Summer pest control: Natural solutions for a bug-free home

General / Lifestyle choices, Home

  10 Minutes
As the temperature rises, so does the likelihood of unwanted guests invading our homes. From pesky mosquitoes to destructive termites, summer pests can quickly turn our peaceful abodes into battlegrounds. Before you reach for harmful chemicals or call in the exterminators, let’s explore natural, eco-friendly, and simple ways to keep your home pest-free this summer.

Common summer pests

Before we look at the solutions, it’s important to identify the usual suspects. South African homes often face invasions from:

  • Mosquitoes
  • Ants
  • Flies and fruit flies
  • Cockroaches
  • Ticks and fleas
  • Spiders
  • Mice and rats
  • Snakes
  • Termites
  • Moths

Each of these pests presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, we can deter them naturally.

Insect-repelling plants for South African gardens

Insect-repelling plants for South African gardens

Instead of relying on chemical repellents, add these insect-deterring plants to your garden or outdoor living spaces:

Citronella

Citronella is well-known for its mosquito-repelling properties. It produces a strong aroma that masks other scents, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their targets.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a flavourful herb used in many Asian dishes and an effective mosquito repellent. It’s also effective against house flies and fruit flies.

Lavender

Lavender adds a lovely fragrance to your garden and repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. It grows well in sunny, well-drained areas.

Marigolds

These bright flowers contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents. Marigolds are particularly effective against mosquitoes and can be planted in pots or garden beds.

Basil

This culinary herb does double duty by repelling mosquitoes and flies and being a delicious addition to meals. It’s easy to grow in pots, making it an excellent choice for outdoor living areas.

Lemon Balm

A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a strong lemon scent when its leaves are crushed. It can be used as a natural mosquito repellent by rubbing the crushed leaves on your skin.

Mint

Effective against ants, flies, and mosquitoes, mint is a vigorous grower. Plant it in containers to prevent it from spreading too much.

Rosemary

This aromatic herb deters flies and mosquitoes. It prefers hot, dry climates, making it ideal for South African gardens.

Planting Tips

  1. Plant near seating areas, windows, and doors for maximum effect.
  2. Use a combination of plants for broader protection against various pests.
  3. Most of these plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil.\
  4. Regular pruning and care will help maintain the plants’ insect-repelling properties.

Essential Oil Sprays

Essential oils are a natural and aromatic way to deter various pests. Create your own pest-repelling sprays using these essential oils:

  • Citronella Oil: Mix 15-20 drops of citronella oil with 50ml of witch hazel and 50ml of distilled water in a spray bottle.
  • Peppermint Oil: Combine 10-15 drops of peppermint oil with 250ml of water in a spray bottle. Apply around doorways, windows, and other potential entry points.
  • Eucalyptus Oil: Mix with water or witch hazel. Use 10-15 drops of eucalyptus oil per 250ml of liquid.
  • Lavender Oil: Mix 10-15 drops with 250ml of water or witch hazel.
  • Tea Tree Oil: Use 10-15 drops per 250ml of water.
  • Lemongrass Oil: Mix 15-20 drops with 250ml of water or witch hazel.

When creating these sprays, always shake well before use. Apply to problem areas around your home or on surfaces where pests are commonly seen. For personal use, spray on clothing rather than directly on the skin, and always do a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions.

Some of these essential oils are not safe to use if you have household pets and essential oils should never be applied to your pet without consulting a veterinarian first.

Combatting fruit flies

This simple homemade fly trap is an easy way to deal with fruit flies in your kitchen. Fill a glass or jar about three-quarters full with vinegar (white or apple cider), then add 6-8 drops of dishwashing liquid. Top up the container with warm water and place it in the affected area. The vinegar attracts the fruit flies, while the soap breaks the surface tension, causing them to sink and become trapped. Check the trap daily and refresh the mixture every few days or when it becomes cloudy.

Simple ways to prevent pests

Often, the best defence is a good offence.

  • Empty rubbish bins frequently
  • Wipe counters clean after cooking
  • Don’t leave dirty dishes out overnight
  • Fix leaking outdoor taps or pipes
  • Clear clogged gutters
  • Eliminate standing water around the home
  • Pick up dog waste promptly
  • Use fine mesh screens on windows
  • Use mosquito nets in bedrooms
  • Keep a fan on, mosquitos don’t like moving air.

Keeping snakes at bay

The last thing anyone wants is an unexpected snake in their home. Many urban legends claim to repel snakes, like Jeyes Fluid, but none of these work. The best way to keep snakes out of your home is to make it difficult for them to get into your home. Keep areas around the house clear and open, don’t store wood or garden refuse close to the house and make sure there are no gaps under doors.

Don’t kill bees!

It’s important to remember that not all insects are pests. Bees, in particular, play a vital role in our ecosystem. They’re responsible for nearly 80% of all pollination globally, making them vital for food production. If you’re dealing with bees, deter them naturally rather than killing them. Plant mint or citronella around your home to keep the bees at bay. Bees also detest the smell of cucumber peels, so if you’re spending time outside, placing cucumber peels on the table will keep them at bay.

Remember, the goal is to deter bees, not harm them. If you have a persistent bee problem, contact a local beekeeper who can safely relocate the hive.

Products to soothe the sting:

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree 100_ Pure Oil 10ml

Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil: Relieve itch from mosquito and insect bites with Tea Tree Oil. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective solution for insect bites and stings. Apply 1 drop of Tea Tree Oil directly onto the bite/sting. For a larger affected area add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a carrier oil/cream, mix and apply to the area. To remove ticks, apply 1 drop of tea tree oil directly to the tick and it will unlatch.

For rashes, add 3-4 drops of tea tree oil to cream, mix and apply the cream directly onto the rash two to three times a day. Also, add 6-8 drops of tea tree oil to bath water and bath as normal.

 

Pegasus sting 30cPegasus sting 30c: A homeopathic remedy for stinging and burning sensations. It treats the acute symptoms of insect stings & bites e.g. bee, wasp, jellyfish or bluebottle sting, spider bites.
Pegasus bites 30cPegasus bites 30c: A homeopathic remedy for serious bites where poisoning and tissue damage may occur. This remedy is purely for initial, interim emergency treatment.

 

These natural and simple methods create a harmonious environment that’s comfortable for us and respectful of the natural world around us. A pest-free home doesn’t have to come at the cost of environmental harm or danger to beneficial insects. With a little effort and some natural ingenuity, we can enjoy a peaceful, pest-free summer.

References and additional reading:

  1. 9 Natural Pest Control Solutions to try (2024) Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/natural-pest-control-solution/
  2. Harris, L. (2021) 13 natural ways to keep pests out of your home, EcoWatch. Available at: https://www.ecowatch.com/natural-ways-to-keep-pests-out-2654931449.html
  3. Oder, T. (2024) 12 plants that repel unwanted insects (including mosquitoes), Treehugger. Available at: https://www.treehugger.com/plants-that-repel-unwanted-insects-4864336
  4. Stockigt, S. (2019) Plants that deter mosquitos, Life is a Garden. Available at: https://www.lifeisagarden.co.za/plants-that-deter-mosquitos/
  5. Top 10 household pests in South Africa (no date) rentokil. Available at: https://www.rentokil.co.za/top-10-house-pests/
  6. Venzon, C. (2011) How to keep your home bug-free in the Summer, HowStuffWorks. Available at: https://home.howstuffworks.com/keep-home-bug-free-in-summer.htm