Ants can often be found scrambling across countertops in your home.
Bugs and insects can invade homes during the warmer months of the year. Ants, spiders, gnats and mosquitoes can all eventually find their way in and cause a potential health hazard. Many chemicals can be purchased from stores to help keep the insects away, but several home remedies can be just as effective. Does this Spark an idea?
Mint
Mint oil or even crushed mint leaves can be used to repel insects such as ants and spiders, and even mice and rats. This is because its strong scent can burn their nostrils and keep them at bay. You can either put crushed mint leaves in nylon bags and place it in problem areas or mix mint oil in a spray bottle with some rubbing alcohol (80 percent rubbing alcohol, 20 percent mint oil) and spray it on yourself as a repellent or around corners where you often spot insects.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil can serve a similar function to mint leaves because its strong odor can burn up nostrils of various insects and drive them away. Mix some garlic oil in with some water in a spray bottle with a ratio of 90 percent water to 10 percent garlic oil and spray it in problem areas. Spraying some in with standing water outside can kill mosquito larvae. You can also mix in a little bit of garlic oil with some petroleum jelly and rub it on your skin to serve as an outdoor mosquito repellent.
Basil
Another effective treatment for repelling insects is to use basil extract. Take four ounces of basil leaves and put them in a cup, then pour in some boiling hot water and let it steep for about a half hour or until the water changes color. Use a strainer to separate the liquid from the leaves and funnel it into a spray bottle, then add 4 oz. of water and 4 oz. of 40-proof vodka and shake well. Spray this mixture in problem areas to help repel insects. You can also place growing basil in a pot on your countertop or near a window sill to keep insects away.
Other Remedies
Some other items you can try include chopped hot peppers mixed with water, some pure vanilla extract dabbed behind your ears or on your wrists, or lavender flowers or lavender extract to help repel mosquitoes.
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