She Strengthens

14 Common Household Pests and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally

From lice to termites, household pests can be a nuisance and even a threat to our health and property. While chemical pesticides may provide a quick fix, they can also have harmful effects on our environment and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are natural and effective ways to prevent and eliminate these pests from our homes.

1. Lice

• Appearance: Small, wingless insects
• Habitat: Human hair and scalp
• Favorite snacks: Human blood
• Danger zone: Itching and skin irritation
• How to ditch them: Wash clothes in hot water and soap, use tea tree oil shampoo, and comb out nits with a special nit comb.

2. Mosquitoes

• Appearance: Brown body with thin wings and six long legs
• Habitat: Near still water
• Favorite snacks: Human and animal blood
• Danger zone: Red, itchy bites and transmission of diseases like malaria and West Nile virus
• How to ditch them: Keep windows closed, drain standing water, wear long sleeves and pants, and apply natural repellents like lemon eucalyptus oil.

3. Mites

• Appearance: Invisible to the naked eye
• Habitat: Humid environments, especially bedrooms and pet areas
• Favorite snacks: Shedded human skin flakes, pollen, and fungi
• Danger zone: Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbation
• How to ditch them: Reduce humidity, vacuum and mop regularly, wash bedding frequently, and consider using bug-proof covers.

4. Meal Moths

• Appearance: Off-white larvae and greyish-brown adult moths
• Habitat: Cupboards and pantries
• Favorite snacks: Grains, pet food, and dried fruits
• Danger zone: Contamination of food and allergic reactions
• How to ditch them: Clean out cupboards, inspect packages for larvae, and store nonperishables in sealed containers.

5. Spiders

• Appearance: Eight legs and various body colors
• Habitat: Everywhere, especially in nooks and crannies
• Favorite snacks: Other insects and smaller spiders
• Danger zone: Poisonous bites from black widow and brown recluse spiders
• How to ditch them: Leave them alone, as they can help with pest control, but call a professional if you’re concerned about poisonous species.

6. Cockroaches

• Appearance: Brown, oval-shaped bodies with six legs
• Habitat: Warm, humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens
• Favorite snacks: Starches, paper, and food scraps
• Danger zone: Allergic reactions, asthma exacerbation, and transmission of diseases
• How to ditch them: Keep counters clean, store food in sealed containers, and use natural repellents like borax and bay leaves.

7. Ticks

• Appearance: Small, round bodies with eight legs
• Habitat: Wooded areas with tall grass and shrubs
• Favorite snacks: Human and animal blood
• Danger zone: Transmission of diseases like Lyme disease and encephalitis
• How to ditch them: Wear long pants and sleeves, avoid tall grass, and do regular tick checks after outdoor activities.

8. Termites

• Appearance: Brown, black, or yellow bodies with four wings
• Habitat: Dead wood, stumps, and houses
• Favorite snacks: Dead wood and untreated siding
• Danger zone: Structural damage to homes and buildings
• How to ditch them: Keep mulch piles away from foundations, avoid building wooden structures near crawl spaces, and use natural repellents like borax and neem oil.

Essential Oils for Bug Control

While essential oils can be an effective natural solution for bug control, it’s important to note that their effects may not last as long as chemical pesticides and may need to be frequently reapplied. Some effective essential oils for bug control include:

• Catnip oil: Repels mosquitoes 10 times more effectively than DEET
• Cinnamon oil: Kills mosquito eggs and repels adult mosquitoes
• Cedarwood oil: Repels ants, fleas, ticks, bedbugs, and other pests
• Citronella oil: Repels mosquitoes and other pests
• Lavender oil: Repels ants, moths, bedbugs, and other pests
• Peppermint oil: Kills mosquito eggs and repels adult mosquitoes
• Tea tree oil: Repels and kills a wide variety of pests

Remember to always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil or water and apply them in well-ventilated areas to avoid any adverse effects.