup of water
1 Tablespoon of boric acid

Equipment that you’ll need

Cotton balls
Containers with container lids (butter containers will be perfect)

A five minute Ant Killer recipe: Step by step

This homemade ant killer recipe is super quick and is suitable for when you’re not quite sure where the nest may be. Simply set up your container and wait for the win!

Step One – Dissolve the boric acid and sugar in water

Step Two – Soak your cotton balls in the solution

Step Three – Punch holes into the lid of the butter container

Step Four – Place your cotton balls within the container

Step Five – Place your containers wherever you spot an ant

Step Six – Sit back and relax!

These containers will attract ants, with them eventually taking traces of the boric acid back to the colony. After a few days you should notice a drastic reduction in ants.

Dish soap/washing up liquid, mixed with water can be used to destroy an ant mount

Homemade Ant killer Recipe: For the ant mound

This homemade ant killer recipe is ideal for when you know exactly where the ant mound is, and have access to it. This then treats the problem at the source and is probably the quickest method of all.

Ingredients that you’ll need

Soapy water (One gallon of water with around a teaspoon of washing up liquid/dish soap)

Equipment that you’ll need

A water jug to carry your mix

For the ant mound: Step by step

Step One – Mix up your soapy water

Step Two – Pour over the mound!

Step Three – Check back in around 24 hours, if there remains some ants that are still knocking about you should repeat the process

Mint leave can be used to repel ants

Homemade Ant Repellent Recipe: Repel Ants rather than killing them

OK, so most will want to eradicate all trace of their ant infestation by whatever means necessary, however there may be some that would like a kinder option. So here it is, three of the most effective natural ant repellents mixed into one, so that you know that your kindness won’t be your down fall.

Ingredients that you’ll need

Mint plant(s) – you can also use peppermint oil too!
Lemon juice
Cinnamon

How to Repel Ants Naturally: Step by step

Step One – Place your mint plant or leaves where you’ve seen the most ants.

For the larger of properties you’ll likely need a few of these. They act as a natural repellent that ant’s hate.

Step Two – Spray any ant entrances with lemon juice

Step Three – Grind up some cinnamon and place it around the home wherever you’ve seen ants lurking

This final step finishes off your ant itinerary perfectly and after a few days you should notice that you have ant issues no longer!

Homemade Ant Killer Sprays: Quick mixes that can be popped into a spray bottle

The following homemade ant killer mixes are quick recipes that can be mixed up within a matter of minutes and poured into a spray bottle where they’ll be good to go.

Vinegar
Water (this is then a 50/50 mix with the vinegar)
Cider Vinegar & Water (this should also be around a 50/50 mix with water)
One of these essential oils: Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel Extract (1 tablespoon) plus water–per spray bottle
Liquid Dish Detergent & Water (around 1 good sized tablespoon of detergent, within a full spray bottle of water)

Been bitten? Here are 13 effective ant bite home remedies

So you’ve followed all of the tips and put together so much homemade ant killer that you could go into business. But you’ve still been bitten. Fear not, the following tips will help ease the inflammation and sooth the pain of the ant bite.

Apply ice

Ice will help with swelling from the ant bite and act as a natural anti histamine.

Rub in a little vinegar

Applying a little vinegar to the ant bite helps to prevent the formation of any harmful bacteria at the bite site.

Apply toothpaste

Toothpaste will cool the skin and can numb any itching and prevent any swelling.

Apply alcohol

Rubbing alcohol (which should be of a relatively high alcohol content) into the wound can act as a histamine and reduce any swelling that may have occurred.

Apply or consume aspirin

Aspirin may be used in the more severe of circumstance and can help with any swelling around the ant bite (they’re anti-inflammatory). You can also try crushing an aspirin tablet and mixing it in water, and applying this directly to the bite to be left overnight.

Apply teabags

Teabags are ideal for acting as a cold compress and will reduce any itching.

Apply apple cider

Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent and applying this directly to the affected area can help stop the ant bites from becoming infected (as well as reducing any itching). It’s also particularly useful for skin that may have gotten to a stage of peeling due to scratching.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has plenty of great qualities and there’s not many bites, stings or rashes that it can’t help with. You can purchase aloe Vera gel, or you can source it yourself directly from the plant by cutting off and squeezing the leaves.

Rub in salt

This point may seem little bizarre, however the old adage of applying salt to the wound doesn’t apply in a negative sense here and can actually help keep infection away. So make up a salt paste with water and apply a thin coat to the affected skin. This will seal the ant bite site and prevent you from scratching and inflaming the area.

Apply a baking soda paste

Making up a baking soda paste can redress the pH balance that gets disrupted when an ant bites. Simply add a ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to a large glass of water and apply thinly.

Rub in tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is ideal for reducing the swelling and irritation around an ant bite, however you need to dilute pure tea tree oil down before applying to the bite site.

Rub in some Calamine lotion

If you happen to have some calamine handy then this can be used to soothe the ant bite and reduce irritation.

Rub in a little Soap

Applying a little soap can help provide a protective coating to the ant bite, however it really needs to be applied as soon as the bite is received.

(Images from: Zainichi Gaikokujin, Sunnysingh22 & Onderwijsgek)

5 Turmeric Tea Recipes – Plus The Health Benefits Of Turmeric

January 29, 2016

You can use turmeric to reduce inflammation and pain related to inflammation. Make a tea from it is one of the easiest ways to consume turmeric. In fact, turmeric tea is often known as the anti-inflammatory tea! Making turmeric tea is nice and simple, and there are all sorts of variations and adaptations of the recipe, allowing you to customize it to suit your personal tastes. Whichever recipe you use (or even if you get creative and make up your own version), it’s important that you only use good quality turmeric powder, or alternatively, you can use grated fresh turmeric root for a stronger flavour. There are numerous turmeric health benefits, and you can read more about the benefits of consuming turmeric regularly, further down the page.

Turmeric should be easy to find in your local grocery store or supermarket. Additionally, Amazon has the most extensive range of turmeric powder. We use and recommend Starwest Botanicals Organic Turmeric Root Powder from Amazon as it is organic, high quality and exceptional value.

***Please note that, despite turmeric’s benefits, you shouldn’t drink tea made from turmeric, or take turmeric supplements whilst you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If in doubt please contact your doctor first.***

Turmeric Tea Recipe Infographic

Check out the recipes below and discover how to make turmeric tea. Many people are concerned that making tea with turmeric is difficult, but that is not the case at all. Give one of these anti-inflammatory tea recipes below a try and see.

Basic Turmeric Tea Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups of water
1 teaspoon turmeric
Lemon or honey (or both!) to serve

How To Make the Tea

Heat 4 cups of water, bringing it to the boil.
Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for around 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and strain using a fine sieve.
Pour into serving cups and add lemon or honey to taste.

Turmeric Tea With A Twist Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 inch fresh ginger root, minced
2-teaspoon ground turmeric
1-teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 lemongrass tea bag
6 peppercorns (you can leave these out if you prefer!)
Pinch of sea salt

How To Make the Tea

Bring the water to the boil in a small saucepan.
Add the peeled, minced ginger root, turmeric, cinnamon, peppercorns (remember, these are optional!), sliced oranges, and sea-salt.
Allow the mixture to simmer on a medium low heat for 10-15 minutes.
Add the lemongrass teabag and allow to steep for around 3 minutes.
Remove the teabag and pour the mixture into a mug.

Creamy Turmeric Tea Recipe

Why not give your tea a creamy twist with some coconut milk?

Ingredients

1 cup coconut or almond milk
½ teaspoon turmeric
A pinch cayenne pepper
½ inch finely chopped ginger root
1 ½ teaspoon of honey (or an alternative sweetener)

How To Make the Tea

In a pan, gently warm the cup of coconut or almond milk.
Mix together the turmeric, cayenne pepper, finely chopped ginger root, and the honey.
Add a small amount of the warmed milk and stir it into the mixture.
Mix well until all of the lumps have disappeared.
Add the rest of the milk and mix.
Strain and then serve.

Sweet Turmeric Black Pepper Tea Recipe

Ingredients

1/3 cup honey
2 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
Lemon
Freshly ground black pepper

How To Make the Tea

Mash the turmeric and honey into a paste (you can then store this in a jar to ensure you have it on hand whenever the need arises).
For each cup of sweet turmeric black pepper tea, take a heaped teaspoon of the turmeric and honey paste.
Top with boiling water.
Add a squeeze of lemon and a few generous twists of freshly ground black pepper.
Stir and enjoy!

Turmeric Lemon Tea Recipe

Turmeric lemon tea combines the sweet, tangy flavours of lemon and ginger, with a gentle kick from the cayenne pepper.

Ingredients

1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 tablespoon ground ginger
1/8 tablespoon turmeric
Cayenne
Honey to taste

How To Make the Tea

In a mug, mix together the lemon juice, turmeric, ginger and cayenne.
Top with boiling water.
Stir well.
Add honey to sweeten to your personal taste.

Additional Serving Suggestions

There are numerous ways to serve your turmeric tea, here are a few of our favorites…

Add a slice of orange, a dash of honey, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil.
Turmeric also works perfectly with a slice of apple or cucumber.
If you want a milder taste why not add extra water.
Serve chilled in the summer for a refreshing and healthy drink.

Now that you have some turmeric tea recipes to try, let’s find out a bit more about turmeric itself and the many health benefits of turmeric.

What Is Turmeric?

For centuries, turmeric has been widely used as a spice, medicine, food, and coloring agent across large parts of Asia. In India, it has been considered holy and auspicious for hundreds of thousands of years, not only due to its eye-catching color and unique flavor, but also because of the extensive range of health benefits that are associated with it. In fact, it is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Spices’!

Recent research has seen it promoted in the eyes of western science and it has been deemed as highly effective for treating osteoarthritis and various other health issues such as Crohn’s disease, stomach ulcers, skin wounds, kidney inflammation, and many, many more. It is also full of plenty of healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

A member of the ginger family, turmeric is a root that usually comes in a powdered form, although it is also available in capsules, tincture, fluid extracts, and tea.

Turmeric Root

Turmeric is used in many recipes, especially in curries and other Asian dishes but it’s earthy, spicy, and often bitter taste can be an acquired taste for some (although once they’ve acquired the taste, many people become addicted!). Additionally turmeric can be consumed as a super healthy, anti-inflammatory drink – turmeric tea!

Turmeric Benefits

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a potent antioxidant with many health benefits, most notably its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric and tea made from turmeric are renowned for the multiple health benefits it offers, particularly when it comes to inflammation and many people use turmeric for inflammation related pain relief – helping to treat health issues such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. It can also help patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and high cholesterol, to name but a few.

Turmeric can also help to prevent the blood from clotting and reduces the often-painful inflammation caused by wounds, acne, and various other skin conditions. In fact as research progresses, more and more turmeric health benefits are being discovered.

Anti-inflammatory

When it comes to pain relief, so many people across the globe call upon anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, to relieve the symptoms of everything from headaches, backaches, and other muscular aches and pains. Whilst these medicines are really effective at relieving the pain and inflammation caused by a whole range of conditions, they can cause many adverse side effects, especially with long-term use.

In fact, the side effects of the long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs include, but are by no means limited to, nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension (high blood pressure), increased risk of heart attack, increased risk of kidney cancer, and erectile dysfunction.

But the truth is, natural home remedies such as turmeric (anti-inflammatory tea) for pain relief can often deliver the same effects as these medications, without many of the potential side effects.

Turmeric powder used for the tea

So, how does Turmeric help with inflammation?

Well, in exactly the same way as anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. These drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme, COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase 2), which causes inflamed areas of the body to become painful and more inflamed. By blocking this enzyme, the medication blocks the pain and reduces the inflammation.

Turmeric works so well because it contains high levels of a compound called curcumin, which is a COX-2 inhibitor too. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant with many health benefits, most notably its anti-inflammatory properties. However, whilst turmeric has the same positive effects as the anti-inflammatory drugs, it rarely causes side effects. After all, it has been eaten and drunk across most of Southeast Asia for thousands of years without causing any problems. These anti-inflammatory properties are also at least partly responsible for all the other turmeric health benefits listed below.

Liver cleansing

As well as being a great anti-inflammatory, another turmeric health benefit is that it is also a powerful liver cleansing spice. In today’s toxin and chemical filled world, it’s easy for your liver to become stressed and overworked. Think about it, there are toxins all around us, in our air, our food, and our water. If your liver can’t keep up with the level of toxins feeding into it, they start to accumulate in the body and can have a serious effect on your health.

As well as avoiding processed foods and using lots of natural personal care and cleaning products, you can also help your liver out by incorporating herbs and spices into your diet to support your body’s detox pathways. As well as being a great anti-inflammatory, turmeric is also a powerful liver cleansing spice. So, if you’re looking to give your liver a boost, then a daily cup of this anti-inflammatory tea could offer the perfect solution.

Prevents Cancer

It is believed that turmeric can help to prevent prostate cancer, slow or even stop the growth of existing prostate cancer, and even destroy cancer cells. Research has also shown that the active components in turmeric make it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors, and it is also has preventive effect against

Relieves Arthritis

Turmeric has also been linked to arthritis, providing an effective form of pain relief to those who suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as many other forms of the disease. This is because the anti-inflammatory properties that can be found in turmeric work to destroy the free radicals in the body that are renowned for damaging body cells. In fact, case studies have proven that those suffering from arthritis who consume turmeric on a daily or regular basis, experienced far more relief from symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation, compared to those who didn’t consume turmeric. Given the benefits of turmeric for those with arthritis, it is definitely worth trying turmeric tea for a week or two to see if symptoms improve.

Controls Diabetes

Turmeric is also regularly used to treat diabetes. It works by helping to moderate and control insulin levels in the body. But not only does it assist in the moderation of insulin levels, it is also renowned for improving glucose control, whilst increasing the effect of the medications that are used to treat diabetes.

Another significant benefit of turmeric in treating diabetes is that it is able to reduce insulin resistance in the body, and it’s also been suggested that it could even prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes! It’s important to note though that, if combined with other strong medications, turmeric can cause low blood sugar, so it’s always best to check with your doctor before using it alongside any other medications.

Reduces Cholesterol Levels

It’s highly likely that, at some point in your lifetime, you will suffer from high cholesterol, especially as you grow older. However, research has proven that, by regularly using turmeric as a food seasoning, it can significantly decrease cholesterol levels. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is paramount, as it is a well known fact that high cholesterol notoriously leads to a whole host of serious health problems such heart disease and stroke. If you have high cholesterol, it may be time to start seasoning your food with turmeric, or drinking some turmeric tea, especially given all the other turmeric health benefits list here.

Immunity Booster

Also known as lipopolysaccharide, turmeric can help to stimulate and strengthen your body’s immune system. This is because it is full of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents that work together to fight against colds, flu and coughs, ensuring that your immune system is healthy and strong.

If you do find yourself suffering from cold or flu like symptoms, try one of the turmeric tea recipes above, or simply mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk, and drink daily until you feel better.

Heals Wounds

It’s inevitable that, from time to time, we all find ourselves nursing a cut or graze caused by a silly accident. However, even the smallest cuts or grazes can cause infection or take a long time to heal.

Both a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, turmeric can also be used as a highly effective disinfectant, protecting your skin or graze against infection whilst speeding up the healing process. All you need to do is sprinkle a small amount of turmeric powder onto the affected areas and you will instantly be protected. But that’s not all, turmeric can also be used to help to repair damaged skin, treat burns and even be used to effectively treat psoriasis along with a whole host of other common inflammatory skin conditions. See also: How To Stop Bleeding With Black Pepper.

(Turmeric tea image credit: Jules)

Natural Tick Repellent Recipes & Tick Bite Prevention Tips

July 7, 2015

Before we discuss natural tick repellent recipes and tick bite prevention, let’s take a moment to learn a little more about ticks and their dangers.

Ticks. They’re rightly considered to be one of the most unpleasant pests of the insect world. However for those who love nature, or those who are even outside for any longer than a little while, the likelihood of getting a tick bite can be pretty high. Also, whilst the internet is full of blogs, guides and articles, it seems that many seem to conflict with one another as to how to avoid tick bites.

So let’s take a look everything you need to know about ticks, from the symptoms of a tick bite, right through to the natural tick repellents that actually work, and along the way, we’ll try to debunk the most common tick myths and misunderstandings.

Ticks – A little about our not-so-friendly critters

As far as insects go, it’s safe to say that ticks are very unpleasant. They’re ugly, difficult to spot, painful and their feeding habits are pretty disgusting.

What’s more, as they latch on and don’t let go until they’re filled with blood, you can be stuck with a tick for anything from a matter of days through to a number of weeks. And once full, they can reach the size of a marble, turning a green blue colour, before falling off.

Oh, and did we mention that when they fall off after they’ve been a right pain, they quite simply roll over and die. Pretty pointless, right?

And what happens if you do pull them off?

Well, without wanting to put anyone off their dinner, if you pull off a tick that is in full latch mode, you’ll likely end up with just the body, with the head remaining firmly underneath your skin. This can then lead to both a painful and potentially dangerous abscess that has the potential to turn sceptic.

The serious side of tick bites

Whilst we can laugh at the irony of the fate of the tick after they’ve had their meal from us, the serious side to tick bites is not quite as funny. Particularly as these little fellas can be responsible for spreading:

Lyme disease
Ehrlichiosis
Anaplasmosi
Tularemia
Babesiosis

Symptoms of a tick bite

Not sure whether you’ve been bitten by a tick? Well the following symptoms can all appear within a matter of the minutes after the bite.

A red, inflamed sport or a circular rash around the bite, that’s also know as the ‘halo’
Stiff neck and shoulders
Headaches, nausea or a ‘foggy’ head
Sudden weakness
Aching muscles, joint pain and overall wellness
Fever, a fluctuating temperature or chills
Swollen, painful lymph nodes

The truth behind the blood type myth

There’s been many a myth circulated in the past concerning whether ticks are attracted, or repelled, by certain blood types. But we can clear this up once and for all by assuring you that it is absolute nonsense. Ticks are creatures of opportunity and, if they see a nice bit of flesh that’s within reaching distance, they’ll latch on. It’s as simple as that.

So what about the unlucky ones who seem to get bitten ALL of the time?

Well it would seem that this is simply down to bad luck (as well as perhaps a poor choice of clothing and repellent). However, with all of the helpful tips and tricks that are stored within this blog article for you, your luck, when it comes to ticks, is about to get whole lot better.

Homemade Natural Tick Repellent Recipes

Neem leaves have great natural tick repellent properties

Natural Tick Repellent For Your Clothes

Ingredients that you’ll need

5 Cloves of Garlic (around one bulb)
2 Tablespoons of crushed Neem Leaves
1 and half Lemons (skin and all)
2 Cups of Water

Equipment that you’ll need

Stove
Sauce Pan
Strainer
Funnel
Spray Bottle
Measuring Cup
Measuring Spoons
Knife
Cutting Board

Natural tick repellent for your clothes: Step by Step

Step One – Heat up your water.

Step Two – Whilst the water is heating up dice up your lemon and garlic.

You needn’t be too careful with getting your chopping precise, or too finely cut, just cut them roughly.

Step Three – Measure out two tablespoons of dried neem leaves.

Step Four – Once your water is boiling you can add in your ingredients.

Step Five – Cover you sauce pan over and leave it to simmer on a low heat for between fifteen to twenty minutes.

Step Six – Remove the mixture and set aside, leaving it to cool down.

Step Seven – Place your funnel into the spray bottle that you have a carefully positioned over the top. You should then take care to slowly pour through your mixture through the strainer. The strainer will then catch all of the solids, with the liquid filling up the spray bottle below.

Step Eight – Screw the spray bottle top back on and that’s it… you’re all done and ready to go.

Step Nine – If you do end up with any leftover repellent then it can be stored; to keep it at its most effective however, you’ll need to get it refrigerated.

Tips for applying the natural tick repellent

Perhaps the most efficient way to use any repellent is to apply it to your skin, however given the garlic ingredient within this recipe it may be wise to avoid this if you don’t want to repel humans as well as ticks! Beyond misting your skin directly you can also use this mist to apply to clothes (just do so at a reasonable distance); it’s also suitable for pets too.

Natural Tick Repellent For Your Skin

ACV has natural tick repellent properties

If you want to go all out and mix up some natural tick repellent for your skin as well as your clothes then the following recipe is perfect.

Ingredients that you’ll need

2 oz of apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or vodka (each is relatively as effective as the next, so feel free to choose freely between these)
2 oz Water
20-40 Drops of geranium bourbon oil

One squirt of Castile soap to help distribute the oil better (this works out to be around a quarter of a tea spoon, however this is also an optional ingredient)

Equipment that you’ll need

A glass or PET plastic spray bottle
A sauce pan

Natural tick repellent for your skin: Step by step

Step One – Add your geranium oil to the apple cider vinegar, witch hazel or vodka.

Step Two – Mix the castile soap into the mixture if you’ve chosen to include castile soap.

Step Three – Wait for the mixture to sit for a few minutes, before you go on to mix further.

Step Four – Add in the water to the mixture

Step Five – Your mixture is now all done, so fill up your spray bottle.

Ideally your spray bottle should be made from either glass or a PET plastic, as oils can otherwise leach the chemicals from certain plastics, which essentially contaminates the repellent.

Tips for applying this tick repellent

This simple recipe is easy to use, and all you need to remember is to shake the mixture well before each use. Simply spray it on exposed skin. This repellent is also suitable for your clothes.

Geranium bourbon essential oil acts as a natural tick repellent

Homemade Tick Repellent Lotion For Your Skin

As another form of the recipe above you can choose to make this natural repellent in lotion form. This arguably may be a more effective natural tick repellent as the lotion will be naturally absorbed into the skin.

Ingredients that you’ll need

2 oz of your choice of natural lotion (you can either make your own, or use any shop brought lotion)
Between 20 and 40 drops of geranium bourbon essential oil

Equipment that you’ll need

A glass or PET plastic spray bottle
A container in which to mix your ingredients

Homemade tick repellent for your skin (lotion): Step by step

Step One – Mix your oil and essentials oils into a container

Step Two – Add the mixture to your spray bottle

Tips for storing your repellent

This lotion based tick repellent should be stored in a cool, dark place. If stored as such this is a repellent that should easily last for between two to three months.

Tick Bite Prevention Tips And Advice

So you are now armed with some natural tick repellent sprays and lotions, let’s natural tick repelling education with a few well-placed tips.

Wear clothes that are light in colour

This will give you a much better chance of spotting a tick before it has time to sink its teeth into your skin.

Wear long pants along with protective footwear such as solid sneakers or hiking boots.

You can also increase your protection by tucking your shirt or top into your pants and, in particularly tick abundant areas, by wrapping some duct tape around your ankles and over your socks. This may give you a rather odd style, but it’ll certain ensure that you avoid being bitten!

Remain on well-trodden trails

If possible, you should try to stay on well-trodden tracks where over hanging vegetation and planting is minimalized. Overgrown meadows are also to be avoided if at all possible, and what’s more, this tip not only helps you avoid ticks, but additionally allows you to leave a lesser impact upon the outdoor spaces that you love.

Remember to do a daily tick check

This tip is particularly important if you’re staying out for a number of days where the chances of a tick reaching you or your clothing is heighted. You should also get a friend to help you out and check the places where you can’t, such as your back.

Once you’re home remember to check the kids and the pets

Before you set even so much as one foot over your threshold, you should check over your children and pets, and if just two or three make it in you could find yourself with a fresh littler of ticks to contend with!

When coming home after a trip to potentially tick infested zones, you should bathe or shower as soon as is possible

Ideally this should be within two hours, as ticks can tend to hide away from even the most extensive of overall body checks.

Be sure to examine not only each other and your clothes

But also your equipment, including coats, tents and day packs.

Always tumble dry your clothes that has gone on the trip with you.

If ticks have happened to latch on or hide away within these then they will be killed off when the dryer is set to a high heat setting (it’s worth noting that more recent research seems to suggest that even shorter drying times may be effective, particularly when the clothing inside isn’t wet to begin with).

If you choose to use shop brought, chemically based repellents then you should opt for those that continue between 20% and 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluidine), as this is most effective.

Bare in mind however that when choosing such repellents it’s particularly important that you avoid the hands, eyes and mouths (especially when applying to a child’s skin).

Always be prepared for being bitten, including within your packing finely pointed tweezers and bite lotion.

(Images from: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen & Phongnguyen1410)

How To Get Rid Of Fire Ants

October 20, 2018

Of all the ants in the US, none is feared or loathed as much as the red imported fire ant. Fire ants can ruin a garden in no time at all, they are aggressive, they have a painful sting (especially if you are stung multiple times), but the serious problems start when they begin entering your home….

There are lots of supposed ways to kill/get rid or imported red fire ants, but most are ineffective or simply don’t work. If you want the methods that truly work, give these a go, you won’t be disappointed.

How to get rid of fire ants in the garden

Many folks believe that pouring boiling water over a fire ant colony with do the trick. This might work for a small colony, but the problem is that as the boiling water passes down through the soil, the temperature drops dramatically. What usually happens is the ants at the top get killed, but the ones at the bottom survive, and the colony will bounce back in no time.

The most effective way to get rid of fire ants is to make the following mixture and then drench the colony. Mix 1 1⁄2 ounces of orange essential oil, 3 ounces of liquid dish soap and 1 gallon of water. This will kill all ants that come into contact with it, and unlike boiling water, this method will continue to work over several hours/days. This method works because orange essential oil (actually all citrus oils) contain an extract, d-limonene and this extract kills imported red fire ants. To make this method even more effective you can try adding a few handfuls of molasses, as this will entice any ants to the mix, that were initially missed by the drenching.

Orange oil can be expensive, so another way to make this mixture is to use orange peels. You can actually also throw in some lemon and lime peels as well, but I would say go for at least 50% orange peel. To make the fire ant killing mixture, simply fill up half a 1 gallon container with the citrus peels and then top up to 1 gallon with water and leave for 4-7 days. Then just strain the mixture to remove the peels, add the liquid dish soap as above, and you’re ready to go. This method does require a lot of citrus peels, you’ll need to save them up, or you could ask a local restaurant or better yet, a juice bar, to give you their waste peels.

Another effective way to get rid of fire ants is to dig up the colony and remove or destroy it. To do this – dig out the colony, making sure you dig down below it to be sure to get them all. The usual method is to have several buckets ready to put the colony into so it can be removed/destroyed. Be sure to coat your shovel with corn starch or baby powder to stop the ants from climbing up. Also, you might want to tuck your pants into your socks!

How to keep imported red fire ants out of the home

The most important thing to do is to not give them a reason to enter your home in the first place. Don’t keep your garbage by the back door, and be sure to keep your floors and surfaces clean. Other than this, the most effective way of keeping imported red fire ants out is to use diatomaceous earth. Actually diatomaceous earth will also kill and prevent Spiders… Other Ants…Fleas…Cockroaches…Bedbugs…Earwigs…Silverfish…Millipedes…Centipedes… Diatomaceous earth kills all of these insects when it come into contact with their bodies. It effectively binds to them and dehydrates them. Most will die within 24 hours, although cockroaches can take a few days.

When buying diatomaceous earth or DE, you want to make sure you buy ‘food grade’ diatomaceous earth as other grades can contain additives which can be harmful. Food grade diatomaceous earth is harmless to humans and mammals, so it is safe to use around children and pets.

To use diatomaceous earth, simply sprinkle it in the areas the ants are entering and gathering in the home: doorways, windows, air ducts and behind cupboards and furniture. Keep this topped up and your home should be ant free in 24 hours or so. If not, you are not putting the diatomaceous earth in the right locations. I should add that diatomaceous earth loses its effectiveness when it gets damp/wet, therefore it is not very effective when used in locations which are either damp or wet.

5 MORE Natural Home Remedies For Fleas

June 22, 2017

Fleas are one of the biggest problems any pet owner has. Once your pet has fleas and has brought them into the home they get into the carpets, couches, and even into the beds causing bites and irritation to you, your children and pets. For those of you who don’t wish to use chemical insecticides on their pets, or throughout your home, here are five more flea home remedies to try out to keep fleas out of your home.

Firstly though – be sure to check out our previous post on flea home remedies, as the diatomaceous earth flea remedy and the homemade flea trap in that post are two of the most effective of all the flea home remedies you can try. That said. When using natural remedies, more often than not, you’ll want to combine several natural remedies for maximum protection from fleas. My advice is make the diatomaceous earth remedy your main focus, but then experiment by adding in some of the other home remedies until you find what works best.

Homemade Herbal Flea Powder

This herbal flea powder contains a beneficial mix of herbs that effectively repel fleas. It is made using an equal portion mixture of dried rosemary, eucalyptus leaf, fennel, yellow dock, and wormwood. Crush these herbs together into a powder and gently rub them once or twice per week into your dog’s fur.

Repel Fleas With Mint

This form of deterrent is more of an add-on preventative measure rather than an eliminator. I recommend growing some mint in your garden for a constant supply of mint leaves. The mint leaves can then be crushed to release their fragrant oils and placed in the usual flea hiding places throughout the home – replace the leaves regularly. Mint is known to be an effective flea repellent and will keep your home smelling fresh!

Homemade Flea Collar

Cedar oil and lavender oil are both excellent deterrents for fleas, but it is not recommended to apply these essential oils directly to your pet as they can irritate the skin. Instead, simply take 3 to 5 tablespoons of water and place in a bowl. Place about 5 drops of either lavender or cedar oil into the water. Mix it in until it is completely combined with the water and soak a bandana with the liquid. Tie it loosely around the neck of your animal and you have a natural flea repellent collar. Re-soak the bandana in the mixture every few days, and it can be used over and over again.

Remember, do not tie the bandana too tightly. It needs to be able to slip off over your dog’s head if he gets it stuck on something. If you are concerned about your dog catching the bandana collar and getting stuck, why not sew on a button or a popper and attach the bandana this way for a quick-release collar.

ACV Drinkable Flea Prevention

Flea prevention these days comes in a wide variety of topical treatments as well as some ingestible medicines. The ingestible flea treatments tend to only be available at the veterinarian offices and can be very high priced, but there is a natural solution… This remedy calls for the addition of apple cider vinegar to the dog’s drinking water. The ratio is 1 teaspoon for every quart of water. It may take a bit of time for the dog to get used to the slightly different flavor, but once they do, many owners report this is an excellent flea prevention home remedy and your dog will also likely enjoy healthier skin from the nutrients of the vinegar.

Homemade Flea Dip

Bathing your dog is essential to keeping them healthy and happy, but generic dog soap does not do anything to help prevent fleas. If you are among the many who give their dog a weekly bath, try this remedy. The mixture calls for ½ cup lemon juice, 2 cups warm water, and ¼ cup baby shampoo. Mix these three ingredients together and place in a bottle. Wash your dog once each week with this mixture to keep fleas at bay.

Bonus: Homemade Yard Spray For Fleas

If you feel you have a flea problem in your garden and your pet is getting reinfested when he/she goes outside, check out our recent post about how to make a garlic yard spray for fleas. This garlic spray is very effective as it disrupts the breeding cycle of the fleas.

Fleas may be among the biggest pests, but that does not mean that they should be allowed to take over your world within your home. Your pets are precious and should be flea treated regularly to keep them healthy and happy. It is not essential to spend a fortune on flea treatments. These remedies, and the flea home remedies in our other post, will keep your pet healthy and happy throughout the year.

How To Get Rid Of Spiders Naturally (Guaranteed Effective!)

September 20, 2016

My wife is terrified of spiders so we needed to find a safe/natural way to reduce the number of spiders coming into our home. A while back I stumbled on a method using basic white vinegar and peppermint oil. We tried this last winter and the results were amazing. I think I only had to relocate one or two spiders the whole winter! Later I discovered the method using diatomaceous earth. When used correctly, this method is 100% effective. The downside is rather than repel the spiders unharmed, it kills the spiders.

By the way, if you are unlucky enough to get bitten by a spider, here is a great post on spider bite identification. If you are unsure of which venomous spiders live in your state, here’s a handy guide.

METHOD 1: How To Deter Spiders Naturally With Vinegar & Peppermint Oil

Here’s how we did it – get some white vinegar and some peppermint oil; mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water, and then add around 20 drops of peppermint oil.

Add the mixture to a spray bottle, shake like crazy and then spray around windows, doors, air ducts and anywhere else you think spiders may be entering your home. Another thing you can do if you have lots of air vents or holes in your walls/floors is to soak some cotton balls in the mixture, and place them in the ducts and holes etc.

If you do this once a week, you’ll notice a dramatic reduction in the numbers of spiders entering your home. We tend to have a big tidy up and vacuum once a week or so, and we just sprayed when we did this, it just became part of the routine.

Amazon has a huge range of peppermint oil, some of which have free shipping.

METHOD 2: How To Kill Spiders With Diatomaceous Earth

( ***Also works for ants, cockroaches, and fleas***)

Firstly, to clarify things, bugs are great when they live outdoors, they serve an important and vital purpose in nature. This post is intended for people who have a home infestation or a phobia of spiders etc. Outside I say live and let live, but if you have bedbugs, fleas or cockroaches etc invading your home, in and around your food and kids, it’s a different matter.

What if I told you there is a natural product that will get rid of ALL of the above? In fact, it will kill any bug with an exoskeleton, so that covers most of the other bugs we don’t like too. This product is 100% natural, non-toxic to humans and mammals, and safe to use around kids and pets, it’s also inexpensive. Want to know what it is? It’s called Diatomaceous Earth. Diatomaceous Earth (sometimes called diatomite) is the fossilized remains of hard-shelled algae (known as diatoms). It is 100% natural and looks like an off-white talc powder.

How does it work and where to use it

The way it works is simple – diatomaceous earth sticks to the bugs and absorbs the lipids from their exoskeleton which causes them to quickly die through dehydration. Most, apart from beetles, will die within 24 hours.

To get rid of all these critters from your home, simply sprinkle the DE powder in the places where they are getting into your home and hiding. Some of the best places to use it are around doorways, windows, and air ducts – and sprinkle it under all of your furniture. You can also use diatomaceous earth directly on ants‘ nests if they are too close to the house. Whether you use it indoors or out, it is vital that you keep DE dry as it becomes ineffective when it gets wet.

What to buy and where to get it

When buying diatomaceous earth, you want to make sure you buy ‘food grade’ diatomaceous earth. There are other types of diatomaceous earth such as ‘pool grade’ that can contain added ingredients which may be harmful. ‘Food grade’ diatomaceous earth is totally non-toxic to humans and mammals. In fact, it is often mixed in with grain-based food to keep it safe from bugs.

***Click here to purchase recommended ‘food grade’ ‘Diatomaceous Earth****