Pest control products are some of the most harmful substances we produce these days – they’re packed with potent toxins and we use & come into contact with them often in everyday life.

For cockroaches: sprinkle borax + sugar mix near cracks or openings where they may be entering the house.

For ants, sprinkle any of the following: talc, cayenne pepper, paprika, damp coffee grounds, charcoal, chalk or lemon juice w/pieces of the rind included.

For trapping flies, coat thick paper or thin cardboard with honey.

Keep flies away with pots of mint or basil.

Have fruit flies?  leave out small dishes with vinegar.  It will attract & drown them.

Got mice? Block your mouse holes with steel wool or soak cotton balls with peppermint extract and place them around the house.

Slugs in your yard?  Set out open cans of beer.  My mother and grandmother would dig a hole for the cans and plant them among the flowers so they’d be inconspicuous.  Replace as needed.

* Most adapted from Jackie Craven’s book, the Healthy Home.