Does Ammonia Kill Insects In Garden

The Most Insane Pest Control Ideas

Some of these wacky pest control ideas may not work for you, but others swear by them. If you have an infestation, even the strangest solutions are worth a shot.

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Block pests roof spray Family Handyman

Spray Foam to the Rescue!

One of the easiest ways to keep bugs and rodents out of your home is to seal up any gaps. Look for holes in your foundation, near pipes, windows and in your garage and attic. Use caulk to seal them or foam installation to close off entry points. Try these 10 tips for insulating walls.

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rosemary herbs kaiskynet/Shutterstock

Fresh Herbs

Next time you're in the backyard for a bonfire, throw some sage or rosemary in the fire pit to keep mosquitoes away. They can't stand the scent. Try these seven mosquito repellent tips.

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bees schankz/Shutterstock

Soap and Water

Are wasps taking up residence outside your porch door? Make a simple solution of dish soap and water and mix in a spray bottle. At dusk, spray the nest. The soap will clot their breathing pores and they die quickly. Here's how to deter bees and wasps and identify which is which.

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firewood Zhukova Valentyna/Shutterstock

Keep Wood Away from the House

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep your stacked firewood away from the house. Many pests, including insects and mice, love to make their home in the stack.

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cloves Mamsizz/Shutterstock

Cloves

Use whole cloves or clove oil in areas of your home where you've seen ladybugs. Since ladybugs don't like strong scents, they'll leave. When you're done, just vacuum up the dead bugs along with the cloves. Have Japanese Beetles in your garden? Try this.

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SCREEN Family Handyman

Fix Screens

Mosquitoes, spiders, house flies and even bats can get in through torn screens. You can do this project yourself, you'll just need some simple tools along with some screen, spline, brick and wood stop block. Follow this guide to fix your screens.

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bird seed for pest control Alexander Mogilevets/shutterstock

Use Alternative Food Sources

Animals are drawn to free food, so try setting up food sources in strategic areas of your yard. If pests are getting in your garden, try setting up a bird feeder in the other part of your yard to lure the squirrels and rabbits over there. Try this DIY bird feeder wreath.

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onion NUM LPPHOTO/Shutterstock

Onions

Onions make you cry and they may also keep spiders away. Next time you're slicing onions, slice up some extra and toss them in a bowl of water. Place the bowl at areas of your home where spiders lurk and they should steer clear of the area. Here's why you should never kill a spider.

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lavender essential oils LiliGraphie/Shutterstock

Lavender

No matter how much you clean, you'll never get rid of all the dust mites in your home but you can do things to minimize them. Make your own repellent spray for dust mites with essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, clove or peppermint. Mix a few drops in a spray bottle with some water and mist it on upholstered furniture, bedding and curtains. Here are more tips to get rid of dust mites in your home.

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dfh17sep026_650566540_12 washing bedding My Hardy/Shutterstock

Wash Bedding

When it's time to get out the seasonal bedding, throw it in the washer before making your bed. Washing and drying it thoroughly will kill any bugs and their eggs. Store seasonal bedding the right way.

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apple cider vinegar focal point/Shutterstock

Apple Cider Vinegar

When pesky fruit flies take up residence in your kitchen, reach for the apple cider vinegar. Pour a small amount in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Poke some pencil-lead-sized holes in the plastic and the flies will get in but will be unable to get out. This DIY guide will help you get rid of several types of flies.

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squirrel on garden fence Matt Browne/Shutterstock

Baffles

Baffles are cone- or cylinder-shaped objects that attach to posts or poles to keep squirrels away. If squirrels keep eating all the bird seed, try a baffle. If squirrels are eating your hanging plants, you can also use a baffle on the post or pole. Try an easy-fill bird feeder that will keep unwanted squirrels away.

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coffee grounds coffee filter Nor Gal/Shutterstock

Coffee Grounds

Don't throw those coffee grounds in the compost bin just yet. If you have pests getting in your home, use some leftover coffee grounds in areas outside your home where pests are gaining entry. Critters can't stand the smell. Try these nine natural remedies for pest control.

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cornmeal Moving Moment/Shutterstock

Cornmeal

Ants love to eat cornmeal but they can't digest it so they'll die. Place small piles wherever you see ants and they'll take it back to their colony. Cornmeal also works the same way to kill slugs in your garden. Try these 14 nice ways to keep pests away.

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vent Family Handyman

Block Off the Dryer Vent

Pests such as squirrels and mice can often find their way into your home through the dryer vent. Regularly check dryer vents to make sure the damper isn't broken and ensure the seal between the vent and the wall is tight.

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racoon Klod/Shutterstock

Close the Trash

Raccoons and rats love to get into your trash whenever possible. Make sure all trash outside your home is in a closed trash can with a tight-fitting lid. If you can, keep trash cans in the garage until garbage day. Contain pests with these do it your itself pest control strategies.

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shrub Family Handyman

Trim Plants

If you have plants or shrubs right next to the house, keep them trimmed. Many plants attract insects and overgrown shrubs can become a great place for mice, squirrels and rabbits to hang out. Try these pruning tips for healthier bushes.

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chili marcin jucha/Shutterstock

Chili Powder

Try using chili powder in your garden to protect plants against harmful insects. Just sprinkle the powder around your plants. The powder won't kill pests, but it will keep many away. Stop invasive plants from taking over your garden.

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oil espies/Shutterstock

Neem Oil

Neem oil has long been a favorite for those looking for a natural pesticide. The oil keeps many harmful bugs away from plants as it is made from a leaf that is extremely bitter. Here are 11 natural bug repellents worth trying.

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mouse Rudmer Zwerver/Shutterstock

Pick Fruit

If you have fruit trees or bushes in your yard, pick up fruit as soon as it falls. Critters such as mice and squirrels love making stockpiles of the fruit and will stick around if there is a consistent food source. Keep mice away from your home with these DIY tips.

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snake Oshchepkov Dmitry/Shutterstock

Ammonia

If you find snakes in your yard, know that they are keeping other pests, such as mice, away. However, you can make your own DIY snake repellent. Just soak some rags in ammonia and place them in unsealed plastic bags. Snakes can't stand the scent, so leave them where you see snakes, such as near brush and wood piles. Check out these additional simple ways to get rid of snakes.

Originally Published: March 13, 2021

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