No one wants to have bugs and other critters in their home, particularly ones that carry disease and destroy property. Unfortunately, sometimes they get in anyway. Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent their entry and eliminate an infestation, often without resorting to commercial chemical repellents. If you have problems with gnats, fleas, ants, mosquitoes, wasps, squirrels, spiders, flies, snakes, mice, silverfish, or bed bugs, there are some natural tips you can follow to get rid of these creatures inside and out.

Gnats are not just annoying; they can carry disease. This why knowing how to get rid of gnats with simple DIY traps and recipes can save a lot of money. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, red wine, vanilla, and citronella are all effective deterrents. Gnats in the drain can be eliminated with ammonia.

How to get rid of fruit flies quickly

Another disease-carrier, fruit flies are drawn to rot and decay. Removing old fruit from the bowl on the kitchen table can help rid your home of these bugs. They also don’t care for smells like bay leaf, basil, mint, and lavender.

It seems like there is always a never-ending supply of mosquitoes, no matter where you live. Encourage them to leave your garden alone by removing standing water and growing plants that they don’t like, such as basil and mint. Citronella, tea tree, and neem oil all aid in repelling and keeping mosquitoes away from the house.

While silverfish don’t carry disease, you still don’t want them around your home, as they create holes in everything from clothing to your favorite box of cereal. To get rid of silverfish simple use natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth, boric acid, and baking soda.

Even if you’re not one of those people who stand on a chair and scream if you see a mouse, you certainly don’t want them in your house! The absolute best way to get rid of mice is to seal all cracks and put pieces of steel wool in them, as the mice don’t want to bite into metal shavings. Traps of varying kinds also work for these vermin.