Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Distribute hedge apples around your home. Hedge apples, also called osage oranges, are a green wrinkly softball-sized fruit found throughout the midwest and southern states. While there is no scientific evidence proving that hedge apples work, many people swear that placing hedge apples around the outer perimeter of your foundation and in your basement repels ants, fleas, roaches, spiders and possibly mice. Replace every year.
Plug in an insect repeller. Electronic insect repellents use ultrasound to deter pests from taking up residence in your home. They cost about $8 or $9 each and can be plugged into any electric outlet. Each one covers about 500 square feet of home, so you will need more than one. Again, there is no scientific evidence proving that electronic insect repellents work, however, many people believe they are effective against ants and roaches.
Make herbal insect repellent. Add lemon peel, orange peel, mint leaves and sage leaves into a saucepan of water and simmer until you've made a strong tea. Allow to sit overnight, strain out the peels and herbs, mix 50/50 with witch hazel in a spray bottle and spritz yourself and your home as needed.
Keep your house clean. Ants and roaches prefer a messy habitat with dirty countertops, food rotting in the sink and trash not taken out regularly. Wash countertops with vinegar and water after preparing every meal. Wash your dirty dishes at least once a day. Take out the trash every other day. If you have nothing with which to feed the bugs, they won't come.