Natural Pest Control Archives - Page 2 of 2

How To Get Rid Of Wasps: Includes A DIY Wasp Trap!

July 17, 2015

There’s nothing as terrifying – and painful – as finding yourself surrounded by the buzzing of wasps or hornets. If you’ve spent any time in your yard or enjoying the peaceful serenity of nature, you’ve likely had an encounter with these flying demons. Regardless of where you’ve had this encounter, the overwhelming desire to never have to deal with such creatures is universally strong.

Before learning how to get rid of wasps and hornets, it’s important to learn about these creatures. There are distinct differences between these two bugs. Understanding these differences can help set up effective and long-lasting remedies.

Wasps | A Basic Overview

The terms “wasps” and “hornets” can be quite confusing as they are often used interchangeably. However, a wasp is its own species of insect, which is strikingly different than hornets. Unlike bees, which survive on a diet of pollen or nectar, the majority of wasps live on a diet of other insects. Wasps are social creatures, and much like bees, live in a colony.

As winter gives way to spring, wasp colonies begin to flourish. A colony is started with a single queen wasp that survived the winter. Worker wasps build their nests out of paper, which they naturally produce by chewing on wood, cardboard or scraps of paper. In the beginning, a wasp colony is small. However, as summer progresses, the number of wasps rapidly develop. By the end of summer, a social wasp colony can be in the hundreds.

When fall approaches, only a handful of wasps remain. These typically include several fertile females, which are potential queens, and several males. As the temperatures turn cooler, colony is abandoned and the fertilized female wasps scatter in search of shelter. The remaining male wasps die with the cold weather.

Wasp Quick Facts

Wasps are typically smaller than hornets. These insects measure less than 1 inch.
The nests of wasps are both found suspended in the air or on the ground. It’s not uncommon for a nest to be built underground. In general, a single nest can hold anywhere from 100 to 5,000 individual worker wasps.
Wasps can range in color, which makes it difficult to suggest a single primary coloration.
Wasps prey on other insects. While some wasps may feed on pollen or nectar, they are not pollinators. They often scavenge for sweets and proteins.
Unlike popular belief, the average social wasp is not an extremely aggressive insect. This is quite different than yellow jackets, which are extremely aggressive. A social wasp is only likely to sting if it feels threatened. When compared to bees, which generally die after a sting, a wasp can sting multiple times without perishing.

Hornets | A Basic Overview

Hornets belong to the Vespa genus and closely resemble social wasps. Because of this, many confuse these two insects as being the same bug. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are over 20 different hornet species, which can be found throughout Europe, North America and Africa.

Much like wasps, hornets are social insects. They construct hives by chewing wood and transforming these shavings into a paper-like pulp. Hives flourish through a fertile queen hornet, who primarily gives birth to asexual female workers. There are very few male hornets. The few males born have a very specific job – mating with the queen. After their sexual task is completed, they die soon thereafter.

In the same vein as wasps, hornets thrive during the spring and summer months, only to die during winter. The majority of worker hornets do not survive the colder months; however, fertile queens survive by finding shelter under tree bark or sneaking into your home. As soon as winter gives way to spring, the fertile queen begins laying eggs and a new hive is born. Before the queen dies, she gives birth to several queen hornets and males. This ensures the next generation of hornets is healthy, strong and capable of building a new nest.

Worker hornets defend their hive with venom-filled stingers. Unlike yellowjackets, which are quite aggressive toward humans and animals, hornets only attack when they feel the nest is threatened.

Hornet Quick Facts

Hornets measure anywhere from 1 to 1.5-inches in length. They are typically larger than wasps and other stinging insects within the same genus.
The nests are constructed out of a paper-like pulp and are globular in shape. Nests are elevated above ground, such as in trees or along the gutters of a home. The colony size of a hornet nest is much smaller than wasps. The average hornet colony houses anywhere from 100 to 700 workers.
Hornets feature two distinct color variations. They are either black and white or feature a brownish-reddish color.
Hornets feed off other insects. They rarely go after pollen and typically don’t scavenge for sweets or proteins. This is why the majority of hornets are immune to general traps that use sweets.
If the nest is undisturbed, hornets are not likely to sting. However, if the nest is disturbed or the hive feels threatened, hornets can be extremely aggressive. A single hornet can sting an individual several times in a row, which leads to severe pain.
The venom in a hornet sting can lead to serious allergic reactions in some individuals. The quantity of stings sustained in an attack may result in life-threatening reactions to those sensitive to its venom.

How To Get Rid Of Wasps And Hornets

Wasp Trap | How To Get Rid Of Wasps Safely

Now that you have a more thorough understanding of these insects, how do you get rid of wasps? Of course, you have the option of hiring a professional pest management service, but these services are often very expensive and use harmful toxins to control wasp and hornet colonies. If you’re searching for a more natural way to eliminate these insects, you may want to look into homemade wasp traps.

By the time wasps or hornets become a concern, it’s likely because a colony has grown to exponential numbers. As a general rule of thumb, if the wasps aren’t causing a problem, such as a nest far away from social spots or areas of your yard where you and friends congregate, it’s best to leave the hive alone as it’ll disappear during the fall and winter months.

The most effective way to safely eliminate wasps and hornets from your property is to limit the number of potential nesting spots. Seal all openings in hollow tubing, such as the interior piping of children’s playground equipment. Of course, if you’re dealing with a large, active nest, you’re going to need more proactive measures.

While there are many insecticides on the market designed to kill wasps and hornets, these can fill your yard with poison. The toxins used in the majority of commercial insecticides are dangerous for the environment, pets and humans. Perhaps the most effective form of pest control is making a homemade wasp trap out of materials you likely have around the house.

Homemade Wasp Trap | Step-by-Step Instructions

The basic premise of this homemade wasp trap is quite simple. With a standard 2-liter soda bottle, wasps enter the bottle, get trapped and die. This is one of the most effective remedies to minimize the number of wasps; however, the only way to completely eliminate wasps is by removing their nest and killing their queen. This will be discussed in the next section.

Cutting the top of the soda bottle for the homemade wasp trap

Step-by-Step Directions for the Homemade Wasp Trap

Step One | Gather a 2-liter plastic soda bottle and cut the neck of the bottle around 4-inches below the bottle cap region.
Step Two | Remove the freshly cut neck and flip it upside down. Place it in the opening of the bottle you just cut.
Step Three | With packing or duct tape, tape these two pieces together. Make sure the tape is secure and there are no openings in the seams.
Step Four | Because wasps and hornets are attracted to protein, place several pieces of raw meat inside the bottle. While some suggest sugar water, this doesn’t always attract wasps. Rather, you’d likely collect an army of yellowjackets or other insects, such as honey bees..
Step Five | To prevent the wasps and hornets from climbing out of the bottle, coat the interior lining of the flipped portion of the bottle with petroleum jelly.
Step Six | Hang the wasp trap by attaching it to a string and place it away from where you and your family gather. A great spot is along the perimeter of your yard.
Step Seven | Once the bottle is full, which may take several days, pour boiling water into the bottle to ensure all the wasps are dead. Dispose of the bottle in an outdoor trashcan and replace with a new wasp trap.

Homemade wasp trap! Made in 2 Minutes!

Natural Wasp Nest Killer

Exercise extreme caution when messing with nests! Make sure children, pets and neighbours are out of harms way. If you’re unsure, you may want to consider a pest control company to destroy the nest safely.

As mentioned earlier, the only way to truly eliminate these pests is to kill the nest and all its inhabitants. Up until recently, the majority of products contained harmful poisons to accomplish this goal. However, there is a new product capable of safely eliminating wasp nests without the use of harsh ingredients.

EcoSMART Organic Wasp and Hornet Killer utilizes natural plant and tree extracts to safely and effectively kill nests and colonies. When used with the aforementioned homemade wasp trap, this is one of the most effective ways to keep these pests at bay.

When using this product, it’s important to keep safety in mind. You never want to try and kill a nest while standing close to it. Wasps and hornets get quite agitated when their nest is disturbed. So you only want to use a product with far-reaching jet spray. This product features an 18-foot spray, which allows you to be close enough for an accurate reach, but far away enough to prevent being stung. Locate the wasp or hornet spray.

Stand 15 to 18-feet away and thoroughly spray the nest with this product. Try to completely saturate the nest, but if the wasps come out and begin making their way toward you, immediately seek shelter and repeat at a later time. It’s best to do this in the early morning hours when the entire hive has returned from its day of seeking food and supplies. Repeat if the hive is not completely destroyed.

Wasp and Hornet Prevention | Keep the Insects Away

One of the most effective natural prevention methods is also one of the least understood. Homeowners and insect research alike aren’t sure why it works, but as millions will attest, it’s incredibly effective – and easy.

To prevent wasps, hornets and other insects from infiltrating your home or yard, simply fill a clear, sealable plastic bag with water and place 3 to 5 coins in it. Seal the bag and hand along the perimeter of your home and yard. Instantly, wasps, hornets and other flying insects will immediately leave your property.

While it’s not known exactly why this works, the most commonly accepted hypothesis is these creatures feel threatened by the hanging bag of water. They may believe that it’s another hive. The majority of wasps and hornets do not wish to nest near a competing hive. Therefore, they’ll leave your property and seek shelter in another location.

If you’re looking for a professional visual deterrent, then you may be interested in the Get Lost Wasp Deterrent. This preventative measure looks like a common wasp hive. It works by activating the natural territorial behavior of wasps. According to the manufacturer, it prevents wasps and hornets from building a hive within 200 feet of its location. Hang this product underneath decks, eaves or in tree canopies.

It’s suggested to hang several throughout your property to keep it completely free from wasp and hornet colonies. When combined with the water bag method, you can expect zero wasp or hornet nests. This is, by far, the most environmentally-friendly method of keeping these insects away. The goal is to not kill off these insects, but rather, prevent them from entering your space.

(Images from: slgckgc)

How To Get Rid Of Aphids On Plants Naturally & Organically

July 15, 2015

You’ve spent countless hours tirelessly tending to your garden. As spring approaches and your hard work pays off in brilliant blooms and luscious fruit, you begin to notice something sinister. What was once thriving, healthy plants are now giving way to the damages of an unknown source. Leaves turn yellow and foliage begins to adopt a strange, sticky substance. In all likelihood, you’re dealing with an aphid infestation.

Every gardener, either casual or professional, must hold a solid understanding of aphids. If unchecked, these tiny insects can completely destroy a once thriving garden. Stop wasting time, and the health of your plants. Continue reading to uncover vital information about aphids and how to get rid of aphids without the use of toxic, chemically-charged pesticides.

What Are Aphids? An Overview of These Annoying Pests

Aphids are officially defined as being soft-bodied insects identified by their long slender mouths. Their mouths are specially designed to penetrate the most tender parts of plants, such as stems and leaves, and suck out its fluids. Unfortunately, almost every plant species is vulnerable to one or more aphid species. Although there are many different type of aphids, the methods used to get rid of aphids is relatively universal.

The Physical Appearance of Aphids

Looking closely at an aphid, you’d notice it features a pear-shaped body highlighted by an antennae and long legs. Its coloration can vary from red, black, brown, yellow or green. The coloration of an aphid is based upon its species and the type of plant it feeds on. Several aphid species feature a woolly or waxy appearance. This appearance is due to a unique substance it secretes over the surface of its body.

In general, adult aphids are wingless insects; however, there are some species that feature small wings. The winged variety are typically found during spring and fall months. While it’s possible find only one or two aphids, the majority of these insects travel in dense colonies. These gatherings of aphids are generally found on the leaves and stems of plants, which make identifying them much easier than single bugs. A great way to identify an aphid is to disturb the plant. Unlike other pests, such as leafhoppers, aphids tend to stay still when disturbed, which actually makes it easier to remove or kill the aphids.

Life cycle of an aphid

The Life Cycle of an Aphid

Aphids produce many generations throughout a single year. Female aphids give birth to live offspring. The average female aphid can produce up to 12 newborns each day – all without mating. This asexual reproduction can result in a massive colony in a relative short amount of time. Aphid nymps molt, or shed their skin, four times before reaching adulthood. Unlike other pests, there is no pupal stage. In some species, the aphids produce an egg after mating. This occurs during late fall. Its purpose is to ensure the species survives during the harsh winter months as the shell provides extra insulation. These eggs are generally laid on perennial plants to survive the winter.

During warmer months, the molting stages are swift. In general, a nymph can pass through the four molting phases within seven to eight days. Since each adult aphid can produce an average of 80 nymphs within a week or so, aphid populations can swiftly grow out-of-control. This can be a serious problem for gardens and farms.

Damage Caused by Aphids

If you have low to moderate aphid populations in your garden, the damage caused to plants will likely go unnoticed. However, when a population grows large, the damage can be widespread and serious. Because both nymphs and adults feed on the juices of plants, the entire plant can be damaged by their presence. The most notable damage will be on new growth.

If you’re trying to determine whether or not your plants are being attacked by these creatures, check for the following:

Misshapen, stunted or yellowing leaves. If you notice this in your garden, make sure to check on the underside of leaves. This is where the majority of aphids hide.
Check the surface of leaves. A common sign of an aphid infestation is a film of sticky residue. This is caused by aphids sucking sap out of the plant. The waste of aphids, known as honeydew, is a sugary liquid. This secretion often attracts other insects, such as ants. Therefore, check plants to see if there’s an unusual amount of insect activity on or around its stem and leaves.
Check the branches and leaves of plants for a fungal growth. This growth, known as sooty mold, is a byproduct of the aphid secretions. When present, the leaves and branches of plants will appear black or discolored.
Review the shape and size of fruits and flowers. As an aphid feeds on these portions of a plant, their presence can cause the flowers and fruits of plants to become distorted.

Aphid infestation

The Results of Aphid Infestations

Because of the wide array of aphids, the results of an infestation can vary from plant-to-plant. Regardless of what species is attacking your garden, their presence always results in deteroration of plant health and vitality. The following are the most common results of an active aphid infestation:

As an aphid sucks the juices out of a plant, they are doing more than stealing its vitality. These creatures can be carriers to any virus the host plant may currently have. Therefore, when an aphid moves onto another plant, these viruses may be transmitted. Unfortunately, it only takes one aphid to transmit plant viruses. The resulting damage from a plant virus can be far more damaging than the results of an aphid infestation. This is a major concern for many gardeners, as an entire crop can be ruined by disease due to aphids.
As an infestation continues, the entire plant can stop growing. This can occur on almost any plant, such as zucchini, tomatoes, and pumpkins. Once the plant stops growing, and its leaves turn yellow, the yield will be significantly diminished.
In the most serious cases, aphids can attack plant roots. When this occurs, the entire plant may shrivel up and die. New growth and young plants are especially vulnerable to an aphid infestation. Therefore, you must enhance your focus on these plants.

How To Get Rid of Aphids: 10 Organic, All-Natural Aphid Treatments

For years, gardeners and farmers turned to chemically-rich pesticides to control aphid infestations. While this may have killed off these pests, it also damages the environment and can even alter the health of your plants. Because of this, turning to all-natural aphid control options is the recommended choice.

The following 10 all-natural aphid control measures are some of the most effective ways to eliminate these pests without harming your plants or the environment. Use a combination of several methods to ensure your plants remain healthy and aphid-free. You may also want to check out our post on companion plants too.

Method #1 | Physically Removing Aphids By Hand

As mentioned earlier, aphids tend to remain in place when disturbed. Therefore, it’s quite easy to simply remove these pests by hand. Put on a pair of gardening gloves. Inspect the entire plant, specifically the underside of leaves. If you spot an aphid, simply pinch it with your fingers and place in a plastic bag. Continue each day to keep an aphid infestation under control without the use of pesticides.

Method #2 | Repel Aphids With Neem Oil

Dilute pure neem oil in water and pour into a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray each plant, making sure to focus on areas where aphids enjoy hiding. The compounds within neem oil act as natural aphid repellents. This oil also repels other pests, such as cabbage worms, beetles, caterpillars and ants. Another added bonus: neem oil can also ward off a variety of fungal strains known to infect plants.

Method #3 | Kill Aphids With This Herbal Pesticide Treatment

In a small spray bottle, pour equal amounts of rosemary oil, clove oil, peppermint oil and thyme essential oil. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake well. Thoroughly spray an entire plant that’s infested with aphids. The active compounds within these essential oils kill adult aphids, nymphs and eggs. It also acts as a general insect repellent without damaging the integrity of your plants. However, always dilute these oils before applying. Non-diluted essential oils can burn delicate plants.

Blast aphids with a hose

Method #4 | Blast Aphids WIth A Garden Hose

Perhaps one of the easiest – and most efficient – ways to eliminate aphids from your plants is by simply spraying them with water. With a standard garden hose, thoroughly spray each plant. Make sure to pay special attention to the underside of leaves and to its stalk. It’s important to note that this method can damage young plants and new growth. However, in adult plants, it’s a safe way to eliminate aphids without the use of pesticides. In order for this method to remain effective, you must repeat on a regular basis.

Method #5 | How To Kill Aphids With Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is an effective natural remedy for aphids. Spray your plants with water, then follow this by dusting a light coating of diatomaceous earth directly to plants. Make sure to apply this powder on the underside of leaves and along the base of plants. The compounds in D.E. penetrate the shell of aphids and dehydrate the bugs from the inside-out. As many farmers and gardeners already know, this is perhaps one of the most effective all-natural aphid control methods.

Aphid control with Lacewings

Method #6 | Lacewing Insects Love Eating Aphids

If you’re looking for a unique way to control aphids, then you may want to fight insects with insects. Lacewings have a unique appetite for aphids. These helpful insects aren’t harmful to your plants, but can offer great relief. You may purchase lacewing insects from many gardening supply stores. Place these eggs around plants and watch the aphid population soon go extinct.

Method #7 | Grow Aphid-Resistant Plants

Growing plants, such as catnip, oregano or garlic can be an effective means of work warding off aphids. The scent these plants give off are offensive to aphids. Many gardeners find entire infestations are warded off by simply growing these plants near other plants. You can also plant other herbs, such as clover, mint, dill and fennel.

Method #8 | Plant Onions in Garden

Growing onions near your garden naturally repel aphids. These insects dislike organic compounds, such as those found by onions. By growing onions within your garden, you’ll effectively discourage aphids from growing in and around your plants.

Method #9 | How To Kill Aphids With This Homemade Aphid Spray

If you need a powerful way to eliminate an entire aphid infestation, but wish to avoid chemical pesticides, create the following homemade spray. Its compounds effectively kill aphids.

- Warm 1 liter of water and pour into a spray bottle.
- Add a 1/8 of a teaspoon of gelatin into the bottle.
- Add 1/8 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Thoroughly shake the bottle.
- Spray this mixture around the leave and stalks of plants.
- Repeat every other day until you see the aphids completely disappear.

Kill Aphids with garlic spray

Method #10 | Aphids Hate Garlic: Make This Garlic Spray

While planting garlic is a great way to ward off aphids, sometimes this isn’t enough. By making a homemade garlic spray, you can effectively thwart an aphid infestation. To make this spray, bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Crush 5 cloves of garlic and add to the boiling water. Cover and allow the water to steep for 10 minutes. Remove the lead and allow the water to cool. Pour in a spray bottle, including the garlic cloves. Thoroughly spray each plant, making sure to pay attention to the underside of leaves and along the stalk. It’s best to do this in the evening before sunset.

(Images from: Alvesgaspar, Charlesjsharp, Pollinator & Lee Kindness )

Get Rid Of Fruit Flies With These 6 Homemade Fruit Fly Traps

July 13, 2015

There’s no doubt about it, fruit flies are an incredibly common, and incredibly irritating household pest.

Found in homes across the land, particularly during the summer months, these flies reproduce at a ridiculously fast rate (they can lay up to 500 eggs at a time), meaning once you’ve got one buzzing around your kitchen, it is likely to be joined by swarms of friends in no time at all.

Fruit flies thrive in moist damp places, so they are most commonly found around the sink and garbage disposal drains, as well as close to fruits and other foods (particularly rotting or fermenting foods), but these makes baited fruit fly traps very effective!

Signs of a fruit fly infestation

If you’ve got a fruit fly infestation, you’ll probably know about it as you’re sure to spot both the adult flies and the pupae around your home. The adult fruit flies are often seen flying around the kitchen or trash cans, and are particularly present around decaying fruit and vegetables, as well as liquor and beer bottles.

Once they start to mature, the fruit fly larvae crawl out of the breeding material and into a nearby dry spot where they pupate. Although it is easy to mistake the fruit fly larvae for rodent or cockroach droppings, they are distinguishable by a pair of horns on one end of the pupae.

So, in an attempt to rid your kitchen of these pesky fruit flies, here are our top homemade fruit fly traps that will allow you to kill and remove fruit flies quickly and simply… Getting rid of fruit flies is simple when you use the following traps.

Simple fruit fly bowl trap

Fruit Jar/Bowl Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies are huge fans of fruit, so this is the perfect way to lure them into your fruit fly trap.

You will need…

A glass jar or a bowl
Saran Wrap
A toothpick
Some very ripe or overripe fruit
Soapy water
Rubber band

Making the trap…

Take several pieces of ripe, ideally overripe fruit, and place them in the bottom of the glass jar or bowl.

Cover the jar with Saran Wrap, securing it with a rubber band.

Using the toothpick, poke holes in the wrap.

Set the jars around the house, focusing in the areas where the fruit flies seem to congregate. The flies will be drawn to the trap and will successfully find their way in, but won’t be able to get out.

When the jar is full enough, submerge it in a bucket of warm, soapy water and allow it to sit for around 10 minutes to kill off the fruit flies.

Rinse out the jar, then refill it with overripe fruit and repeat the process. Your home will be fruit fly free in no time at all.

Fruit fly Jar Trap

Apple Cider Vinegar Fruit Fly Trap

This is an incredibly simple trap that should help to catch any rogue fruit flies. This fruit fly trap works on the concept that fruit flies can’t resist the smell of fermentation and so flock towards the apple cider vinegar, which is, of course, made from fermented apples.

You will need…

A mason jar (or similar)
A funnel
½ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
A drop of dish soap
A piece of ripe or overripe fruit

Making the trap…

<Firstly, heat the apple cider vinegar and pour it into the mason jar. The vinegar should be just deep enough for the flies to drown.

Add a couple of drops of dish soap to the apple cider vinegar. This will break the surface tension of the liquid and prevent the flies from sitting on the top and flying away.

Insert your funnel into the mouth of the jar and tape it in place. If you don’t have access to a funnel, simply roll up a piece of paper to make one. The flies will then enter the jar through the funnel, but won’t be able to get back out again.

To make the jar extra tempting, drop in a piece of ripe fruit and allow it to break down in the mixture.

Now all you need to do is wait! If you find that the flies don’t drown when they enter the jar, simply place it in the freezer for around 20 minutes and that should kill the fruit flies.

Red Wine Fruit Fly Trap

Like many of us humans, fruit flies are drawn to red wine and, once you’ve caught them, it’s easy to kill them in their intoxicated state.

You will need…

A small amount of red wine
Wine bottle

Making the trap…

This fruit fly trap is extremely easy to make! Simply leave a small amount (around half a glass) of red wine at the bottom of the bottle.

Leave the open bottle out on a surface, close to where the fruit flies seem to lurk. The flies will flock to the wine, fly into the bottle, and then get stuck.

The flies should drown in the wine, but if they don’t, simply place the bottle in the freezer or fill it with warm soapy water.

Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar Fruit Fly Trap

You will need…

A bottle of apple cider vinegar (it doesn’t need to be full!)
Saran Wrap
Rubber Band
Toothpick

Making the trap…

Firstly, remove the cap from your bottle of apple cider vinegar. Remember, it doesn’t necessarily need to be a full bottle, a nearly empty bottle will have the same effect.

Cover the opening of the bottle with Saran Wrap and secure it in place with a rubber band.

Using the toothpick, poke a hole in the Saran Wrap to allow the fruit flies to enter the bottle.

Put the bottle in the main problem area and then sit back and wait. The flies will be attracted by the scent of the vinegar and, once they enter the bottle, they’ll find themselves stuck and will drown.

Old Farmer’s Fruit Fly Trap

This tried and true homemade flytrap method has been used for centuries. Although it might seem like an unusual recipe, it’s a sure fire way to get rid of fruit flies.

You will need…

1 Pint of milk
¼ Pound of raw sugar
2 Ounces of ground pepper

Making the trap…

Combine the milk, sugar, and pepper in a saucepan and allow the mixture to simmer over a low heat for around 10 minutes.

Next, pour the mixture into shallow dishes and place them around the house, strategically targeting the spots that the fruit flies seem to flock to most. We’re not entirely sure why, but the fruit flies are drawn to the mixture and, once they land in it, will quickly drown.

If you notice that the flies seem to be landing and flying away rather than drowning, simply add a drop or two of dish soap.

The Bottle Fruit Fly Trap

This is another quick and easy way to make a fruit fly trap, which uses things you’ll have lying around your home.

You will need…

An empty 2 litre plastic soda bottle
Heavy duty packing tape
Some rotting fruit or vegetables

Making the trap…

Take a pair of scissors and carefully cut the empty soda bottle into two parts. You should make the cut approximately ¼ to 1/3 of the way down the bottle to ensure that the bottom half is larger that the top half.

Remove the cap from the top of the bottle and turn the top half upside down.

Take a few pieces of rotten produce (potatoes seem to work particularly well) and place them in the bottom half of the bottle.

Take the top half of the bottle and place it upside down inside the bottom half, creating a funnel effect.

Next, tape the two halves of the bottle together to ensure that they stay securely in place.

Prevention is better than cure…

Homemade Lemongrass Fruit Fly Spray

This isn’t technically a fruit fly trap, and it won’t kill the fruit flies, but it should help to keep them away from your home. And we all know that prevention is better than cure.

You will need…

10 Drops of Lemongrass essential oil
A clean spray bottle
2 Ounces of hot water

Instructions…

Start by pouring 2 ounces of hot water into the spray bottle.

Add 10 drops of Lemongrass essential oil and shake well to mix the two ingredients together.

Spray the Lemongrass mixture over windowsills and doorways. This should keep the flies away. If you notice any fruit flies around the house, you can also spray the mixture directly onto them.

As well as keeping fruit flies out of your home, the Lemongrass spray also leaves a nice, refreshing citrus scent around the house.

Eliminate the source of the problem

Cover, or store ripe fruit in the refrigerator

There are a number of simple steps that you can take to eliminate the source of the fruit flies and keep them out of your house.

Firstly, make sure that you don’t leave any ripened fruit or vegetables exposed. Get a fruit bowl cover or keep them in the refrigerator where the flies can’t get to them.

In addition to this, you should also clean your recycling bins regularly and make sure that any bottles or jars you place within the recycling bin are clean and free from food residue.

If you compost your food waste, make sure your compost bin is positioned as far away from your house as possible.

You should also check that your garbage cans are free from any small bits of food or liquids.

The fruit fly traps listed on this post are highly effective at trapping and killing fruit flies. Combined with the common sense prevention advice, getting rid of fruit flies should be easy and your home will be fruit fly free in no time at all.

(Images from: Downtowngal & cheeseslave)

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.

Homemade Gnat Trap – 3 Gnat Traps & 2 Sprays To Try

June 12, 2015

Homemade Gnat Traps

A quick and cost effective way to get rid of gnats is by using a homemade gnat trap. There are a few different DIY gnat traps, allowing you to use what’s in your store cupboard. Whichever trap you choose, making it is a simple process…

Vinegar Gnat Trap

Find a used can or jar. If you’ve got a mason jar, they work particularly well, but any sort of jar or can will do.
Fill your chosen jar or can with apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have any apple cider vinegar in your store cupboard, any type of vinegar will work well. If you’re using white vinegar though, we’d recommend adding a couple of drops of dish soap to make it extra appealing to those gnats (they’re especially fond of lemon!).
Seal the lid, or cover with cling film if you don’t have a lid, and poke several very small holes in the top using a nail or a screw.
Leave the jar in a place that seems to be popular with your gnats (if you have more than one problem area, you can make several jars to cover multiple locations).
The gnats will fly into the jar/gnat trap but will be unable to leave it again – dispose of the jar and your gnat problem will be a thing of the past.

Vinegar Gnat Trap

Wine and Soap Gnat Trap

Take a small container such as a shot glass or a similar sized cup.
Fill the container about ¾ of the way full with red wine (any red wine will do, the gnats aren’t fussy!).
Add a couple of drops of dish soap to the wine.
Stir the mixture gently.
Then, simply leave the mixture out and watch the gnats flock to it! The gnats will try and sit on the liquid’s surface but, because the dish soap breaks the surface tension of the wine, the gnats will fall straight through and drown, making this a simple but deadly gnat trap.

If you don’t want to share your red wine with the gnats, you can also make this gnat trap with vinegar rather than the wine. See the image below. Make the trap in the same way, just substitute the wine for the vinegar.

Sticky Gnat Trap

Cover the front of a yellow index card, or similar sized piece of card or paper, with a thin layer of honey. The key here is making sure that the card you use is yellow as that’s what attracts the gnats.
Next, tape a chopstick, popsicle stick, or straw to the back of the card. Make sure that you don’t attach it to the sticky side!
Place the stick in the soil next to an infested plant, with the honey-coated side facing outwards. The gnats will be attracted by the yellow card and the sweet honey, and will become trapped in the honey.
Once the yellow card is full of gnats, replace it with another sticky gnat trap.

Homemade Gnat Sprays

Gnat Soap Spray

In a spray bottle, create a soap spray solution by mixing together 2 tbsp of liquid dish soap (lemon works best!) with 1 gallon of water. Try to avoid any dish soaps that are particularly harsh as they may damage your plants.
Spray the soil, leaves and stems of any infested plants with the soapy solution. This should kill gnats.
Leave the solution to settle for an hour or so, then spray the leaves and stem of the plant with clean water to rinse off the soap.

Gnat Alcohol Spray

In a spray bottle, mix together a small amount of alcohol (you can use rubbing or drinking alcohol, whichever you’ve got to hand) with water.
To make sure that you don’t damage your plants in your plight to rid them of gnats, spray one leaf with the solution and leave it to soak in for a couple of days. If the alcohol solution does not burn the lead, the solution should be safe to use on your plants. If the leaf is burnt, try diluting the alcohol with more water and repeat the test on a different leaf.
Spray the solution onto the affected leaves, flowers, stems, and soil every three days for two weeks, or until your gnat problem disappears.
If you are worried about damaging your plants, you can also leave the solution in bowls near the infested plants.

Get rid of gnats at the source

Plants

If you’ve got plants in and around your home, they should be your first suspect when identifying the cause of your gnat problem. Gnats love the moisture brought by the soil feeding your pot plants, particularly if you have a tendency to overwater them.

If your gnats seem to be based around your planting areas and pot plants, then they are most likely the source of the infestation. Here’s how to get rid of your unwanted guests…

Firstly, let the infested soil dry out. Gnat eggs are often laid in damp, overwatered plants as the larvae need moist conditions to grow. If you let the top 2 inches of soil dry out, the eggs and larvae should also dry out and die.
Next, re-pot your plants. Remove them from their current pots and plant into fresh, clean pots with new soil. Make sure that you remove as much of the plant matter as possible, so as to avoid transporting any gnats, eggs, or larvae into the new pot.
Once you’ve re-potted your plants, it can be worth covering the surface of the soil with a layer of sand to try and keep the gnats out.

You should also avoid over-watering plants and drain any excess water from your plant containers, as this will almost certainly attract gnats. Additionally you can place gnats trap around the plants.

Funnily enough – you can actually plant some plants that help to repel gnats too!

Vegetable Oil

Gnats can often appear around your drains, particularly in the kitchen. To get rid of gnats from your drains, try using vegetable oil.

Pour ¼ cup of vegetable oil into the drain, applying it around the edge of the drain so that it glides down the pipe and clings on to the sides.
Cover the drain with strips of clear tape to seal it off.
After 24 hours, remove the tape. You should find that there are lots of gnats stuck to the bottom of the tape.
Repeat until there are no longer any gnats hanging around your drains.

Trash

Gnats are attracted to decaying organic material such as fruit and food. Ensure that you regularly take out the trash and dispose of any rotting food or fruit straight away. This will remove the gnat’s food source and deter them from the area. Additionally a vinegar gnat trap can be very effective when used next to your trash cans.

You should also cover your trash cans with an air tight lid and clean them regularly.

Fruit

As well as disposing of any rotten or decaying fruit, you should also move your fresh fruit into the refrigerator or store it in carefully sealed containers. If you leave your fruit out in the open, gnats will be attracted to it before it even starts to decay.

Clean

No one’s suggesting that your house is untidy, and gnats certainly aren’t a sign of that, but if you are suffering from an infestation, it is definitely worth cleaning your house from top to bottom. This may help you to identify and eradicate the source of the problem.

In addition to this, make sure that you wash plates and dishes as soon as they are used. We’re all guilty of putting them to one side whilst we get on with our lives, and returning to wash them later. But this will only serve to attract more gnats and encourage them to gather in your kitchen, so wash your dishes as soon as you’ve used them.

Doors and Windows

Check doors and windows to make sure that they are properly sealed and that there are no gaps through which the tiny gnats can sneak into your home.

If you need to leave windows or doors open for any reason, especially in the hot weather, think about getting a fly screen with a really tight mesh. This should help to keep your home gnat free.

You should also repair any holes in screens or cracks in walls. This will help to prevent them getting in. Once again, a gnat trap can be used to help control gnats in these locations

Dampness

Moist environments offer the perfect breeding ground for gnats. Check your home for damp patches and corners, these are particularly common in kitchens and bathrooms, or other rooms where there is a water source.

Regularly wipe down any damp spots you find using bleach or disinfectant and make sure that you never leave any moist towels or clothing lying around as these will attract the gnats.

Sinks

To get rid of gnats quickly and prevent them from appearing in the first place, pour diluted bleach together with a few drops of dish soap down each of your drains, plug them, and leave overnight. Rinse through with clean water and then repeat each week.

Clothes & Body

There are many different types of gnats, some more irritating than others. Eye gnats are particularly annoying as they tend to swarm around your face, focussing on the eyes and mouth.

Like other types of gnats, eye gnats can be very difficult to control however, if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself being tormented by the creatures, try spraying your clothes and body with a mosquito repellent (make sure it’s one that contains DEET)

Alternatively, you can make a natural gnat repellent using vanilla.

Take one tablespoon of vanilla and pour it into one cup of water.
Mix together well.
Apply to the body (this is especially useful for sensitive areas such as the eyes, nose and throat).

To avoid gnat bites…

Wear long sleeved shirts and pants when spending time near rivers, lakes, streams, and other wet areas.
Whilst sitting on your porch, or in your yard, use a fan to blow the gnats away from you.
Here are 3 home remedies for mosquito bites, that also help gnat bites as well.

Know your enemy – what are gnats?

Gnats, or to give them their Latin name Order Diptera, are small, winged insects that can cause a great deal of annoyance around the home and the garden – you’ve probably suffered an infestation at some time or another!

Commonly known as fruit flies, vinegar flies, or noseeums, gnats can be found in all sorts of locations and there are a number of different types. The most common type of gnat found within the home is the fungus gnat. These thrive around plants and lay their eggs in the moist soil. Midgies (both biting and non-biting varieties) and gall gnats are other common species.

In the outdoor world, thousands of male gnats tend to assemble in large mating swarms, or ghosts, usually around dusk, filling the sky around them.

Gnats are small, and extremely annoying, flies that are incredibly common across the world. They can occur anywhere where there is a water source, and they particularly enjoy moist environments. One of a family of insects that includes flies and mosquitoes, gnats are tiny flies sometimes called blackflies or midges.

Although many people think that gnats are baby flies, they are actually really small adult flies, often fruit flies. As well as being the cause of much annoyance, these little critters can also be biting gnats, causing irritation to humans and pets alike.

Whilst gnats may not be the most feared household pest, they reproduce extremely quickly and infest areas in their swarms, becoming a much larger problem than you might initially suspect.

Close up of a fungus gnat

Whilst most gnats are harmless to humans, some gnats can also bite, often leaving painful sores and unpleasant swellings on their victims.

Where do gnats come from?

Particularly common during warmer months, gnats are most often found around fresh produce and food, as well as moist areas such as over-watered plants and refrigerator drain trays.

Gnats can appear both indoors and outdoors and are attracted by a number of factors including:

Drains and sinks
Remnants of food
Rotten fruits and decaying food
Wet floors and damp patches
Houseplants
Pets

How to know if you’ve got a gnat infestation…

If you notice multiple gnats flying around your home, garden, or workplace, you’ve almost certainly got a gnat infestation!

The good news is that, whilst these little flies may be almost impossible to swat and are notoriously difficult to get rid of, there are a number of ways to kill your gnats and reduce the risk of you falling victim to a gnat bite.

(Swarm of Gnats image from: Joey Gannon & Vinegar Gnat Trap from: AngryJulieMonday)

10 Companion Plants to Ward Off Beetles and Other Pests

May 9, 2015

Regardless of how much you plan and protect, there are many pests capable of infiltrating your garden and ruining the quality and fruit of your plants. Although there are many synthetic treatments designed to thwart damaging pests, these products introduce toxic chemicals into the very core of your plants. If you’re searching for a way to naturally inhibit the proliferation of beetles, mites and other pests, then your solution may be as simple as planting a companion plant alongside primary plants.

The following 10 companion plants feature various natural compounds and enzymes studied for its ability to thwart the ravages of insects and other various plant pests.

10 Companion Plants – Natural and Beautiful Protection

Companion #1 | Basil for Tomato Plant Protection

Basil perhaps one of the most popular companion plants used to deter whiteflies, spider mites and various aphids known to destroy the quality and yield of tomato plants. Gardening experts suggest planting basil around young tomato plants thwarts a variety of pests, specifically hornworm moths.

Companion #2 | Dill for Cabbage and Cole Crops

Dill is known to naturally deter various pests, such as squash bug and cabbageworms, from infiltrating your crops. It’s believed the potent oils produced by dill plants may also repel a variety of other insects by masking the scent of your primary plants.

Companion #3 | Onions for Lettuce, Blueberries, Roses and Raspberries

The bold odor associated with onions is known to deter the proliferation of aphids among many susceptible crops. Plant onions throughout your garden to extend protection into all of your viable crops.

Companion #4 | Garlic for Susceptible Crops

The strong scent produced by garlic plants is a known deterrent for a variety of aphids known to afflict a variety of crops. The use of garlic plants to thwart spider mites away from perennials is a time-honored approach for natural pest control. Plant garlic sporadically throughout your garden for far-reaching protection.

Companion #5 | Catnip for Full Garden Protection

A member of the mint family, gardening experts suggest planting catnip between plants that are susceptible to beetles. Planting catnip between rows offers continuous protection, which can mean the difference between a full yield and one ravished by the damage caused by hungry and persistent beetles.

Companion #6 | Marigolds for Tomato and Fruiting Plants

It’s believed the beautiful marigold plant, specifically African Marigolds, mask the scent of your primary plants, which inhibits pests, such as hornworms, from locating your vulnerable plants. Gardening experts suggest planting marigolds between plants to maximize its protective abilities.

Companion #7 | Lavender for Leafy Crops

Not only does lavender produce high-quality essential oils for medicinal purposes, but when planted among leafy crops, such as lettuce, its heavily scented structure deters the onset of aphids and whiteflies.

Companion #8 | Castor Oil Plants for Mole Prevention

Although castor oil plants should be grown with extreme care as the entire plant is highly toxic to animals and humans, when planted along the border of your garden, its unique compounds prevent moles, voles and other pests from making home in your garden. Its potential is so powerful, many commercially-produced mole/vole deterrents use castor oil as a primary ingredient.

Companion #9 | Borage for Tomato and Cole Crops

Used by gardeners for hundreds of years, this beautiful plant discourages the onset of cabbageworms and hornworms. Not only is this plant easily grown from seeds, but its unique structure is an excellent source of nourishment for Honey bees and other pollinators.

Companion #10 | Tansy for Japanese Beetle Prevention

A Japanese Beetle infestation can destroy the quality and health of an entire garden. Therefore, to ensure your plants remain healthy, gardening experts suggest planting Tansy throughout your garden; specifically among plants more susceptible to Japanese beetles. It’s suggested the strong scent produced by the Tansy plant confuses these beetles, which prevents them from locating the primary host plant.

Top 3 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites & How to Make Each One

September 29, 2014

You’re enjoying a lovely evening with your friends or family, when the familiar ‘buzz’ begins to form around you. Within a matter of minutes, you’re reduced to nothing more than a big ball of itch thanks to the wonders of the common mosquito. While your reaction to a mosquito bite may vary, the resulting itch, redness and swelling is due to an anticoagulant compound injected into your skin. This compound inhibits your blood from clotting, which results in itching and red, swollen bumps.

Mosquito bite home remedies run the gambit, but the following three remedies are tried-and-true for their effectiveness and simplicity. Stop covering yourself in synthetic chemicals for mosquito bite relief. Rather, turn to these three natural remedies for near-instant relief and comfort.

Update: be sure to check out our post on witch hazel, as witch hazel is great soothing mosquito bites.

Rather the treat the mosquito bites, why not prevent them in the first place by planting some mosquito repellent plants in your garden. One of the plants can even be rubbed on skin and clothing to act as a topical mosquito repellent.

Bubble the Itch Away With Hydrogen Peroxide

Used as a common disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide has a myriad of uses, eliminating a mosquito bite itch is one of them. Available in 3% concentration from any pharmacy or drug store, when applied immediately after noticing a mosquito bite, hydrogen peroxide is known to eliminate itch and swelling.

How to Use lt

Soak a cotton ball in 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Apply directly on the mosquito bite.
Secure with a bandage for 10 to 15 minutes
Remove and enjoy an itch-free afternoon

Apple Cider Vinegar and Aloe for Lasting Relief

Separately, apple cider vinegar and aloe have been used to treat the itch and swelling of mosquito bites; however, when combined, you have a powerhouse treatment. Both ingredients actively work to reduce inflammation and provide itch relief. Due to the acidic nature of ACV, be careful if you have sensitive skin.

How to Use

Pour 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a small bowl
Add 2 teaspoons of pure aloe into the bowl
Mix with a spoon until both ingredients are thoroughly combined
With your fingers, apply directly to the mosquito bites
Re-apply throughout the day until the itch and swelling have diminished

Soothing Salt Paste

Much like the aforementioned mosquito bite remedies, salt paste works to eliminate symptoms of mosquito bites by reducing inflammation and drying out mosquito saliva, which causes swelling and itching. This remedy is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it doesn’t use harsh oils or acidic compounds. While table salt works fine, pure Himalayan salt is recommended by holistic practitioners for its ability to promote vascular health.

How to Use

Pour 2 teaspoons of table salt into a small container
Place 3 to 5 drops of water into the salt to create a paste
Mix into a paste by stirring the salt and water mixture with a toothpick. Stir in a circular motion until the paste is smooth and free from salt bumps.
Liberally apply the paste directly onto the bite.
Cover with a band aid and allow the paste to fully dry
Wash the paste off and re-apply, if necessary

(Image from: Wikipedia)

Homemade Natural Bug Spray Recipe

May 26, 2014

If you purchase bug spray it will likely contain a chemical called DEET. Simply put – DEET is nasty stuff, so unless you are plagued by mosquitoes and have no other option, I would steer clear of the stuff. I accidently sprayed some DEET on a tent when camping once… It melted the material! Below is a natural, safer homemade bug spray recipe for you to try. It is very cheap and easy to make and it works well for us.

Ingredients

1 cup of boiled water (left to cool)
1 cup of apple cider vinegar
50-60 drops or peppermint essential oil (you can also try lemongrass or lavender oil too)

You will also need a spray bottle or two.

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to the spray bottle. Give it a really good shake and it’s ready to use. Simply spray on exposed skin and you are ready to go outdoors.

Notes

As it is a natural recipe it does wear off after a while, so be sure to reapply every hour or two.
Be sure to give the bottle a good shake before spraying to ensure the mixture is well mixed.
If you find the spray still smells a bit vinegary, add a few more drops of peppermint oil. You could also experiment by adding different essential oils too.