bug repellent

The 5 Best Bug Sprays for Home Pest Control

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 12 May 2016 09:00:10 +0000

Do you like having bugs in your home? We didn't think so. That's why we've found some of the best bug sprays available — to help kill any insects that may be in or around your home, and prevent any new ones from returning anytime soon.

Bugs are more than just a nuisance; they can also be a health and safety hazard, so it’s important that you do something about the problem right away. If you have a particularly bad infestation, you may also want to invest in alternative forms of pest control, such as an indoor plug-in pest repeller or hanging strips.

What is bug repellent for the home?

There is nothing worse than having an insect infestation. But before you call your local exterminator, a quality bug spray may be all that you need to terminate the problem and go to sleep soundly again. An effective bug spray will help kill bugs and insect eggs in and around your home, and prevent any future insects from visiting your property. All you need to do is spray the repellent in and around your home and allow the area to dry before children and pets re-enter.

Top 5 home bug repellents

Ortho Home Defense MAX

From the top-selling Ortho brand, the Home Defense MAX is fast-acting formula and can quickly kill and prevent ants, roaches, spiders, stink bugs, beetles, moths, crickets, earwigs, fleas, silverfish, ticks, spider mites, beet worms, centipedes, millipedes, scorpions, insect eggs, and about 130 other types of insects. Once it has treated your home, the Invisishield barrier technology will create a protective barrier to keep bugs out for up to 12 months.

The Ortho Home Defense MAX Insect Killer Spray couldn’t be easier to use; simply spray it around your home’s doors, windows, perimeters, and wherever else you commonly see bugs. It is completely odor free, non-staining, and quick-drying. With this convenient spray, you can have peace of mind that the insects will not return for up to one year. It is pet-safe once dry, so just make sure to keep pets and children out until the spray has dried. It is backed by outstanding online reviews and Ortho’s satisfaction guarantee.

Eco Defense Home Pest Control Spray

The Eco Defense Home Pest Control Spray is made with safe, all-natural ingredients. It is intended for both indoor and outdoor use and is effective in killing roaches, ants, spiders, fleas, earwigs, stink bugs, mites, scorpions, and silverfish on contact. It is pet and child safe, easy to use, and works quickly. It contains a proprietary blend of all-natural ingredients that will repel pests without harmful fumes, poisons, or chemicals, so you can use it anywhere you need to, as often as you need to.

After shaking well, spray it in and around your home where pests may be hiding to create a powerful barrier that bugs can’t get past. You may detect a slight smell after spraying, but it will fade after a short while. This has overwhelmingly positive reviews online and is highly effective, even compared to traditional chemical sprays. It is formulated by professional exterminators and 100% guaranteed to work, of your money back.

Talstar Pro Multi Use Insecticide

Talstar Pro Multi Use Insecticide controls over 75 different pests, including spiders, roaches, fleas, ticks, termites, stink bugs, mosquitoes, millipedes, pillbugs, chinch bugs, and earwigs. This is the same product that many pest control experts use, so you can get professional results, without the high price tag. In fact, this is actually one of the most trusted and widely-used insecticides by pest control experts. Unfortunately, when you want to use the same stuff the pros use, you usually have to buy in bulk. This is a large container of insecticide concentrate, which can yield 32-96 gallons of bug repellent, so it should last you a long time.

All you need to do is apply this inside, outside, and around the perimeter of your home for up to three months of dependable pest protection. It can be used around food handling areas and is pet-safe once dry, so just make sure to keep pets and children out until the spray has dried. It is odorless, dries clear, is non-staining, and non-irritating to the skin. It won’t break down easily, so you can rely on it for all-day use. If you have tried other products and are losing in the fight against bugs, this insecticide has shown outstanding results even in extreme cases when the insects kept returning.

Orange Guard Home Pest Control

Orange Guard Home Pest Control proves that you don’t need chemicals to effectively treat an insect problem. The water-based formula kills ants, roaches, fleas, silverfish, aphids, spider mites, leaf hoppers, palmettos, and scale insects on contact. It can safely be used around food, humans, and pets. It is intended for indoor and outdoor use and can kill and repel even well-hidden bugs. Once it is applied around the perimeter of your home, it will create a barrier of protection.

Orange peel extract (d-Limonene) is the active ingredient in this spray, which is a common natural solution for insect control. This formula took 14 years to perfect and underwent extensive testing and certification to ensure it could work as well as (or better than) conventional insecticides. The safe, effective insecticide actually outperformed the toxic chemical, Dursban, in independent studies. The orange peels also leave behind a fresh orange scent, which is much better than the chemical smell you will find with most insecticides.

Raid House and Garden Bug Killer

From the bestselling Raid brand, Raid House and Garden Bug Killer is the perfect solution when you need to treat both your home and garden. This powerful, effective spray won’t harm plants, but will kill crawling, flying, and garden insects on contact. It is non-flammable, non-staining, has no lingering odor, and couldn’t be easier to use. The gentle formula is equally effective indoors and outdoors, so you can spray it in your home, around the perimeter, and even throughout your garden. It can be used on house plants and garden plants, but shouldn’t be sprayed on edible crops. You can use it as often as you need it, anywhere you need it.

There are a number of Raid products with high ratings, but this particular spray will work indoors, outdoors, and in your garden, making it an incredible value. It is also one of the highest rated Raid products.

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Ways to Use Your Food That Don't Involve Eating

Ashley Marcin — Tue, 12 May 2015 11:00:11 +0000

We all have to eat to live, but did you know food can do way more than satisfy an empty stomach? It's true. Your kitchen holds some pretty powerful tools for everything from soothing dry feet to staging your house for a quick sale. Check out these awesomely smart uses for your edibles — no chewing required.

1. Beautify Yourself

This avocado hair mask gives your tresses some major TLC. Combine one avocado with a quarter cup of olive oil and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Leave the mixture on your hair for 20 minutes. Then, wash out and dry to uncover silky smooth strands.

Those of you with dry feet should try this oatmeal foot mask straight away. First, bathe your feet in hot water and baking soda to soften. Then slather on the thick mix of rolled oats, flour, honey, and olive oil. It may sound crazy, but you'll look crazier walking around during flip-flop season with cracked heels.

And if your face isn't cooperating, cheer it up with this egg white and honey mask. The recipe is simple! Whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of honey. Apply to your face and let dry before washing off. Your skin should feel tight and deeply cleansed.

2. Ward Off Pests

If ants are cramping your style, try my mom's red hot secret — cayenne pepper. Just sprinkle the pepper around where you've noticed ants entering your home. They hate the stuff. It should stop them from continuing their onward march. Then add a dash to your chili that's simmering on the stove.

Some people swear by garlic — whether slivered, in supplement form, or rubbed directly on skin — to deter pesky mosquitos. Apple cider vinegar might have a similar repelling effect. Just beware that you might smell a little funky.

3. Clean Your Place

Lemon juice is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, so it makes a perfect cleaner for some of your dirtiest areas. Many spots — like your cutting board and kitchen counters — can be cleaned by simply rubbing the lemon on top, letting the juice sit a few minutes, then wiping away with a damp cloth. (See also: 25 Alternative Uses for Lemons)

Vinegar might be a great dressing for your salad, but there are countless ways you can use the tangy stuff for cleaning. My favorite way to use vinegar is in an all-purpose cleaner. Mix together vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio, pour it into a spray bottle, and get scrubbing. (See also: 254 Uses for Vinegar and Counting)

4. Decorate Your Life

Citrus fruits are bold and bright. Before our first open house, our real estate agent told us to put some lemons and limes in a bowl as a cheap staging trick. Of course, you can keep the fun going all year round. I know some people who adorn their Christmas trees with citrus ornaments.

Clever couples even use food to decorate their wedding receptions. For example, apples and artichokes make a festive centerpiece for fall gatherings. These asparagus bunches, on the other hand, nest together to create an organic vase for delicate flowers.

Herbs taste divine in cooking. Why not decorate with them, too? This DIY wall garden is fabulous and functional all at the same time. (Plus, it cost less than $20 to make!) You'll assemble some glass jars, pipe clamps, and pieces of wood. Screw it all together, then add your dirt and plants. Herbs also dress up your outdoor areas with lush, edible greenery. Just remember to water them, and you're good to go.

How do you put your edibles to inedible purposes?

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Simple All Natural Bug and Mosquito Repellents

Ashley Marcin — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 17:00:04 +0000

Bugs. Can't live with them, but can't live without them. Despite all the good flies, mosquitoes, bees, and other insects do for our ecosystem, they can sure seem like pests during that backyard BBQ or annual camping extravaganza. With a little foresight, common sense, and maybe a few essential oils, however, you can battle with these creatures and win. Better yet? You can do it all without using harsh chemicals or other ingredients that are hazardous to your health. Here are 10 ways to keep the bugs away. (See also: Homemade Sunblock and 6 Other Recipes to Get Your Skin Ready for Summer)

1. Loose Cover

When I hang outdoors for long periods of time or go camping, I try to wear a lightweight layer, usually loose cotton or linen, that covers my extremities as much as possible. It's not a perfect method because bugs can squirm their way in wherever there's an opening, but it can dramatically reduce the number of bites and stings I experience. Tucking in shirts and wearing shoes instead of sandals is the next stage of defense.

2. DIY Bug Repellent

With a base of purified water or witch hazel, this DIY bug repellent comes together quickly and easily. You can use any combination of essential oils that appeal to your senses (or that you happen to have around the house), but the most effective and long-lasting combo is lemon and eucalyptus. (See also: 15 Wonderful Uses for Witch Hazel)

3. Natural Wasp and Bee Repellent

My friends and family know I am terrified of anything that stings. So, when I hear a buzz, I go running. I'd love to make some of thisnatural repellent — just equal parts peppermint essential oil and water. Peppermint is one of my favorite scents and is also cooling, which is an added benefit for the steamy summer weather.

4. Bug-Off Bars

For more portable bug protection, try these moisturizing lotion bars made with Purification and Thieves oil blends whipped into a coconut oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter mixture. Also? They make great gifts — you can pour them into fun molds for extra flair.

5. Citronella Candles

If you're having company over, why not protect them all with these beautiful floating candles? They contain citronella oil, sliced citrus fruits, and sprigs of mint and evergreen. Yet another genius use of the ubiquitous Ball jar.

6. Mosquito Plants

I'd never heard of Mosquito Plants until I saw them pop up at our local garden center. The concept makes total sense to me, though. Though the plant itself doesn't repel insects — the citronella fragrance in the leaves works when crushed and rubbed on the skin. If you plant one of these, it's always in your garden and ready to use.

7. Fan Away

A trick my family has used for years involves nothing more than a standard box fan. Simply plug one in by your party (use an outdoor extension cord if you must) and make sure to weigh down any light objects that might otherwise fly away.

8. Netting

One of the surest ways to keep insects of all sorts away is by physically screening them out. If you don't have the space or funds to enclose a patio or porch, consider purchasing an inexpensive screened gazebo or umbrella net.

9. Color Game

Wasps and bees are attracted to the colors yellow and white. Conversely, they cannot see the color red. So, a great way to stay relatively invisible when you're working or playing outdoors is to choose your wardrobe wisely. And the same goes with any overly smelly perfume — they'll be attracted to it.

10. Avoid a Squashing Spree

It can surely be tempting to swat or squash a pest — especially bees, wasps, etc. — but doing so can cause more harm to you than good. Crushed bees emit a pheromone that attracts more of their buddies to come running toward the scene. Swatting makes the situation worse. If you find yourself in a swarm, run for the nearest indoor area and try to cover your head and face with a shirt for protection from stings.

How do you keep bugs at bay — naturally? Please share in comments!

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: