If you are like us, bugs rank high on your list of the "Worst Things About Summer." There are so many pesticides and pest prevention products on the market, but many of them contain harsh chemicals that can have adverse effects on you and your loved ones. It's possible that an effective solution could be found in your cabinet or in the food aisle of your local grocery store. Take a look at these all natural pest repellents that aim to keep a smile on your face and bugs away from your home.

Cucumbers

Cucumber peelings have been known to be an effective deterrent for ants. Select the most common places ants may enter your home and spread a line of cucumber peelings there. This should keep them from crossing the line and entering your home. 

Garlic

Garlic is known to be a natural insecticide for various types of insects, including mosquitos. Grind garlic with water and apply this mixture to wherever insects may enter your home. If you would rather not make your own solution, products with garlic are sold and are touted to be more concentrated and have less of an odor. They are also said to be safe to use around plants, children and pets.

Plants

Growing certain plants around the perimeter of your home, especially around windows and doorways, can help establish a healthy barrier to repel insects. Spearmint, peppermint, and pennyroyals have been known to be effective ants and aphids repellent. However, mint and basil plants have been known to deter flies. If you are unable to have potted basil, dried basil is an alternative. Put dried basil in a small muslin pouch outside your windows or doorways, rubbing it occasionally to keep the scent strong.

Catnip is said to repel mosquitoes more effectively than DEET. If you want to take the power of catnip with you, apply undiluted catnip oil to the skin for up to two hours of protection.

Cornmeal

If you're willing to be patient, cornmeal can be a solution to getting rid of ants. In a location that they are attracted to, place a small pile of cornmeal. Since it is an appetizing snack, they will take it back to their colony but will be unable to digest it.

Baking Soda+Powdered Sugar

This mixture is touted as being an effective roach killer. Using equal parts, mix together baking soda and powdered sugar. Then spread the powder in the areas you have seen activity. 

Boric Acid

When used properly, Boric Acid is deadly to roaches but considered a healthy pest control solution to use around humans as long as it is not consumed. Using less than a teaspoon, spread the substance around places of activity. As the roaches ingest the acid, it should help eliminate your problem.

Rosemary

Using rosemary is a great way to help protect your pets from fleas. Grind up rosemary leaves until you have made a fine dust. Then sprinkle it onto your pet or its bedding. It is said to be a nontoxic way to ward off fleas. 

Neem Oil

Originating in India, Neem oil is believed to have multiple benefits, including repelling and killing various types of insects. It is also said to be nontoxic to most beneficial insects, mammals, and birds. It is recommended to use at night sparingly so that it does not have an adverse effect on bees. 

Coffee Grounds 

Unlike most humans, pest tends to hate coffee and for some, it can be fatal. Used coffee grounds can be sprinkled both inside and around the perimeter of your home in areas where you have seen activity from ants and other insects. Some insects should be deterred whereas it may kill others, like ants. 

Essential Oils

If you are having an issue with dust mites, a mixture of essential oils may be the solution you're looking for. Combine Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint or Rosemary oil with water in a spray bottle and spray your bed, linens, and other furniture lightly with a fine mist. Once this mixture air dries, the scent should repel dust mites.

Cinnamon Bark Oil

Cinnamon bark oil can also be used to help control dust mites as well. Combine equal parts of water and denatured alcohol with several drops of cinnamon bark oil and spray bedding, carpet and any other places where you often see dust. 

Basil+Lemongrass

A mixture of Basil and Lemongrass is known to not only repel dust mites, but also fleas and lice.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil is said to be a great deterrent for mice. Fill a spray bottle with 40 drops of peppermint oil and about 1/4 cup of water. Spray this in common places mice frequent- baseboards, inside cabinets, beneath sinks, etc. For entry points, place a peppermint oil soaked cotton ball to deter them from entering your home at all. 

Onion

Onions are known to be a great spider repellent. To deter them, keep a bowl of sliced onions in water and place it where spiders enter your home. 

Citrus

To help with repelling spiders, use citrus. Mix unsweetened lemon or lime juice in a spray bottle with water. This mixture can be used to wipe down your countertops, windowsills, and doorways.

Vinegar + Dishwashing Liquid + Water

If you are having a problem with fruit flies, this approach could be a great solution. Fill a glass 3/4 full of vinegar or apple cider vinegar, add 6-8 drops of dishwashing liquid and fill the rest of the way with warm water. 

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