Pests can be a real problem around the house especially if you live in the country. Your home can become infested with mice, ants and cockroaches which pose a real threat for your health. And let’s face it nobody wants to deal with these little critters but if you have to you would like to know what the best way to do it is.
Whenever people face this problem they almost immediately reach out for the toxic chemicals which are sold commercially but the truth is that they’re dangerous for your health and can be even more dangerous if you have pets or small children. However, that doesn’t mean that there’s no other alternative, you can opt out for a more natural approach and still eliminate them effectively. Essential oils are perfect for this problem you just need to know the right combination for the right pest and we’re here to teach you exactly that.
Pet pests
Fleas and ticks
If you’re a proud dog or cat owner you know that fleas and ticks are the most common problem you face, especially in the summer. There are some commercially available flea and tick repellents but they can be rather expensive and are loaded with toxic chemicals which can even cause an allergic reaction in your beloved pet. Here’s what essential oils can help your pooch stay fleas and ticks free:
Lavender flea repellent
Mix some distilled water with 20 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle and spray your pet’s fur with it. Be careful not to spray around his eyes, mouth and private area. If he’s sensitive regarding the whole spraying process, spray some on your hands and pet him.
Tick repellent for dogs
Mix 10 drops of palo santo essential oil with 50 drops of a carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil is a good choice) in a 1-oz spray bottle. When it’s high tick season rub this spray into your dog’s fur every two days and he’ll be tick free for sure. You can also use palo santo essential oil for safe tick removal.
Mice
Mice may be the most annoying problem ever household has faced at least once if not more. They can cause some serious damage to your food reserves and your furniture as well. And they’re also quite unpleasant sight which is why we’re willing to try everything just to get rid of them permanently.
Instead of buying mice poison and endanger your family you can try the following essential oils which are just as effective:
Peppermint, eucalyptus and spearmint essential oils are excellent mice deterrents. Just apply some on cotton balls and disperse them all around the house, paying special attention to drawers, balconies, near the doors and places where you suspect they frequent. Aside from eliminating mice they’ll make your house smell nice.
Repel Cockroaches
Mix 10 drops of peppermint essential oil, ½ a cup of water, and 5 drops of cypress essential oil in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas (under the sink, in the cupboards etc.). You can also soak some cotton balls in lemongrass, peppermint or citronella essential oil and place them around the house where you notice cockroaches.
Keep flies away
If you’re annoyed by flies you just need to have a bowl of cloves around the house. Flies hate cloves so you’re guaranteed to be flies free. Just to be sure you can add a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus or peppermint oil on top of them.
Ant and Spider Repellent
Whenever spring comes along we have to face the annoying spider and ant attacks on our home. However, this simple trick can help you keep them at bay. Mix some lavender essential oil, vinegar, and peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle (it’s best if you use glass bottle because some essential oil can damage plastic), and spray on windows and doors. Here’s how much you’ll need of each ingredient:
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- ½ cup of filtered water
- ½ cup of vinegar
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
Source:
http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com