A cleaning guru has shared her top five hacks on how to keep spiders and insects out of your home – and they’re all natural ways to repel bugs without using any harsh chemicals
A cleaning guru with a social media following in the millions has divulged her secrets to keeping homes spider and insect-free, without resorting to chemicals.
The TikTok influencer, known online as Chantel Mila, enjoys a whopping fan base of over 1.5 million followers who tune in for her simplified cleaning hacks and organisational tips that promise a pristine home with minimal fuss.
Hailing from Australia, a country notorious for its formidable arachnids, Chantel provides first-rate advice on fending off unwanted creepy crawlies.
Her latest video offers invaluable insight on how to deter spiders and bugs from sneaking into your home – information equally handy for UK residents facing their own eight-legged visitors.
“Five hacks to keep bugs and spiders away from your home,” Chantel said, swiftly proceeding to detail her ingenious tricks.
Soak cotton buds in peppermint oil
One smart tactic involves peppermint oil-doused cotton balls strategically placed beneath bin liners to discourage insects from congregating around your waste.
Put soaked cotton balls in your vacuum cleaner
She even suggests adding these aromatic cotton balls to your vacuum cleaner bag or container to spread the peppermint repelling charm throughout your household. Peppermint oil benefits from a potent scent unpalatable to an array of bugs, including ants, spiders, fleas and bed bugs.
It operates as an effective natural repellent, warding off these pests from your living spaces simply due to its overwhelming fragrance, reports the Express.
Use rosemary water
Not stopping at peppermint, she also highlights the use of rosemary water. She further explained that creating a mixture of water and rosemary in a spray bottle can act as an insect deterrent. “Just spray it around any door or windows and they’ll make sure to stay away,” she advised.
Use boiling water to banish fruit flies
To tackle fruit flies, Chantel recommended: “Pour boiling water down your drains to keep fruit flies and their eggs away.” Since fruit flies tend to lay their eggs and thrive in drains, flushing them with boiling water ensures they’re kept at bay from your living space.
Use citrus to clean
For general cleaning, Chantel suggested using citrus, explaining: “Spiders hate citrus, so wipe down your walls and floors with citrus oil or citrus peels.” You can opt for citrus-scented cleaning products or mix citrus oil with water for wiping surfaces.
Alternatively, rubbing citrus peels on window sills, door frames, and other potential entry points will also deter spiders. While many people appreciated these tips, some commenters cautioned pet owners to research before using these scents at home.
One person recommended: “Instead of peppermint use lavender, its safe for dogs,” while another asked, “are these safe for cats to be in the house with?” prompting responses that both peppermint and citrus could be harmful to cats.