15 Natural Ways to Keep Household Pests Away

Household pests can turn a peaceful evening into a nightmare. They’re more than just annoying — they can harm your health and damage your home.

Reaching for chemical sprays might seem like the easiest solution, but these products can pose risks to your family, pets, and the environment. Toxic residues can linger long after the pests are gone, causing more harm than good.

We’ve carefully curated a list of natural pest control methods because we believe in keeping your home safe and healthy. These solutions are not only effective but also eco-friendly, ensuring that you can manage pests without compromising on safety.

Why Chemical Sprays Can Pose a Risk

Chemical sprays may kill pests, but they also pose serious health risks. They contain toxic substances that can cause respiratory issues, skin irritations, and long-term health problems. Several studies, including one published in Frontiers in Microbiology, highlight the link between persistent pesticide exposure and an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

Residues linger, exposing your family and pets to ongoing harm. These chemicals can also contaminate soil and water, harming the environment. Fortunately, there are safer, natural pest control methods available that are effective without harmful side effects.

Essential Oils

Many pests are repelled by the strong scents of essential oils. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil can be mixed with water and sprayed around windows, doors, and other entry points to keep ants, spiders, and other insects away.

Add 1 ounce of essential oil to a 12 or 16-ounce spray bottle filled with water. Shake well before each use to ensure the mixture is properly combined. Test in a few areas before spraying throughout the house.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile household item that can deter ants and fruit flies. This is my go-to mix for wiping down the countertops and the trash can area. I do however suggest burning a scented candle to help reduce the vinegary smell left behind.

Create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water and use it to wipe down surfaces where pests are likely to appear.

Diatomaceous Earth

DE works by absorbing oils and fats from an insect's exoskeleton, causing them to dry out and die. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, DE is not poisonous and remains effective as long as it's kept dry. While generally safe, inhaling DE can irritate the nose, and can cause skin and eye irritation. Always follow label instructions to minimize exposure and ensure safety.

Citrus Peels

Citrus peels, such as those from oranges and lemons, contain d-limonene, a compound toxic to many pests. Placing these peels in cabinets, near windows, and other entry points can help deter spiders and ants.

For a more potent solution, I like to soak leftover orange peels in a mixture of vinegar and water for about a week. This creates a natural cleaner and pest deterrent that smells better than plain vinegar, making it both effective and pleasant to use.

Garlic Spray

Garlic has a strong odor that repels many pests, making it a potent and natural solution for your pest control needs. The sulfur compounds in garlic act as a natural insecticide, deterring pests without the need for harmful chemicals. This method is eco-friendly, safe for pets and children, and can help you maintain a pest-free environment effectively.

To create a garlic spray, blend garlic cloves with water and add a few drops of liquid soap. Spray this mixture around your home’s exterior to keep mosquitoes, ants, and other insects away.

Herbs

Planting herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary around your home can naturally repel pests. These herbs emit unpleasant scents to insects, effectively keeping them at bay.

Personally, I plant several lemon balm plants in my garden and on the porch during the spring and summer seasons to deter mosquitoes. This not only helps keep the pests away but also adds a pleasant fragrance to my outdoor spaces.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a natural substance derived from boron that has been safely used in the U.S. since 1948. My experience has been reducing the tiny ants that seem to sneak in through the kitchen window. Adding a small amount in the area where pests are commonly found clears up the situation within a few days.

Although noted by the National Pesticide Information Center as relatively safe pesticides to use, it’s important to follow label instructions and minimize exposure. Inhaling the dust or getting it in the eyes can cause irritation. Despite its low toxicity, keeping it out of reach of children and pets is essential.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural pesticide derived from the neem tree, renowned for its effectiveness against a wide range of pests, including aphids, mites, and mosquitoes. The active compounds in neem oil, such as azadirachtin, disrupt the life cycle of insects, preventing them from feeding, growing, and reproducing.

Mix neem oil with water and spray it on plants and other surfaces. This eco-friendly solution is safe for beneficial insects, pets, and humans, making it an ideal choice for maintaining a healthy, pest-free garden without relying on harsh chemicals.

Baking Soda and Sugar

A mixture of baking soda and sugar can help control ants and cockroaches naturally and effectively. The sugar attracts these pests, luring them into consuming the mixture. Once ingested, the baking soda reacts with the acids in their stomachs, producing carbon dioxide gas that kills them.

To use this method, place the mixture in shallow dishes near problem areas where you’ve noticed pest activity. This simple, cost-effective solution is safe for pets and children, providing a non-toxic alternative to chemical pest control products. Regular application can significantly reduce pest populations in your home.

Coffee Grounds

Used coffee grounds are an excellent natural repellent for ants, snails, and slugs. By sprinkling them around your garden and entry points, you can effectively deter these pests from invading your space.

Beyond pest control, coffee grounds offer additional benefits for your garden. They enrich the soil with essential nutrients like nitrogen, improve drainage, and help attract beneficial earthworms. Using coffee grounds keeps pests away and promotes healthier, more vibrant plants.

Salt

Salt is a natural deterrent for fleas. Sprinkle it on your carpets and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming to help reduce flea infestations.

When we took in a stray cat with fleas, I initially used diatomaceous earth. While it was effective, it was a bit messier to clean up and even clogged my vacuum temporarily. Then I tried salt, which I had readily on hand, and the cleanup was a breeze.

Catnip

Catnip is a natural mosquito and fly repellent, making it an excellent addition to your pest control toolkit. The essential oil in catnip, nepetalactone, is highly effective at deterring these pests.

To use catnip for pest control, plant it around your home, especially near windows and doors, to create a barrier that mosquitoes and flies will avoid. Alternatively, you can use dried catnip sachets indoors, placing them in areas where pests are commonly found. This method not only helps keep your home free of annoying insects but also provides a safe, non-toxic solution that is harmless to pets and humans.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is an effective natural deterrent for ants and fleas. The citric acid in lemon juice disrupts the scent trails that ants use to navigate, making it difficult for them to invade your space. Additionally, its strong acidity can kill fleas on contact. To use, simply mix lemon juice with water and spray it on problem areas around your home.

For added effectiveness, you can combine lemon juice with other natural repellents like orange peels, which also contain d-limonene—a compound toxic to many pests. This combination not only enhances the repellent properties but also leaves a fresh, pleasant scent. Using lemon juice and orange peels together creates a powerful, eco-friendly solution for keeping your home pest-free.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal is a simple yet effective solution for controlling ants. Sprinkle it in areas where ants are present. The ants will consume the cornmeal, but they are unable to digest it, ultimately leading to their demise.

Using cornmeal is a non-toxic, pet-friendly method to reduce ant populations in and around your home. Additionally, it is an affordable and readily available option, making it a convenient choice for natural pest control.

Soap and Water

A simple solution of soap and water can help control pests like aphids and spider mites. Most soaps used for this purpose are biodegradable and made from natural ingredients, making them an eco-friendly choice. Spray the mixture directly on the pests to eliminate them, as the soap breaks down their protective outer layer, leading to dehydration and death.

I used this method on my kale when it got infested with aphids, and it was very effective. I found that spraying the mixture every few days for about a week kept the aphids at bay. This method is safe for plants and an excellent option for gardeners looking to avoid harsh chemicals. Just ensure you use a natural, unscented soap to avoid any potential harm to your plants.

Embrace a Pest-Free Home Naturally

By incorporating these natural pest control methods, you can keep your home pest-free without resorting to harmful chemicals. These solutions are not only safer for your family and pets but also environmentally friendly. Natural methods minimize the risk of exposure to toxic substances, ensuring a healthier living environment for everyone in your household.

Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your home and specific pest issues. Whether it's using essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or homemade mixtures, these eco-friendly options provide effective results. Enjoy a cleaner, healthier living space by adopting these natural pest control strategies, contributing to both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.