'Eliminate' pests from home for good using expert's easy hacks
With the weather warming up, there's soon to be an onslaught of pests invading your home. But an expert has shared ways to get rid of them for good.
As the warm, sunny days of summer arrive, so do a host of pests that can disrupt the tranquillity of our homes and gardens.
From spiders sneaking into the corners of our rooms to slugs munching on garden plants, and ants invading our kitchens to flying insects buzzing around our outdoor meals, these unwelcome guests can become a real nuisance.
The increase in temperatures and humidity creates the perfect environment for these pests to thrive, making it essential to find effective ways to keep them at bay.
Paul Strong, Store Operations Manager at Magnet Trade, stated the importance of keeping doors sealed to prevent spiders from entering homes.
"The best way of getting rid of spiders is by keeping them out in the first place.
“Start by sealing any cracks or openings around your windows and doors with weather stripping or sealant," he advises.
For those seeking spider repellents, Strong suggests opting for natural solutions over store-bought ones, which can cost between £5-£11.
He recommends rubbing lemon peels on windowsills, skirting boards, and bookshelves to deter spiders with the citrus scent.
Another option is to mix about 20 drops of essential oil (such as tea tree, lavender, peppermint, citrus, or cinnamon) with water in a spray bottle and apply it to corners and moist areas.
Additionally, placing cinnamon sticks around the home or burning cinnamon-scented candles can help, as can citronella candles.
Turning to garden pests, Strong notes a significant increase in searches for how to stop slugs from eating plants, with a 212 percent rise in the past month.
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He suggests growing plants less attractive to slugs, like ferns, rosemary, and thyme. Creating barriers with copper tape around pots and beds can repel slugs with a mild electric charge.
Crushed eggshells, sand, and beer also serve as effective deterrents.
"Slugs are attracted to beer due to the smell of malt. If slugs are killing your plants, consider burying a container in your pots and filling it with beer," Strong recommends.
For flying insects, which are common summer pests, Strong advises covering food and drinks to avoid attracting them.
Ensuring all gaps and cracks in walls and doors are sealed can prevent these insects from entering the home.
He also suggests using a string curtain in door frames to keep insects out while allowing fresh air in. Ants, more active during the summer months, are drawn to warm, sugary areas.
To combat them, Strong stresses the importance of cleaning surfaces after eating and promptly addressing spills.
An effective method for repelling ants is a vinegar solution. "Ants don’t like the smell of vinegar, and if strong enough, it can kill them.
"Mix at least one part vinegar with three parts water to repel ants successfully," he advises.
