10 ways to keep your home insect free

Written by Dr.Laxmi Iyer

Insects. Except for your kids and pet cats morbid fascination for the 6 and more legged creatures, insects don’t crawl into our dreams of cozy interiors.

Now, the problem for millions of us around the world is that insecticides whether used in your garden or indoors are toxic.

There’s simply no masking this fact.

I am sure most of you are aware of the horrendous reports that showed insecticide residues sprayed in farm fields were found thousands of miles away in washed up marine mammals on coastal seashores.

You probably do most of this stuff but just in case you don’t, give them a try. It works well. 1. Grow Neem trees in your garden Neem leaves, fruits and seeds have powerful insect repelling properties. If you plant neem trees as a border around your garden, you can be sure that most of the plants inside will be relatively safer. 2. Grow chrysanthemums These lovely flowers are the original source of that powerful insecticide today used n many homes around the world known as pyrethroid.

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum – the original compound whose structure was studied and based on it – pyrethroid was developed.

3. Make a mobile of dried or fresh orange peels and lemon
Hang these mobiles in strategic locations all over the home.

4. Wire gauze your home
Use wire gauze on the doors and windows of your home – This simple measure
will ensure that 90% of the flying insects do not enter the home.

5. Use mosquito nets
Mosquito nets are easy to use and efficient at keeping even the toughest mosquitoes away. They are ideal to use even when camping outdoors.

6. Cover the drains
Keep all the drains in the home covered with a wire gauze or any suitable fine meshed cover.
This is an observation that most of us overlook. Many insects come walking through the drainpipe.

A good, fine meshed cover in the bathrooms, washbasins and kitchen sinks will prevent most insects from coming into the house.

7. Use boric acid powder
Equal parts of boric acid powder and concentrated sugar syrup work effectively against ants and cockroaches.

8. Use garlic paste, tobacco powder, red chili and pepper powder
Identify the regular insect dense areas of your home and garden, if there are any.

Spray or line the area with red chili or pepper powder, garlic paste or tobacco powder. Using them in rotation is an effective way to keep the insects away.

9. Spring clean your home regularly
This point cannot be overstressed. Three months and the ruthless pruning have to be done.

No waiting and no cloying sentimentality should be allowed to get into the way.

Old cardigans, bed sheets, towels and books have to find a better place to stay than your attic. Make room for growth.

Allowing the cobwebs in the attics to breed may give you that long, searched for perfect cobweb – but so will a walk in the woods along with a bonus of fresh air, exercises and plenty of oxygen.

10. Groom your pets regularly
Don’t put off the bath for your dog to the month end when you know it’s long over due.

Brush your cats and dogs regularly and inspect them everyday for ticks and fleas.
The back and inside of the ears and in-between the claws are favourite hideouts.

Look under a bright light otherwise your sharp eyes may not spot them.