With Zika cases on the rise here in Singapore, your first impulse might be to dash out and buy a can of bug spray to protect yourself against mosquitoes. But so many of those store-bought insect repellants contain ingredients that are harmful to people and pets as well as the environment. There are better ways to keep the pests outside without turning your home into a chemical-soaked zone. Here are some natural and safe alternatives to try right now:
If you’re craving a mosquito-free evening, think lemon. Lemongrass, lemon-scented Pelargoniums (commonly sold as scented geraniums) and lemon balm are some of the ones you can keep in pots in HDBs and condos alike.
Mint is really an all-rounder herb. Not only is it great for digestive problems you can use it in a myriad of different ways around the home too. Try rubbing some mint on your skin as an effective way to repel biting bugs like mosquitoes. It also deters ants and flies.
(Related: The One Thing You Should Be Using To Repel Mosquitoes)
Cedar oil is apparently very lethal to termites and ants but has the added bonus of being totally non-toxic, organic, and chemical-free. It is a very effective contact killer and repellent to little critters and can be used on any wood structure.
Hot pepper flakes are a bit messier and less aromatic than the other options on this list but can get the job done as well. Crumble some around trouble spots or place near a windowsill to deter ants.
(Related: What You Need To Know About The Zika Virus To Protect Yourself)
Cucumber isn’t only a cooling food to consume on hot days. Try placing a few peels of cucumber at the entry point of invasion to deter or repel pesky insects. Works for ants, cockroaches, and silverfish.
If you want to instantly kill an insect in your home, mix water and soap flakes (from a bar of soap) into a spray bottle and you can kill all bugs on contact. This is because the soap component breaks down the bug’s waxy exoskeleton and lets the water drown away the critters quickly.
A solution of garlic juice used as spray repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours. Add one part of garlic juice and five parts of water to make the mixture and spray it over your body. It is non-toxic and very effective.
(Related: Make Your Own DIY Natural Mosquito Repellant)
Ants are one of the most frequent home invaders and one of the easiest to deal with in an all-natural way. Spraying vinegar along the path where they’re entering the house works as well as poisons.
(Related: Here’s How Zika Virus Can Affect Your Unborn Baby)