As the hot weather continues, pests like spiders, flies and even slugs can become a real issue – but luckily there are a few ways to keep them out of your home that won’t break the bank
Pests are aptly named, aren’t they? Whether you’re terrified of creepy crawlies or just mildly annoyed by them, it’s no surprise that people go to great lengths to keep them at bay. We all know that bugs belong in the garden, but we’d rather they didn’t venture into our living spaces.
Now that summer is in full swing, experts have shared some tips on how to keep pests out of your home. Paul Strong, a store operations manager at Magnet Trade, has shared how you can prevent creepy crawlies such as spiders, wasps, flies, ants and even slugs away from your home.
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Keep doors sealed
There’s nothing worse than seeing a huge spider in your home and having to try and get it out. Strong says: “Start by sealing any cracks or openings around your windows and doors with weather stripping or sealant”.
“If you’re after a repellent, supermarkets charge anything from £5-£11 for spider repellent. However, using plants and natural repellents is not only cheaper but chemical-free too.”
Rub surfaces with lemon peel
For a natural, harm-free method, rub lemon peels on windowsills, skirting boards, and bookshelves to keep spiders away. Strong suggests mixing 20 drops of essential oil (like tea tree, lavender, peppermint, citrus, or cinnamon) with water in a spray bottle and spraying it in corners and moist areas.
Another option he recommended was placing cinnamon sticks around your home or burning a cinnamon-scented candle which can also help repel spiders.
Beer, copper tape or eggshells for slugs
Online searches for “how to stop slugs eating plants” have surged by 212 percent in just the past month alone. So it’s hardly surprising that pests have become a major headache for gardeners.
Strong advises: “When it comes to preventing slugs from eating plants, one of the easiest ways is by growing plants that are deemed less attractive to them. Consider planting ferns, as well as herbs like rosemary and thyme”.
The expert also recommended installing a copper tape barrier around your pots and garden beds as this deters slugs with a mild electric charge.
He said: “Equally, crushed eggshells and sand can deter slugs, as can beer. Slugs are attracted to beer due to the smell of malt – if slugs are killing your plants, consider burying a container in your pots and filling it with beer.”
Get yourself a string curtain
When summer arrives, you can expect flying insects such as wasps, bees and flies to start making their presence felt. “One of the easiest ways to combat them is to ensure food and drinks are covered at all times,” says Strong. “These pests are attracted to sweet scents, and by ensuring you keep food covered and tidied away promptly, they’ll be deterred.”
You can also stop any insects from entering your home by sealing any gaps and cracks in your walls and doors. The expert added: “A string curtain to hang in your door frames can be a great idea – they are an affordable way to keep insects out of your home while allowing the breeze in”.
Vinegar is your friend
“Ants are considerably more active in the summer months due to the warmer conditions and are usually found in warm, sugary areas,” Strong explains. “With this in mind, it’s imperative that you clean down your surfaces after eating and clean up any spills”.
He also suggested using vinegar as a cleaning product and ant deterrent, saying: “Ants don’t like the smell of vinegar – and if strong enough it can kill them. To successfully repel ants, mix at least one part vinegar with three parts water”.