Thursday, January 12, 2012

Alternative ways to deal with household insects



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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