How To Get Rid Of Nuisance Crickets

Imagine that your backyard is filled with hundreds of crickets that are chirping in the dead of night. Do you think that you’ll be able to get enough sleep? The repetitive noise that a single cricket makes is tolerable, and it can even be considered as quite enchanting since it is one of those nighttime sounds that call to mind quiet family picnics or barbeques. You might even prefer the sound over the clamor of city noises. But what if your backyard is filled with too many crickets that are all chirping at the same time? That can really be a huge nuisance. But getting irritated by the noise made by these insects is the least of your worries. If you love your garden or if you want to protect your home, you have to take measures to control the cricket population in your area.

Why Crickets are a Nuisance

- Crickets can be noisy.

As mentioned, a hundred or more crickets can create a raucous noise that could disturb your sleeping habits. A cricket problem can be a huge headache especially if you have a child or a baby at home who wakes up at the slightest sound.

- Crickets eat vegetation.

Crickets like to eat all sorts of ornamental plants. Your once lush landscape could die after the crickets have eaten most of your plants. You also need to prevent a cricket infestation if you have garden plants and fruit trees.

- Crickets can invade your home too.

Inside the home, crickets can also do a lot of damage because they also consume many types of textile and paper products. Crickets that have found their way inside your house can definitely cause damage to your furniture, clothes, as well as wallpaper and other fabrics.

How to Get Rid of Them

Before you consider a pest eradication method, you have to be aware that crickets are a vital part of the food cycle. These animals are an integral part of the ecosystem. Understanding their value to the environment will make you realize that you do not have to totally eradicate them. Instead, you can utilize pest control methods that will help in controlling their population. Below are a few suggestions.

1. Using insecticides

There are several forms of bug sprays that are readily available in the market. Most of these are easy to apply — just find your target and spray. But using a bug spray is best if you only see a cricket or two inside your home. When dealing with a serious infestation, ask for help from pest control experts. These people can apply stronger chemicals, such as cyfluthrin, propoxur and pyrethrins. Because these are more concentrated substances, exposure can also pose serious health risks.

2. Using traps and baits

You can create your own cricket bait with molasses, a bowl and some water. For more ideas about how to make a homemade cricket bait, do some research online. You can also use sticky traps to catch the bugs that have found their way into your home.

3. Preventing an infestation

As they say, prevention is better than cure. Cricket can be drawn to your property if your landscape or garden is not well-kept. These insects are attracted to moisture, mulch, dense vegetation, weeds and garbage. By eliminating the features that attract these bugs, you also reduce the possibility of a getting a bad infestation.

Citations:

• Mr. T in DC. “Field Cricket at Sandy Point”. October 17, 2010. Online image. Flickr. June 7, 2013.

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Claire Lassiter is a freelancer whose specialty is pest management. She usually discusses the health effects of having pests around, but you’ll find her talking about Bentonville cricket control at times too.

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Guest Post Published by Bulwark

Three of the Longest Lived Insects on Earth

The Earth is home to some 900,000 known species of insect, and probably many more unknown. Most of these insects lead short lives of a few months or a couple of years. However, there are some insects who are much longer lived. These bugs can live almost as long as a human in varying forms, and some live longer than people.

Termites

These insects are a pest to homeowners dealing with an infestation, but in the wild they can build some truly magnificent termite mounds. Termite colonies are often hierarchal in nature with workers and soldiers maintaining the colony, while a Queen termite and King termite provide each new generation. Most workers and soldiers only live about two years in captivity. Studies have found that the Queen and King termites can last for decades, up to fifty years or more. Although, most of the colony ends up with a short live span, the royalty can live as long as many humans.

Cicadas

Another long lived insect are cicadas. These insects have an unusual life cycle during which they spend most of their lives underground before emerging for a brief few months to breed and die. There are over 2,500 classified species of cicada and probably more unknown species. Cicadas are known to live underground as ‘nymphs’ or juveniles for between 13 and 17 years before emerging to begin their adult life cycles. Cicadas are usually harmless with no mouth parts, but they do have a proboscis that they use to suck sap out of trees. These insects are known for the loud mating calls of the male that can cause annoyance to humans in the area.

Wood Boring Beetle

A wood boring beetle is also a nuisance to homeowners who do not have properly treated wood. These insects spend a large part of their lives as larva, eating wood. This is better done in trees, but sometimes they do make it into a home and live in the wood framing and paneling. There are many species of wood boring beetle, most of which live as larva in the wood for a few months to a few years. However, some wood boring beetles have been found living in wood as larva for up to twelve years, or even thirty years.

These are just three long lived insects. You never know, there may be some insects, as yet unidentified, that live even longer. One creature, called the “Springtail”, is a hexapod that looks very insect like. Springtails can enter a state of suspended animation when dehydrated or under stress and return to life later on. They could ‘live’ indefinitely in this manner. However, this does not mean they are invincible and will die from injury, poison, or even getting eaten like any other creature.

About the author: Chris is a blogger for a New Jersey pest control company.

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Ways To Get Rid Of Stinkbugs Without The Smell

Stink Bug

Nobody enjoys the pungent odor that stinkbugs make when you kill them. In fact, nobody likes stinkbugs, period! Unfortunately, stinkbugs are a fact of life if you’re a gardener. So, how can you rid your home and yard of these pesky critters without having to suffer through their rancid smell?

Fortunately, there are some methods for warding off stinkbugs that allows you to avoid the stench. Below we’ll discuss some tried and true methods for avoiding and killing stinkbugs – without the odor.

Seal Entries and Cracks 

You can prevent stinkbugs from entering your home by sealing up any entries and cracks, such as gaps in the siding, pipes, and crawlspaces.

Flush Them Down the Toilet

If you happen to stumble upon a random stinkbug (or two) in your home, simply pick it up with a tissue or toilet paper and fling it into the toilet. Stinkbugs are typically slow, making them easy to catch, so you won’t have to worry about a wild goose chase around your house if one happens to get in.

Death By Rubbing Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol, more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, is a great way to kill stink bugs without creating any ungodly smells. Simply fill a jar with rubbing alcohol, catch the offending critter with a napkin, tissue, or toilet paper, and drop it in. The bug will be dead within seconds, and you won’t have to be reminded of it by any lingering odors.

Soap and Water 

Sometimes stinkbugs manage to get inside and try to feast on your houseplants. If you happen to discover any of these pests gorging themselves on your beloved houseplants, simply spray the plant’s leaves with a mixture of Dawn dishwashing liquid and hot water. This will kill the bugs that are already on the plant, while discourage any others from trying to join in the banquet.

Vacuum with a Shop-vac 

If you happen to stumble upon any stinkbugs in your attic or crawl space, vacuum them up. However, don’t use your regular vacuum cleaner – it will stink for ages! Use a shop-vac that is easy to clean and can be stored out in the garage.

Use a Light Trap

Stinkbugs are attracted to light, so placing a light trap in your attic or crawl space will draw them in and trap them in a way that will prevent them from releasing any odors. Just be sure to empty the trap regularly and reposition it, relocating it occasionally.

Use Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are similar to fly paper, and will trap any stinkbug that happens to crawl across its path. The sweet scent of the sticky trap will draw the stinkbugs to it, so simply place it on windowsills or other areas where you notice stinkbug activity. Be sure to throw the sticky trap out and replace it with a fresh one frequently.

Stinkbugs are a nuisance, but if dealt with properly, can be easily overcome. If your stinkbug problem is really out of control, call a professional exterminator, such as pest control Sacramento.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source

Stacy is a freelance writer from California. She writes for the pest control Sacramento blog.

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Texas Bedbug Laws

Bed Bug (Photo credit: agrilifetoday)

Across much of the United States, bedbug infestations have reached epidemic levels; and the State of Texas has not been immune to these tiny bloodsuckers. In San Antonio, bedbugs have been found in homes, apartments, dorms, trains, airplanes, theaters, and of course, hotels. Even high end hotels have had unfortunate bedbug encounters. The rich and poor alike have been victims, as bedbugs do not play favorites. If you have been a victim of bedbugs, whether you’re a property manager or tenant, it is important that you understand the bedbug laws in the State of Texas.

Texas Bedbug Laws

Out of the 22 different states that have bedbug laws, Texas happens to be one of them that has laws that mention bedbugs specifically. The State of Texas currently has two bedbug laws. They read as follows:

Texas Revised Code Sec. 341.011. NUISANCE

Bedbugs are a public health nuisance.

Texas Revised Code Sec. 341.012. ABATEMENT OF NUISANCE

(a) A person shall abate a public health nuisance existing in or on a place the person possesses as soon as the person knows that the nuisance exists.

(b) A local health authority who receives information and proof that a public health nuisance exists in the local health authority’s jurisdiction shall issue a written notice ordering the abatement of the nuisance to any person responsible for the nuisance. The local health authority shall at the same time send a copy of the notice to the local municipal, county, or district attorney.

(c) The notice must specify the nature of the public health nuisance and designate a reasonable time within which the nuisance must be abated.

(d) If the public health nuisance is not abated within the time specified by the notice, the local health authority shall notify the prosecuting attorney who received the copy of the original notice. The prosecuting attorney: (1) shall immediately institute proceedings to abate the public health nuisance; or (2) request the attorney general to institute the proceedings or provide assistance in the prosecution of the proceedings, including participation as an assistant prosecutor when appointed by the prosecuting attorney.

Enlist An Attorney

Whether you are a landlord, tenant, property manager, or vacationer who brought home bedbugs, and you are battling a bedbug infestation, seek assistance from an attorney who specializes in bedbug infestations. This blog post is for informational purposes only.

Get San Antonio Pest Control

If you are being bit the bedbugs while you sleep in your home, get help… Get professional pest control.

General Pest Control

Bedbug Control

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Tips For Tackling The Pest Control War

Most of us have had an experience with a nuisance we need to get rid of fast. Perhaps you need help getting rid of ants, cockroaches, or the little brother knocking down your door. Although I cannot help you with the latter, there are many approaches to getting rid of pests that like to make their habitation in our own living spaces. Unfortunately, pests can often mistake homes, offices, and sheds as their own homes. When ignored or unnoticed, the problem can worsen and become increasingly difficult to get rid of.

At first, cockroaches may only be a few in number, but with their rapid multiplication rates, they can increase to thousands in just months. Small rodents can leave minimal proof and go unnoticed, but they can spread disease and infection throughout an entire household. For all those living in a home, eating in public restaurants, or working in an office, proper skills are needed to combat these unpleasant foes. Ready to engage in the epic battle of human vs. pest? Take up your chemicals, poison, traps and get ready to fight!

Possible Pest Situations   

Pest can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as termites, wasps, bats, flies, cockroaches, or even raccoons. The first step to practical pest control is to be aware of your location’s history of pests. It’s as simple as this: If your neighbor has had a lot of problems with ants, don’t leave unsealed food out. Simply being aware of the presence of pests will help to avoid the infestation in the first place. On the other hand, pest infestations often come unexpectedly and unannounced, so it is important to have the right tools to deal with the task at hand. Depending on whether your pest is a snake, skunk, or an army of ants, the various prevention methods could look very different from each other. The process for exterminating ants involves sealing all open containers, setting poisonous traps, and cleaning with lemon citracide. However, when trying to rid the area of snakes or skunks, a much more extensive process must be used. For both animals, you should rid the area of its food sources and naturally occurring safe havens. If the animal or pests will not leave or the situation becomes dangerous, it is best to consult a professional pest control company in your area.

Knowledge is Power

Pest control can be a pain, but in the end, you have to do what you have to do. Taking all possible preventative measures is the best form of pest control; if you can keep them from getting inside in the first place, everything is going to be a lot easier. Certain areas have higher tendencies toward particular pest problems, so knowledge of the location’s history is highly beneficial. However, when you find yourself trapped in a grueling war of human vs. pest, you have to take up your ammo and get the job done. This might look like setting up traps, clearing your lawn, or calling the Swat Team to take out the flies. Tools for battle are easily accessible online or through word of mouth. Regardless of the ammo you choose, just remember one thing; you’re going to want to win this war.

Tiffany Olson lives, works, and plays in Northern California. By day she works at a small (but growing!) firm where her primary objective is to educate folks on a wide variety of topics including pest control in Union City. During her off time you will usually find her climbing trees or hanging out with good friends.

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Termite Control – How To Control A Termite Infestation

When you spot termites in your home it is cause for alarm; they could soon be eating their way through all your favorite wooden furniture. They will attach any wood inside your home, including structural elements like ceiling beams, tables, chairs, work surfaces and more. Severe termite infestations can be costly to cull and can wreak havoc in a home. This article is all about identifying and removing termites in your home.

Termites can be very hard to spot. Many people aren’t even aware of the termites in their home, let alone the damage that they are inflicting on the structure of the property and any wooden furniture within it. The problem with termite problems is that they do not live in the wood that they consume. They are smaller than ants and can be very hard to locate, as they build nests in the grass.

Identification

One of the most telling signs of termite presence is small deposits of sawdust, and portions of wood that look to have been eaten. If you’re trying to locate the termite’s nest it is usually located outside the home (not far, maybe a foot or two from the property).

Removal

Once you have identified your unwanted guests it’s time to remove them. Whether you have a go yourself, or hire professional pest control services, it starts by removing any visible termites. Once they have been removed you can begin examining furniture and the property’s structure for damage. At this point a decision should be made about whether important structural repairs are needed to avoid further damage being done.

It’s important that termite removal is done efficiently, as leaving just a few termites will result in a repeat infestation at some point in the near future. Termites will literally eat the home from around you so removing 100% of them is crucial.

The Professionals

Professional termite exterminators will examine every corner of your home for the pests. They may use gas to get them to leave, which can result in termites simply migrating to another nearby property. There’s a good chance that your termite infestation was actually triggered by them being evicted from a nearby property. For this reason it’s a good idea to take some preventative measures including using chemicals on wooden structures and furniture that will help to make it taste unappetizing to termites.

It can be tempted to deal with these sort of pest problems yourself, but when it comes to termites you really are best hiring the services of a professional for treatment as well as prevention. They will be able to inspect for signs of structural damage and offer treatment options.

Once you find termites within your home, the damage has probably already been done, but at least you can do something about evicting them from your home. Contact a professional pest control company to see how they treat termite infestations and the options available to you.

Alan Derry writes on a number of subjects including  humane pest control for rodents.

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Three-Step Roach Elimination Tips

Cockroaches are nocturnal and fast-breeding bugs that can easily adapt to any kind of environment. These bugs do not directly harm humans but they are known carriers of diseases and bacteria. For this reason, the very presence of roaches can put people at risk for various health problems and conditions.

With that said, cockroach infestation is not something you can ignore. You need to take the time to follow certain precautions to prevent them from infesting your property and to completely get rid of them. Although there are chemical pesticides that promise to kill these bugs successfully, you cannot be entirely sure that these products are safe and effective. Here are a few steps to help you prevent a full-blown roach infestation.

Step 1: Identify Whether You Have An Infestation

Generally, roaches have long elongated, brown-colored body that may or may not have wings, depending on their gender. They are usually medium-sized but in certain areas of the world, they can grow very large. These bugs are easily identified by their spiny legs, oval-shaped bodies, and long antennae.

These bugs love to dwell in warm, dark, and moist areas. They can also feed on anything they can find; thus, they can be found even in the most unhygienic places. If you want to look for these bugs, it is best to look for them at night. You can use a flashlight to avoid spooking them. The signs of infestation may include:

• Live roaches
• Dead bodies of roaches
• Discarded shell casing- these are small exoskeletons that are dark-brown in color
• Droppings- their excretions usually look like pepper and coffee grounds. Larger roaches may have cylindrical feces which may look like mice droppings only smaller.
• Odor- these bugs generally emit pheromones that have a distinctive and powerful musty odor. If the infestation is very serious, the smell can get pretty bad as well.

Step 2: Locate Entry Places And Starve These Bugs

After identifying whether your home is infested with roaches, the next thing you can do is to find out where they enter your home. In doing so, you can seal off the possible entrances to prevent further infestation. To find possible entry places, you need to look for cracks or holes. They can also come into your home through your drains. You can seal off these entrances using fibrous materials or by caulking them.

The next thing you need to do is to deprive these bugs of their basic needs. The best deterrent against roaches is by eliminating food and water sources. To do so, you must keep your home clean and sanitary. Regularly sweep and vacuum indoors, and make sure you clean up after meals. You must also seal all your foods in tight plastic containers.

Step 3: Eradicate Existing Roaches

Once you determine that your home is infested with these bugs, you must immediately take action. Do not wait until the infestation grows out of hand. Remember that roaches are fast-breeding bugs; thus, you might suffer from a full-blown infestation if you do not take the necessary pest control solutions. Here are some natural roach control solutions which you can apply on your own:

• Boric Acid Powder: This is one of the most effective solutions against pest infestation. You can sprinkle the powder in the entry places of roaches and in areas where roaches are commonly found, such as behind the refrigerator, pantry, cupboards, and kitchen sinks. This solution is toxic for roaches, but it can also be toxic for humans as well. For this reason, make sure to keep boric acid powder away from children and pets.
• Baking Soda: This is a very effective solution against roaches. When these bugs ingest baking soda and then drink water, they will eventually burst. This is a tested solution to remove roaches from your household.
• Roach Bait And Trap: You can use a slow working poison and mix it with food that attracts these bugs. When the bugs eat it or bring it to their nest, it can efficiently kill all the cockroaches. Be careful in using such techniques though, since it can have an adverse effect on children and pets when they accidentally ingest it.

You can also use traps to entice roaches and trap them using an adhesive. To create a roach trap, you can make a solution of soap and water. The soapy water will create a thin film on the roaches’ skin where they have breathing pores. In doing so, it will block their airway, causing the bugs to suffocate to death.

Citations:

• Online Image. EveryStockPhoto. Feb 11, 2013

The author, Kris Lim, is a writer for home improvement websites where she offers tips and advice on how to make the home a more comfortable living environment. Her works have also been used by pest control companies, such as Rove Pest Control.

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A Word Of Valentine’s Day Advice

Love Letter Valentine Flowers (Photo credit: Teleflora)

Valentine’s Day will be here on Thursday, and if you haven’t started making plans yet… Start! If you don’t, she will make sure you regret it! Here are a few tips to get you started:

A Romantic Dinner Is A Must

Citrus or Las Canarias

For the most romantic Valentine’s dinner in San Antonio, look no further than Citrus or Las Canarias. Located close to the River Walk, they have very few tables to keep the dining experience intimate. Your date will look beautiful basking in the glow of the candles and oil lamps.

Catch A Romantic Chick Flick

Your date will appreciate the gesture of a romantic movie. Take her to see Safe Haven at Cinemark Movies 16 or AMC Rivercenter. If she’s not that into chick flicks, she’ll love It’s A Good Day To Die Hard.

Take Her Away From It All

For cozy, quaint and romantic, night away from it all, it doesn’t get much better than the Grey Moss Inn. The restaurant and patio are built under a canopy of huge Texas Oaks that beckons you to enjoy the night. Tables are candlelit and the native rock walls and pine-wood floor “creaks” of romance.

Get Cockroach Control

I can tell you that nothing screams I love you more than roach control! Haha! With all kidding aside, roaches can turn your Valentines Day into a day of misery. All your efforts will be for not if she finds a big roach waiting for her. See for yourself:

San Antonio Roach Control

P.S. Don’t forget the flowers!

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Bulwark Exterminating-San Antonio Receives Honor

Angie’s List Super Service Award Given to Bulwark’s San Antonio Branch

This just in from Angie’s List:

Bulwark Pest Control’s San Antonio, TX branch has been awarded the Super Service Award 2012. This prestigious award is given every year to the top five percent of companies that demonstrate superior customer service; based on the customer reviews that are received on Angie’s List.

Angie’s List is a customer review site that allows the consumer to give feedback on the products and services they receive from companies in several different industries; including pest control and exterminating. Essentially, the Angie’s List Super Service Award is voted on by consumers, with their positive feedback on a particular company; in this case Bulwark Exterminating.

Bulwark Exterminating is honored to receive this prestigious award, as it recognizes continual efforts toward outstanding customer service.

Customer Reviews From Bulwark Pest Control San Antonio

Here are just a couple of the many excellent customer reviews Bulwark Exterminating receives:

I know that Bulwark Pest Control will be here every two months so that I don’t have any bugs. If for some reason I happen to get bugs inside the house all I do is call them and at no extra charge they’ll come. They are very professional and are in uniforms.

Overall Grade: A

- MaryAnn U.
San Antonio, TX

I have been with them for five years. I have not seen any bugs since they began our service. If you do see a bug, they will come back and take care of if, free of charge. The overall experience is excellent. I would use this provider again.

Overall Grade: A

- John S.
San Antonio, TX

We use Bulwark Pest Control every month. We have been using them for a year but when we lived here before we have used them as well for about a year or so. They are excellent. They are the best pest company we have ever had. My parents used them and they suggested them so we tried them. They are definitely the best pest control company we have ever used. They don’t charge you anything extra if you have a problem or if you need them to come out in between visits. We will continue to use them in the future.

Overall Grade: A

- Ginger R.
San Antonio, TX

They are a good company. I like the fact that they have been flexible. I am really not comfortable with leaving my gates open, I lock my gates because I have animals and I don’t leave my animals out. I don’t want them to run to the neighborhood so I just began to lock my gates all the time so they have been flexible when I have needed them to be here. They worked with me and I appreciated that. They charge around $40 to $45 per service. We have scorpions here and it is an ongoing problem; we are in an area where they are still developing and so every time companies come out and start digging and doing all the stuff but scorpions move and that becomes an issue. I guess I am expecting the absolute top of the line service every time because that is such a problem. Sometimes they do a good job, but sometimes I wish it had been a little bit more because that is such an alarming issue. When you have scorpions, falling out of your vets in your house it tends to make you really uneasy. It would definitely scare you and that makes you very hyperactive reactive to the need for treatments and stuff like that. Sometimes trying to set a service when I am available is a challenge. From what I am aware of with other companies, you don’t really have someone coming out to do services like that so that is a reasonable price. The quality of work is good. I certainly think that they are a company worth trying. They give me a window of when they are going to be there. They don’t say, “We will be there at two, they say, “We will be there between 12 and 6” or something like that. If they say they are going to be in that time frame, they are there.

Overall Grade: A

- David L.
San Antonio, TX

Please feel free to log in to Angie’s List and read all of Bulwark Pest Control reviews for their San Antonio location:

http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/tx/san-antonio/bulwark-exterminating-reviews-6385376.htm

San Antonio Exterminators

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Top 3: Ways to Keep Bugs Away In Winter

During the cold months many bugs try to worm their way indoors to stay warm. Rather than spend the entire season living with unwanted intruders, you can keep those bugs at bay with a few simple tricks. These tips won’t take much time to enact, and they can do wonders to keeping your home bug free.

1. Don’t Leave Food Out

Bugs often come into your living space following the lure of food. Leaving food on the table, kitchen counter, and on the floor can be an open invitation to bugs. If you must keep food on the counter for easy access or to let it ripen, keep it in a sealed cloth or plastic bag. Also, make sure to keep the garbage cleaned regularly as bugs like to crawl in after leftover food particles.

On a side note, many bugs go crawling at night to get a drink of water. Whenever you come across a house spider in the bathroom at three in the morning, know that it’s just trying to sneak a drink from your water faucet.

2. Lay Down Diatomaceous Earth

As an option other than pest control, which will spray inside the house with insecticide, you can sprinkle diatomaceous earth along the wall and corners of the interior. You can also sprinkle this along window sills and in entryways. Diatomaceous earth is made up of microscopic fossils of ancient single celled and algae organisms. This earth is extremely sharp and will cut up any insects that crawl over it. However, it is so fine that it won’t cut a person. Be careful of inhaling this product by accident, as it can cause breathing difficulties. It’s safe to sprinkle on the ground in areas where you don’t tread very often. If you have a dog that likes to sniff around inside the house, you may also want to avoid using diatomaceous earth.

3. Use Essential Oils

Plants in nature create essential oils to help protect themselves from insects. We can use the same oils to keep them out of our homes. Create sachets soaked with these essential oils and place them in your closets, clothing drawers, or even cupboards in the kitchen. Some of these oils also smell quite nice, such as lavender and eucalyptus, which are both good for repelling insects. Clove oil can also help repel bugs for months at a time. Another good oil to consider is citronella, which is commonly used in candles to help repel mosquitoes when eating outdoors.

These tricks are easy ways to keep bugs from invading during the cold season. You can set up the diatomaceous earth and the essential oils within a few minutes and then forget about them for the rest of the season. It’s also easy enough to keep food from sitting out in the open to keep from drawing insects into your living space.

Image credit:Some rights reserved by Pig Monkey

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