1. Peanut Butter: The Sneaky Pest Deterrent
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Turns out, peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches—it’s a pest-control MVP. Spread some on traps to humanely catch mice without harming them. It’s irresistible to rodents, so they can’t help but investigate. Once caught, simply release them far from your home (preferably near a rodent rave spot in the woods). Also, if the mouse doesn’t get trapped, they will be so thirsty that they often leave the home in search of water.
2. Essential Oils: Pests Hate the Spa Treatment
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Lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils might make your home smell like a luxury spa, but to pests, it’s a nightmare. Spiders, ants, and even mice can’t stand the strong scent. Dab it on cotton balls and leave them in corners, or mix it with water for a spritzing spray. Not only will you keep pests out, but your home will smell so divine, you might start charging admission.
3. Seal Those Cracks: Evict Pests at the Door
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A tube of caulk is your best friend when it comes to blocking pests. Tiny cracks and crevices are like VIP entrances for bugs and mice. By sealing them up, you’re basically saying, “Sorry, club’s full.” It’s a one-time effort with long-term results. Plus, it doubles as an excuse to avoid DIY projects for a week because, hey, you just “did home repairs.”
4. Vinegar: A Bug’s Worst Nightmare
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Ants may march in, but vinegar will send them packing. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and wipe down counters, floors, and entryways. The strong smell disrupts their pheromone trails, leaving them confused and homeless. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and a great excuse to tell everyone you’re now into “natural cleaning methods.”
5. Citrus Peels: The Zesty Pest Repellent
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Got a pile of orange or lemon peels? Don’t toss them! Rub them along windowsills and doorframes to repel spiders and ants. The strong citrus smell is a big nope for bugs. Bonus: your house smells refreshingly fruity, and you can feel smug about your zero-waste, pest-free lifestyle.
6. Coffee Grounds: Buzz Off, Bugs
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Pests hate caffeine almost as much as you love it. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your garden or near entry points to keep ants and other bugs away. It’s the most satisfying form of recycling—you get your morning fix, and pests get the message to stay out. Plus, it’s free, making it a win-win for your wallet and your sanity.
7. DIY Fruit Fly Trap: Bye-Bye, Tiny Annoyances
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Fruit flies are tiny, infuriating houseguests. To banish them, fill a jar with apple cider vinegar, a drop of dish soap, and cover it with plastic wrap poked with small holes. The flies can check in, but they won’t check out. It’s oddly satisfying to watch your tiny trap fill up, and you can finally enjoy fruit without an audience.
8. Cinnamon: The Sweet-Smelling Bug Barrier
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Cinnamon isn’t just for your morning latte—it’s also a pest repellent powerhouse. Sprinkle it along windowsills, doorways, or anywhere ants might enter. Bugs hate the strong scent, but your house will smell like a cozy bakery. It’s humane, affordable, and adds a touch of warmth to your space—literally keeping pests out while sweetening your vibes.
9. Steel Wool: The Rodent Stopper
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Mice may be small, but they can’t chew through steel wool. Stuff it into gaps and holes around pipes or vents, and watch as they give up and scurry elsewhere. It’s the equivalent of putting a “no vacancy” sign on your home, except shinier and more effective. Who knew a little metal could outsmart a mouse?
10. Herbs That Work Overtime
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Planting mint, basil, or rosemary isn’t just for your culinary masterpiece—it’s a natural pest repellent. Mosquitoes and flies hate these fragrant herbs, so scatter them around your garden or windowsills. You’ll keep pests out and have fresh ingredients on hand. Double-duty plants? Now that’s efficiency.
11. Screens: The Ultimate Bug Filter
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Installing fine mesh screens on windows and doors is the easiest way to keep bugs out while still enjoying a breeze. They’re like a bouncer for your home, letting in air and light but saying “not today” to mosquitoes. It’s simple, effective, and the ultimate lazy person’s hack—set it up once and relax.
