Operation Clean House Before Thanksgiving!

The holiday season is upon us and, while you spruce up your home to accommodate visitors, there are a number of un-welcomed guests hoping to enjoy the warmth and food of the season. Don’t let creepy crawlers ruin your holiday! We’ve compiled a list of go-to natural products to keep on hand that will help keep your home and holidays bug-free!

1. Borax

Photo credit: [Untitled photo of borax and towel] (N.D.). Retrieved November 22, 2015 from http://www.pinterest.com

Boric Acid, sold in the detergent department, is an all-natural cleaner that also works great for killing all types of bugs without being harmful to humans or the environment. Some ways to use it:

• Combine with powdered laundry detergent and use as carpet freshener to kill dust mites and any bug that crosses the carpet.
• Sprinkle the product in window sills and door crevices, along counter tops and anywhere else you’ve encountered bugs.
• Combine with sugar in water and spray on your counter. Allow the mixture to sit overnight then wipe the surface clean.
• Combine water and Borax in a spray bottle and use it as a natural bug spray.

2. Vinegar

Photo credit: [Untitled photo of Homemade Bug Spray] (N.D.). Retrieved November 22, 2015 from
http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2014/05/19/homemade-bug-repellent/

Vinegar is a kitchen staple for cleaning and cooking but did you know it makes a great base for bug repellent too? Here’s how you can use it:

– Use vinegar as a natural gnat trap! Cover a cup with half-filled with apple cider vinegar and 2-3 drops of dish detergent with aluminum foil. Poke holes in the foil and place near a water source!

– Use a vinegar and water mixture to erase the scent of an invisible ant trail.

– Use vinegar as a natural flea and tick repellent for pets!

3. Peppermint

Photo credit: [Untitled photo of peppermint oil and spider] (N.D.). Retrieved November 22, 2015 from http://pinterest.com

Did you know most creepy crawlers hate the scent of peppermint? Spiders, ants and even mice are known to head in the opposite direction of the smell. Here are some ways to discreetly use the signature scent to deter critters:

• Combine water and peppermint oil in a spray bottle and spray areas like cabinets, pantries and basements.
• Dip cotton balls in peppermint oil and place where you’ve noticed creepy crawlers.
• Place bags of peppermint tea in the aforementioned areas instead of cotton balls.
• During the holidays, burn peppermint-scented candles

4. Caulk

Photo credit: [Untitled photo of woman caulking] (N.D.). Retrieved November 22, 2015 from http://harryhelmet.com

Most home invading critters reside in the walls! Walls are a large and safe place for most critters to remain out of sight. One of the quickest ways to win the battle against the critters is to seal any cracks you notice around your home. Purchase a tube of caulk and seal around cabinets, counters, stairs, base boards, etc.   Be sure to plug any hole around plumbing and outlets while checking walls and ceilings for cracks.

Critters can ruin any day but, with the inevitable visitors during this season, take a few precautions to ensure your holidays are filled with the joy of the season and not with the embarrassment of the bugs!

Written by Tabitha Keese, Staff Writer, Modern Domestic, Founder of Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island Blog