How to let the sun shine in and keep the pests out

It's time to throw open the doors and raise the windows to allow the warm sweet allure of Spring's soft breezes to float into your home.  

But how do you let the sun shine in while keeping the creepy crawly and flying pests out?  Nothing will ruin a warm Spring nap on your favorite window seat quicker than a fly buzzing pass your ear or an ant crawling up your arm. 

No worries though there are many quick remedies that you can use to keep these pesky pests at bay.  Here are a couple all natural non-toxic pest control remedies I personally use.  One remedy we used in Texas was putting a penny in a clear plastic bag filled with water and hanging them around the perimeter of the house.  You'll see this trick used by restaurants with patio seating, mostly in the South/Southwest.  You can read more about the Ol' Penny in a bag to keep flies away tick.

I also have found that planting citronella plants around the house, particularly under window keeps mosquitoes away.   Plus, you get the added benefit of the citrus orange fragrance that wafts in on the breeze.  Check with your local garden supply store.

All natural non-toxic remedies work and do not destroy everything in their path and are safe to use around children and pets. 

Planet Natural has a great article on Home Remedies for Natural Pest Control.  Here are a few of their recommendations, but please be sure to visit their site for more details and other really great ideas. 

• A natural fly catcher related to wine is to put something sickly sweet like mango peels in the bottom of narrow-necked wine bottles. The flies can fly in, but can't fly out.

• Grind rosemary leaves into a fine dust and sprinkle it onto your pet or its bedding to ward off fleas.

•  Sprinkle instant grits on the fire ant hill. The workers will carry the grits to the queen for her royal meal. She'll eat the grits and when it rains, she'll drink. And that's what will kill her. The grits will expand in her stomach and she'll "bloat" to death.

Of course if all else fails call in the pros! 

I love these commercials.  They really capture the feeling most of us have towards insects.  They are so creepy!



Deborah

Old Dominion Concierge

"We Run Your Errands"