Dealing with pests can be frustrating, but harsh chemical solutions aren’t always the best—or safest—option. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural pest control methods that are effective, eco-friendly, and safe for your family and pets. From deterring ants and mosquitoes to keeping rodents at bay, these 15 tips will help you tackle common household pests without resorting to toxic sprays or traps.

1. Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powdery substance made from fossilized algae. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets but deadly to insects like ants, cockroaches, and bedbugs because it damages their exoskeletons.

  • How to Use: Sprinkle food-grade DE along cracks, crevices, and entry points where pests might enter.
  • Tip: Reapply after rain or cleaning, as moisture reduces its effectiveness.

2. Plant Pest-Repelling Herbs

Certain herbs naturally repel pests while adding beauty and flavor to your garden or kitchen.

  • Examples:
  • Basil: Repels flies and mosquitoes.
  • Mint: Keeps ants and spiders away.
  • Lavender: Deters moths, fleas, and mosquitoes.
  • How to Use: Grow these herbs in pots near windows or doors, or crush leaves to release their oils and place them in problem areas.

3. Make a DIY Vinegar Spray

Vinegar is a natural deterrent for ants, fruit flies, and other small pests due to its strong smell.

  • Recipe: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil (like peppermint or eucalyptus) for extra potency.
  • How to Use: Spray along baseboards, countertops, and other surfaces where pests gather.

4. Seal Entry Points

Prevention is key to keeping pests out. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes where bugs or rodents could sneak in.

  • What to Do:
  • Caulk gaps around windows and doors.
  • Install weather stripping under doors.
  • Repair torn window screens.
  • Bonus Tip: Use steel wool to block rodent entry points—it’s too tough for them to chew through.

5. Use Essential Oils

Many essential oils act as natural insect repellents. Their strong scents confuse and deter pests without harming humans or pets.

  • Effective Oils:
  • Peppermint: Repels ants, spiders, and mice.
  • Tea Tree: Works against mold mites and fleas.
  • Citronella: Keeps mosquitoes away.
  • How to Use: Dilute 10–15 drops of oil in water and spray around your home, or soak cotton balls and place them in pest-prone areas.

6. Set Up Physical Barriers

For crawling insects like ants and roaches, physical barriers can stop them in their tracks.

  • Options:
  • Place sticky traps near entry points.
  • Line shelves with double-sided tape to catch crawling bugs.
  • Tip: Combine this method with natural repellents for maximum effectiveness.

7. Maintain a Clean Home

Pests are attracted to food sources, so cleanliness is one of the best forms of prevention.

  • Tips:
  • Wipe down counters and sweep floors daily.
  • Store food in airtight containers.
  • Take out the trash regularly and clean bins frequently.
  • Bonus: Don’t leave pet food out overnight—it can attract ants and rodents.

8. Use Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a natural repellent for moths, carpet beetles, and even rodents.

  • How to Use:
  • Place cedar blocks or sachets in closets and drawers.
  • Use cedar mulch in your garden to deter pests outdoors.
  • Alternative: Cedarwood essential oil can also be used in sprays or diffusers.

9. Employ Beer Traps for Slugs

Slugs love beer! Use this to your advantage by setting up simple traps.

  • How to Make:
  • Bury a shallow container (like a yogurt cup) in the soil so the rim is level with the ground.
  • Fill it halfway with beer.
  • Why It Works: Slugs are drawn to the yeast in beer and drown in the trap.

10. Introduce Beneficial Insects

Some insects are natural predators of common pests. Attract or introduce these “good bugs” to your garden.

  • Examples:
  • Ladybugs: Eat aphids and spider mites.
  • Praying Mantises: Prey on flies, mosquitoes, and caterpillars.
  • Nematodes: Microscopic worms that attack grubs and larvae in the soil.
  • How to Attract: Plant flowers like marigolds, daisies, and sunflowers to draw beneficial insects.

11. Use Borax for Ants and Roaches

Borax is a natural mineral compound that disrupts pests’ digestive systems when ingested.

  • Recipe: Mix 1 part borax with 3 parts sugar and enough water to form a paste. Spread it on cardboard or cotton balls.
  • Where to Place: Near ant trails or roach hiding spots.
  • Caution: Keep borax away from children and pets.

12. Hang Flypaper or DIY Traps

Flypaper is an old-school solution that still works wonders for flying insects.

  • DIY Option: Coat strips of brown paper with a mixture of corn syrup and sugar. Hang them near windows or light fixtures.
  • Tip: Dispose of full flypaper promptly to avoid attracting more pests.

13. Combat Mosquitoes with Fans

Mosquitoes are weak fliers, so strategically placed fans can keep them away during outdoor gatherings.

  • How to Use: Position oscillating fans on patios or decks to create airflow.
  • Bonus: Pair with citronella candles or torches for added protection.

14. Create a Homemade Rodent Repellent

Rodents dislike certain smells, which you can use to your advantage.

  • Recipe: Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil or ammonia and place them near suspected entry points.
  • Why It Works: The scent masks food odors and irritates rodents, encouraging them to leave.

15. Practice Companion Planting

Companion planting involves growing specific plants together to deter pests naturally.

  • Examples:
  • Marigolds: Repel nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies.
  • Garlic: Keeps aphids and Japanese beetles away.
  • Nasturtiums: Act as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from other plants.
  • How to Use: Integrate these plants into your vegetable garden or flower beds.

Final Thoughts

Natural pest control doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By combining preventive measures with targeted remedies, you can create a pest-free environment without relying on harmful chemicals. Whether you’re dealing with ants, mosquitoes, or rodents, these 15 tips offer practical, sustainable solutions that work.

As someone who has battled pests in my own home, I’ve found that consistency is key. Regular maintenance, combined with natural deterrents, keeps problems from escalating. So roll up your sleeves, try a few of these strategies, and enjoy a cleaner, healthier living space—all while staying kind to the planet! 🌿✨