by Cyrus Dehkan

Created on: March 02, 2007   Last Updated: May 20, 2007

Why use nasty chemicals to keep pests away. Below are numerous ways to control pests without risking ones health or spending ones money. To control:

Mosquitoes or insects- mix 1 ounce of spearmint or peppermint oil with a few drops of baby or vegetable oil and rub this into the skin before going outside. To prevent mosquitoes from hatching remove all standing water. If unable to do this place dish washing detergent into the water. It will kill the eggs and larvae.

Small rodents/mice- Place a large stainless steel bowl in an area that is frequented by the rodent. Grease the inside of the bowl, place the bait in the middle of the bowl and stack books on both sides to allow the rodent or mouse to climb in. once inside the grease will prevent it from climbing out and you'll be able to dispose of it humanely.

Moths - Place cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary and thyme near the clothes or fabrics you want to protect

Ants - There are several repellents for ants. Cucumber peels, salt, crushed bay leaves,cayenne pepper,vinegar and flour are ant repellents. Red ants in particular don't like crushed sage. To remove ant hills pour boiling water on them to eliminate the problem

Bees, Wasps and Hornets- Pests that are difficult to remove. Easiest was is to vacuum them up into a dust-buster or insect vacuum and let them starve.

Rabbits- prevent rabbits from eating your plants by sprinkling talcum powder over them. Reapply after rain. The rabbits will not touch them

Roaches- Chopped cucumbers will keep roaches away.

Spiders - A mixture of cayenne pepper and water sprayed in areas frequented by spiders will keep them at bay. Another alternative is a spray made up of 4 TBSP dishwashing liquid to 1 gallon of water.

Deer repellent - The same cayenne and water mixture used for spiders is effective for deer as well. Wrap fiberglass or other protective coverings around small trees.

Snails and slugs - Place copper sheet strips around the edge of the area you want to protect. Make sure there is no other path for the snail or slug to go on. The slime of these creatures reacts with the copper to create an electrical shock.

Scorpions - A mixture of cayenne pepper and water sprayed is a good deterrent like it is for its cousin the spider. However, if you find one crawling around the house and you happen to have some scotch or whiskey handy, pour a capfull on it. It will kill itself for you.

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