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Introduction
Nothing ruins the comfort of your home quite like unwelcome pests — especially bed bugs, roaches, and fruit flies. These pesky intruders can spread disease, cause allergic reactions, and create an overall unhygienic environment. While chemical treatments exist, many people prefer natural, non-toxic solutions that are safe for their families and pets. This ultimate DIY bug buster guide will teach you how to quickly and effectively eliminate these common household pests using natural ingredients you probably already have at home.
Ingredients
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) – A natural, abrasive powder that kills insects by damaging their exoskeleton.
White Vinegar – Great for cleaning and repelling bugs.
Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender) – Natural insect repellents.
Baking Soda – Helps eliminate roaches.
Lemon Juice – A natural bug deterrent.
Soap and Water Solution – Breaks down insect membranes.
Borax – A natural mineral that works well against roaches (use with caution around pets).
Sticky Traps or Homemade Traps (e.g., apple cider vinegar for fruit flies).
Clean Cloths and Spray Bottles
Preparation
For Bed Bugs:
Diatomaceous Earth Dusting: Lightly sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around bed frames, mattress seams, and cracks where bed bugs hide. Leave for at least a week.
Essential Oil Spray: Mix 20 drops of tea tree or lavender oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray on bedding, furniture, and baseboards. Repeat weekly.
Steam Cleaning: Use a steam cleaner on mattresses, sofas, and curtains to kill eggs and bugs instantly.
For Roaches:
Baking Soda & Sugar Mix: Combine equal parts baking soda and sugar. Place small amounts in lids or shallow containers in roach-prone areas. Sugar attracts roaches; baking soda kills them.
Borax Powder: Sprinkle lightly in corners, under sinks, and behind appliances. Avoid places accessible to pets or children.
Vinegar Cleaning: Clean kitchen surfaces with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water to repel roaches.
Peppermint Oil Spray: Mix 15 drops peppermint oil with 1 cup water and spray around entry points.
For Fruit Flies:
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Pour apple cider vinegar into a small bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and poke small holes. Fruit flies will be trapped inside.
Soap & Water Spray: Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle to directly spray on fruit flies.
Keep Surfaces Clean: Remove overripe fruit and regularly empty trash to eliminate breeding grounds.
Serving and Storage Tips
Store all homemade sprays in labeled spray bottles, kept in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks.
Always shake essential oil sprays before use.
For powders like diatomaceous earth and borax, store in airtight containers away from pets and children.
Regularly inspect and refresh treatments as needed for sustained results.
Combine cleaning and treatment routines for the best prevention.
Variation
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