Most household insecticides such as ant and fly killers as
well as mothballs are poisonous if swallowed or inhaled. Many contain chlorine
or hydrocarbons (naphthalene in mothballs is a hydrocarbon). Even when
correctly used they can cause irritating rashes, allergies, breathing problems
and eye, nose and throat irritations. Here are some alternative ways to deal
with household insects.
Ants
Ants do not necessarily spread any diseases but they thrive
on any food or food debris making themselves nuisances. To deter them, block up
any visible ant holes, and then sprinkle a mixture of equal parts of mint,
chili powder, and borax where they are coming into the house.
Cockroaches
In the case of cockroaches, they can spread diseases as
their droppings can contaminate food. To deter them, put down a mixture in
equal parts of cocoa powder, borax, and flour, or a mixture in equal parts of
icing sugar and sodium bicarbonate.
Flies
Flies spread bacteria and can be a health hazard. Make up
bunches of bay leaves, mint, and eucalyptus leaves and sew them into
cheesecloth bags with some cloves and a few drops of citrus oil. Hang it in
windows or doorways to deter flies.
Moths
We all know what destruction moths can cause to any kind of
fabric. The irony is that moths are not a health hazards, but mothballs are! Place
sachets filled with lavender, camphor, rosemary, peppercorns and cedar chips in
storage places of clothes, linen, and blankets.
Weevils
A weevil is an insect that eats grain and are therefore
found in places where grain and other starchy foodstuffs are stored. Place a
bay leaf in each container of rice, lentils, or any dry goods, including flour.
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