Creepy Crawlies in the Kitchen
This summer has been bad for creepy crawlies in our homes. How does that trail of ants always find that one crumb accidentally left on the bench?
Essential oils of Peppermint, Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon, Orange, Lime, Citronella, and Eucalyptus are all known for their bug-repelling properties and can help to keep the creepy crawlies out of your kitchen and home.
Simply add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil (adjust based on your preference) to a 500ml Polyspray bottle and then fill the remainder with water. Shake the bottle well before each use and then spray onto surfaces[1] and into crevices where the creepy crawlies like to sneak in.
Protect the Pantry
Using bay leaves to protect your dried goods in your pantry is a simple and natural way to keep the pests away. The odour of the bay leaves repels the bugs leaving your dried goods such as rice, grains, and cereal pest-free. Make sure you are using airtight containers and just add a bay leaf or two on top of your dry goods.
Fruit Fly Trap
If those small and annoying fruit flies have invaded your home, there is an easy way to deal with them. Grab a small bowl or jar and pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar into the bowl. Add a few drops of Dishwashing Liquid and place the bowl near areas where fruit flies are present, such as a fruit bowl.
Get out in the Garden
Many plants are known to repel bugs and insects so why not get out in the garden and grow some pest-repelling plants? Rosemary is not only a delicious herb but is also purported to repel insects. Chrysanthemums are also great at deterring pests as they contain natural pyrethrum, with the added advantage of producing beautiful flowers.
Prevention Measures
The saying that prevention is better than a cure also applies to pests in your home. Making sure surfaces are kept clean and sealing up gaps and openings where bugs can enter, will go a long way to keeping your home pest-free.
Explore Tri Nature’s range of essential oils and cleaning products here.
[1] We recommend doing a spot test of light-coloured surfaces as some essential oils can discolour some surfaces.
