I Tried These 10 Natural Pest Control Methods and They Actually Work

Dealing with pests in your home can feel like an endless battle. I’ve been there—ants in the kitchen, mosquitoes buzzing at every outdoor dinner, and spiders lurking in the corners like they pay rent. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, I decided to give natural remedies a shot.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Could coffee grounds or peppermint oil really do the trick? But after trying these methods, I was blown away by how well they worked—and how easy they were to use. These are practical, kid-and-pet-safe solutions you can actually count on.

Peppermint Spray for Spiders

Spiders can’t handle peppermint, and that’s good news for you. Make a simple peppermint spray by mixing 8 oz of apple cider vinegar (or witch hazel/vodka), 45 drops of peppermint oil, and 15 drops of lemon or orange essential oil in a spray bottle. Spritz it around doors, windows, and cobwebby corners.

This mix smells fresh, is safe for kids and pets, and keeps those eight-legged lurkers away. Store it in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for a couple of months.

White Vinegar to Stop Ants

Ants leave a trail to invite their friends, but you can stop the party with white vinegar. Mix 1/4 cup of vinegar, 2 cups of water, and 10 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Wipe down countertops, floors, and any trails you see.

This solution not only erases the trail but also leaves your home smelling fresh. Reapply as needed to keep ants from coming back.

Diatomaceous Earth: The Ant Fix You Didn’t Know You Needed

If ants are taking over, diatomaceous earth (DE) might just be your secret weapon. It’s a powder made from fossilized algae—sounds fancy, but it’s really just a natural way to kick ants out. Sprinkle a bit where they’re marching around, and it’ll dry them out. Just make sure to keep it dry for it to work its magic.

Get Rid of Mosquitoes by Ditching Standing Water

Standing water is basically a mosquito party waiting to happen. Dump it, and you cut their breeding ground in half. Birdbaths, pet bowls, or even forgotten buckets in the yard? Empty or refresh them every couple of days.

Oh, and don’t skip the gutters. Clogged ones can hold water and become a mosquito hangout.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Is Nature’s Bug Spray

Mosquitoes and ticks hate oil of lemon eucalyptus, and that’s a win for you. Dab it on your skin before heading out, and you’ll feel like you’ve got a natural shield. It’s plant-based and smells way better than the chemical stuff.

You can grab it at most stores or even make your own mix at home. It’s perfect for those summer evenings in the yard or that camping trip you’ve been planning. Just remember to reapply every few hours, and you’re good to go.

Basil Fights Flies

Basil isn’t just for pasta night—it’s a natural fly deterrent too. Pop a pot of it near your doors, windows, or outdoor table, and flies won’t want to stick around. Heading to a picnic? Grab a handful of basil leaves to keep the bugs at bay.

If mosquitoes are bugging you, basil can help there too. Crush a leaf or two in your hand to release its oils, and you’ve got a quick, natural repellent. Plus, it smells amazing.

Coffee Grounds Keep Critters Away

Got leftover coffee grounds? Don’t toss them just yet. Spread them around the outside of your house, especially where pests like to sneak in. The smell of coffee grounds sends many critters packing. It’s like putting up a no-entry sign for bugs. Bonus: it’s an easy and eco-friendly way to reuse something you were just going to throw away.

If your garden’s been a target for unwanted visitors, coffee grounds work there too. Sprinkle them around plants to keep the pests at bay. Plus, as the grounds break down, they give your soil a little nutrient boost.

How to Use Banana Peels for Aphids

Dealing with aphids all over your plants? A simple banana peel could be your answer. Bury one just under the soil near the base of your plants. Aphids can’t handle the compounds in bananas, so they’ll steer clear. This trick is cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective.

On top of keeping bugs away, the peel slowly breaks down and adds nutrients to the soil. So, you’re not only saving your plants, but you’re also helping them thrive.

Apple Cider Vinegar Fruit Fly Trap

Fruit flies taking over your kitchen? Apple cider vinegar to the rescue. Pour a bit into a small bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke tiny holes in the top. The vinegar pulls them in like a magnet, but they can’t escape.

This trick is quick to set up and super effective. It’s satisfying to see those little pests disappear without using any harsh chemicals. Keep it near your fruit basket or trash can, and you’ll notice a difference fast.

Cornmeal to Get Rid of Ants

Ants got you feeling outnumbered? Cornmeal can turn the tables. Sprinkle small piles where you’ve noticed ant trails. The ants will carry it back to their colony, but here’s the catch—they can’t digest it. It’s a natural, non-toxic way to handle the problem.

While it might take a few days to kick in, it’s a pet-safe alternative to chemical sprays. Just reapply as needed, and watch the ants slowly disappear.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.