Natural Bug Patrol Part 2

We are moving on to Part 2 of our Natural Bug Control.  Now we are going to look into some all natural ways to keep flying insects away from us this summer.  

1. Peppermint:  Mix two cups water and 30 drops of peppermint essential oil into a spray bottle.  Use this to spray wasps nest in the early morning or evening.  Peppermint is a natural repellent and killer of several insects and lawn pests so those trapped in the nest will die and those that come back to the nest will be repelled and move elsewhere.  You can also use a solution of two cups water and two large squirts of unscented liquid dish detergent to spray directly on the nests.  Again be sure to do so in the early morning or evening while most of them are in a restful state.

2. Homemade Traps: Using a razor blade, carefully cut a 2-liter bottle in half at the top, just above the shoulder of the bottle.  Fill the bottom part halfway with water.  Use the top part as the bait by spreading jam around the neck of the bottle.  Turning the top part upside down, fit it into the bottom part and use two pieces of tape to hold the two pieces together.   As the wasps go down the hole to get to the jam, they will find themselves stuck and will drop down into the water.  Use a little bit of dish soap in the water to make it hard for them to tread in the water. (You can also use a sweet fruit juice or koolaide in place of the water to lure them into your trap. Be sure to also add a good squirt of dish soap).

Tips: In the spring and early summer wasps are attracted to protein-based baits (raw liver or chicken), and in the later summer and into fall they are more in search of sweeter baits.

Be sure to empty the tray daily as to not let the wasps build up and become a raft for others to survive on.

Most effective if set 4’ above the ground

3. Bee and Wasp Repellent: Mix 1/2 oz. citronella oil, 1/4 oz. lavender oil, 1/8 oz. pennyroyal oil, 1/8 oz. tea tree oil and 1/8 oz. jojoba oil. Then mix the oils into 16 oz. of jojoba oil. You can apply the repellent to your skin the way that you would lotion.

1.  Essential Oils: Many essential oils are a wonderful natural repellent for mosquito if you are looking for an alternative to store bought sprays.  Here are the top used oils:

• cinnamon oil
• lemon eucalyptus oil
• citronella oil
• castor oil

*As some people are sensitive to essential oils it is best to mix these oils with a carrier oil or alcohol.  The mixture should be 10-25 drops essential oil mixed with 2 Tbsp of a carrier oils or alcohol (olive oil, sunflower oil, or other cooking oil, witch hazel or vodka).  Once mixed, you can then rub or spray the natural repellent onto your skin or clothing, be sure to avoid the eye area. 

2. Lemon:  Mosquitoes hate lemon scent.  Try mixing lemon dish soap, lemon ammonia and lemon juice in a 20 gallon sprayer and give your yard a good spray every two weeks. 

3. Lemongrass and Citronella Plants: Both these plant are natural mosquito repellents.  Put pots of either of these plants around the area you use the most to help ward off these pesky insects.

1. Homemade fly papers:  Mix 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon white sugar and dipping strips from a brown paper bag into the mixture. Let the strips dry overnight and then hang them with a loop of string or twist tie pulled through the top.
 

Venus Fly Trap

2. Venus Fly Traps: Plants that eat flys! 

3. Mint: Mint is also a natural fly repellent; crush mint leaves and sprinkle them around doorways and windows where flies are entering your home.

4. Zip Lock Bag of Water: Fill a zip lock bag half way with water.  Put 4-6 pennies in the water and hang the bags in areas with high fly population.  This is a must try!  Especially since it will literally only costs you pennies!

1.  Homemade Trap: Next time you see those annoying little bugs flying around your kitchen try this trick!  In a small bowl, mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap and put under a light in your kitchen overnight.  You will be amazed at what you find in the morning!

2. Covered Homemade Trap:  In a glass jar, pour apple cider vinegar and few drops of dish soap.  Next you have two options.  One: put plastic wrap over the top and poke 4 or 5 holes in it, big enough for fruit flies to get through.  Two: roll up a piece of paper and put in the jar making a funnel.  Whichever you decide to use, the fruit flies will be attracted to the vinegar and fly in the jar but will not be able to get out.  (Instead of vinegar, others like to use slices of banana or other sweet fruit in the jars)

Stay tuned for Part 3!  Natural Garden Control!  Do you have any natural tricks to keep the insects away?