So, you’ll need some effective tips if you want to make your home a bug free zone. We have gathered some for you:
Keeping your eyes open
Sure, if we ever face the apocalypse, cockroaches are the living creatures most likely to survive it. But the supposed otherworldly abilities of the creepy crawlies aside, they don’t just materialize into your home out of the ether.
Thus, staying sharp can clue you into the indications that they are about to set foot inside. For instance, ants will send out scouting members to scope your home. They are there to test how ant-friendly your house is. Therefore, as soon as you spot even a few ants, get to insect-proofing.
Moreover, you can also step outside and go right to the source. If there is firewood stacked next to your house, it could be where the ants and termites are staying temporarily. Keep the stack at least 20 feet from your house. Similarly, drain any catch basins or keep the water in them fresh if there are any in your yard. They are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Moreover, chop them off! Not that we want to scare you, however, you’ll want to know what the Entomological Society of America says about bugs. The ratio stands at a billion bugs to every human on the planet! A veritable insect army is waiting to declare war on your home! Overhanging branches close to your windows or overgrown shrubs can be the access points bugs will use to get into your home.
Repel houseflies and mosquitoes with Basil
Basil makes pasta sauces shine, but it is also a great natural remedy for insects like houseflies and mosquitoes. Since the plant is easy to grow and container-friendly, place a few of them in your kitchen. For families who don’t eat in the kitchen, you’ll want to get those containers into your entertaining spaces too.
You’ll also benefit from a basil-based insect repellent spray. Boil water (4 ounces) and throw in the same amount of fresh basil leaves. Let the basil leaves steep in the water for a few hours before straining them. Splash in as much of supercheap vodka, and you’ll have your spray. You can even store the spray in the fridge.
Essential oils may do the trick
Essential oils aren’t just great for helping you relax. They can also be used to make a bug free home.
You’ll find the following essential oils useful for this purpose:
- Neem oil has natural pesticide properties. That’s why it makes a useful non-toxic bug repellent. Mix it with coconut oil (carrier oil) and apply it on your skin. It will keep biting insects like mosquitoes away!
- The strong scent of peppermint oil is effective against many different types of bugs. Moreover, it is excellent for both the creepy crawly and flying varieties. For the former, adding a few drops on a cotton ball will be good enough. Place peppermint-scented balls wherever you will find spiders, ticks, and ants congregating. For the latter, you will need a spray. Just 4-5 drops of peppermint oil added to a quarter cup of water, and you have your mixture. Spritz it near entry points.
Seal the entry points into your home
Do you realize that the common cockroach increases the chances of asthma attacks and allergies in children? Leaving gaps in your entrance ways can give the pesky bugs a chance to get in. Don’t think there are many such spaces around your home? Look closely, and you’ll be unpleasantly surprised!
Start by sealing the space under all the doors leading to the outside. An aluminum or steel threshold can keep the insects from crawling under your door. To fortify, you can also purchase a cheap door sweep. Most hardware stores have door sweeps. But be sure to get nylon ones instead of vinyl or neoprene for maximum bug protection.
After the base is taken care of, you can shift to sealing the door frame’s perimeter. Insects can crawl in along the sides or the top without this protection. Do it with clear caulk. Follow the frame in the direction that the door meets the wall.
Finally, get the most use of your door sealing techniques by remembering to keep the door closed! Kids can be forgetful, and the door sweep won’t be effective if the door stays open all the time.
A hydraulic device known as the door closer can be really handy. Adjust the power and the closing speed on it when you install it. If someone leaves it ajar, the door will automatically close and latch because of the door closer. You can get a door closer at your local home improvement store. It is also easy to install, so you can do it yourself too.
Monthly deep cleaning is a must
Places like the kitchen see a lot of use and traffic. We cook there and often consume food in the kitchen too. Therefore, keeping it clean can be hard.
Moreover, if you work most days, you may not be able to do deep cleaning often. But you should have one done every month to clear away any accumulating food particles, etc. That is also true for other parts of the house. Any room where food makes a regular appearance needs regular deep cleaning. Also, grab a Bug Killer or any insect repellent spray for a cleaner, bug-free home!
Remove overripe fruits and veggies from the counter
Fruit flies, ants, and other bugs are attracted to overripe fruits and vegetables, especially if the organic treats are left sliced open or cut up. Keep them off the counter and move them to the fridge. Sure, fruit flies may not be as harmful, but pests like cockroaches may find their way to ripe fruits too. Once they get in, you’ll find it difficult to get them out of your home!
Parting thoughts
Bugs are creatures who cannot be allowed in your personal space for any reason. Want to make your home bug free? Our suggestions will help you do just that. Do you have other effective remedies? Share them with us!
Wood Treatment and Protection
If your cabin is going to be like most, it will be largely constructed out of wood. This gives it a beautiful exterior and adds to that outdoor ambiance that you have grown to love. At the same time, you will need to ensure that the wood is properly treated to last for decades. You must also keep the termites at bay, so remember to plan on annual expenses to get a professional pest control company out to keep your cabin safe at all times.
Sewage Disposal
When are out in the middle of nowhere, you have to account for sewage in one way or another. In the city, this is often taken care of for you. However, building your cabin will necessitate that you take matters into your own hands so to speak. Remember to plan on incorporating a septic tank system into the design of your cabin.
Energy Source
One of the great parts about building a cabin is that you are largely in control of how energy is provided to the residence. Depending on where you build, you will probably have many different options available to you. This might be the time to consider incorporating alternative energy sources, such as solar, into the design of the home.
Driveway Maintenance
You will also need to plan on how to get your vehicles up to your cabin. This will also mean incorporating driveway maintenance into your budget, particularly during the winter months. This will help make your experience much more desirable in the end.
These are just four of the many expenses you will want to keep in mind as you begin to build your cabin. These are all manageable if you will take the time to find the right professionals to take care of them for you. Remember to get the job done right the first time so that you can enjoy years of comfortable living in your new home.
Kitchens are one of, if not the, hardest working rooms in the house so it is unsurprising that they can quickly become tired and dated. New research has found that over a quarter of us are looking to update our kitchens in 2019, but investing in a brand new kitchen can be costly. Thankfully, there are some updates you can make whilst sticking to a budget.
If you look to avoid anything that is too extreme, then you can easily make your kitchen feel brand new with just a few small changes. Here are 5 top-tips for updating your tired kitchen on a budget.
Walls and Splashbacks
New and fresh wall tiles can instantly update the look of your kitchen, whilst also making a statement. Subway, or metro, tiles are a classic shape, but instead of laying them lengthways why not try them in a herringbone or vertical pattern for a more contemporary look?
Tiles now come in a wide range of finishes, shapes and materials, so make sure to have a look at a number of different examples to find one that you like. Patterned tiles are also a great way of adding a splash of character into your kitchen, which traditionally is usually full of hard edges and straight lines. Mix and match the colours to create random designs or stripes for a truly bespoke look.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is a great way to show off collections of pretty glasses and plates or even to bring in the addition of greenery with herbs and spices. Before you start, be sure to work out what you want to have on display so that you can consider the height of the shelves and the weight which they can withstand. A lot of kitchens have sleek, glossy cabinets, so think about adding open shelves that are made from natural wood to soften your kitchen and add warmth to the room.
Freshen Up Sinks And Worktops
Updating your worktops will have a huge impact on the feel and look of your kitchen, so this can be done as a standalone project for a fraction of the price of a full renovation.
These days, there is a huge choice available and you can now mix materials to create the look you want. Even the most ordinary fixtures in your kitchen can be updated, so let 2019 be the year that you let your sink shine. From multi-functional taps to double sinks and different finishes to funky materials, there is something for every style.
Clear Away The Clutter
Perhaps the biggest way to make a difference to your kitchen, getting rid of clutter with have a lasting effect on both your mind and your wallet. Before you start, you need to make your mind as to whether you are going to be ruthless and throw things out, or recycle or donate items which you no longer need. To make it easier, be sure to break the job into smaller parts and tackle it one cupboard at a time.
Keeping surfaces clutter free will make the whole room appear sleeker and bigger whilst also maximising the potential workspace. Things such as pan lid organisers and over-the-door spice racks will really help you stay organised, so think about how you are going to use the space and organise it accordingly.
Liven Up Your Scheme With Accessories
Accessories and fresh pieces of furniture will instantly brighten up your kitchen and you can choose a theme which can bring the whole look together. Display some selected items on open shelves and think about re-organising your worktops so that you only have your favourite things on show. If you have a dresser, then this is the perfect opportunity to show off neat stacks of cups, tea sets and glassware.
When it comes to furniture, choosing contemporary and stylish pieces will add a much bigger statement to your kitchen. Kitchen dining sets are the perfect way to add a piece of your personality to the room whilst also being extremely stylish. You could also look at adding a mirrored splashback behind your cooker or using fabrics to add splashes of colour.