5 Easy Tricks to Help Keep Bugs and Spiders Away
Living in Australia, if there's one thing I don't love seeing around the house, it's unwanted bugs and spiders! Luckily, there are a few simple tricks using fresh ingredients and scents that I love trying around my home. They smell lovely for us, but keeps bugs and spiders outside where they belong.
1. Simmer lemon, rosemary and clove
This is one of my favourite ways to create a gorgeous natural fragrance while helping keep spiders away.
Add lemon, rosemary and cloves to a pot of water and allow everything to simmer gently on your stovetop.
As the mixture simmers, the fragrance fills your home. Spiders don't like these strong scents, so it's a lovely little trick to try when you want your home smelling fresh while helping discourage them.
2. Turn the mixture into a surface spray
One you’re finished boiling this mix, don't throw the rest away. You can also bottle it and use it as a surface spray around your windows.
Windows and entry points can be areas where unwanted visitors make their way inside, so giving these areas a wipe can be a handy addition to your cleaning routine.
Just avoid using this around pet areas, as some concentrated fragrances aren't suitable for pets.
3. Place bay leaves in your pantry
Pantry bugs are another little household nuisance.
A simple trick is to place If there's one thing I don't love seeing around the house, it's unwanted bugs and spiders!
Luckily, there are a few simple tricks using fresh ingredients and scents that I love trying around my home.
These are quick, inexpensive and easy to incorporate into your cleaning routine.
1. Simmer lemon, rosemary and clove
This is one of my favourite ways to create a gorgeous natural fragrance while helping keep spiders away.
Add lemon, rosemary and cloves to a pot of water and allow everything to simmer gently on your stovetop.
I also like to add some vanilla, although this is completely optional.
As the mixture simmers, the fragrance fills your home.
Spiders don't like these strong scents, so it's a lovely little trick to try when you want your home smelling fresh while helping discourage them.
2. Turn the mixture into a surface spray
Don't throw that lovely mixture away!
You can also bottle it and use it as a surface spray around your windows.
Windows and entry points can be areas where unwanted visitors make their way inside, so giving these areas a wipe can be a handy addition to your cleaning routine.
Just avoid using this around pet areas, as some essential oils and concentrated fragrances aren't suitable for pets.
3. Place bay leaves in your pantry
Pantry bugs are another little household nuisance. A simple trick is to place bay leaves in your pantry to help keep pantry bugs away. Pop them into cupboards, corners or around areas where you store dry foods. And of course, keep an eye on your food storage and make sure dry goods are properly sealed to help prevent pantry pests in the first place.
4. Use citrus around your drains
Your drains can be an unexpected entry point for bugs and spiders. To help keep them fresh and discourage unwanted visitors, place lemon and orange peels around your drains, then flush with boiling water. The citrus leaves behind a lovely fresh scent while the hot water helps flush the drain.
It's a simple trick to add to your regular cleaning routine.
5. Wipe peppermint oil around your ceilings
If you're constantly finding spiders and webs around your ceilings, try wiping peppermint oil around the areas where you notice them. The strong scent can help discourage spiders from hanging around.
Skip this one if you have pets, as peppermint oil and other essential oils can be unsafe for some animals.
These little tricks are simple additions to your cleaning routine and can help your home smell fresh at the same time.
Chantel Mila xx