Harsh insecticides can certainly get the job done when it comes to clearing your house of pests, but families with children, pets, or a preference for organic options might want to avoid the use of such chemicals. Here are eco-friendly ways to get rid of some of the most common pests.

Ants

Ants are primarily attracted to food and once those tiny pests get inside it may seem impossible to get rid of them. Instead of spraying chemicals or putting out traps, try a couple of simple, environmentally friendly methods. Mix together equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Mist down any areas you have seen ants busily crawling around. Vinegar will effectively wipe away the scent trails used to navigate to any tasty food sources they’ve discovered.

If you’re a coffee person, save your leftover grounds. The strong scent of coffee can be a great deterrent. You can spread grounds near areas you think the ants might be using to invade your house and around areas where there’s food, like the pantry, you think they’re likely to hone in on.

Cockroaches

No insects are welcome in the home, but cockroaches might be one of the most shudder-inducing pests around. Before your instincts take over and you reach for the strongest chemical insecticide there is, try out diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth, nontoxic to people and pets, is made up of the crushed, fossilized remains of tiny shelled algae known as diatoms. This powder will kill insects by destroying their exoskeletons. Mix diatomaceous earth with flour or another tasty food source and sprinkle the mixture near spots you’ve seen cockroaches congregating. Keep in mind that maintaining a clean kitchen and removing any temptations will deter future invasions.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are a microscopic but problematic pest. This little pest can be a big trigger for allergies or asthma. You can make a safe-to-use, inexpensive spray right at home. Pick an essential oil, like tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil and mix a small amount of it with a couple cups of water. The mixture will be safe to spray on your bedding, pillows, couches, and carpets. Essential oils not only effectively kill mites, but they also leave behind a fresh scent.

Flies

During the summer, you’ll want to throw open your windows to let in the sunshine and breeze. Buzzing flies will take this as an open invitation. Luckily there are a couple of things you can try. Consider growing some potted basil on your windowsills. Flies don’t like the smell -- not to mention that you can use fresh basil in your cooking.

If a group of flies has already made themselves at home inside, you’ll want to get rid of them fast. Mix up an alluring concoction no fly could refuse, pour it into a jar, and you have a deadly trap. A bit of apple cider vinegar, dish soap, and a piece of juicy fruit should do the trick. Flies will be attracted to the sweet smell and fly directly into the jar. They’ll become trapped in the liquid, which you can throw away as soon as your pest problem is cleared up.

Mosquitoes

The warm weather of summer invites many unwelcome pests inside. Some get into your food or clothes, but mosquitoes will be looking for people. You can make homemade bug spray with a common herb: catnip. You can buy some fresh, grow your own, or buy it in essential oil form. Mix the crushed catnip or essential oil with water and isopropyl alcohol (you can also use vinegar in place of alcohol). The spray is safe to use on skin and clothing. The scent will send a strong statement telling mosquitoes to buzz off. You can also use citronella oil or citronella candles to send these biting pests packing. 

Moths

Moths can be incredibly destructive if left unchecked in your house. They can chew holes in your clothing and spoil an entire pantry full of food. But these flying pests can be stopped with a number of natural repellants. Once again, essential oils come to the rescue. You can use cedar, lavender, or peppermint essential oil to discourage moths from making themselves at home. You can also use fresh versions of each of these options. If you don’t like the smell of cedar, lavender, or mint, there’s still something else to try. Reach into your spice rack for the cinnamon or cloves. Moths are not a fan of those spicy scents.