Tag Archives: pest control

Bugs Bugs Go Away

It’s summer and at least here in Jacksonville, N.C., that means bugs and lots of them. But, I hate pesticides. It just seems wrong to spray chemicals to get rid of bugs. I was overjoyed when I found some natural bug repellents from Richard Fagerlund from his book “The Bugman on Bugs: Understanding Household Pests and the Environment.” To get rid of ants, mix 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, two tablespoons of jelly, and one teaspoon of boric acid. Put that in a small, disposable container and sit it where the ants are. If you have a mound you need … Continue reading →

Mouse Hunt!

What happens when you combine a former city chick who has seen rats the size of small cats, a handy husband that is surviving on too little sleep and a mysterious “something” with an appetite for a 45-year-old house in the woods? Chaos, I tell you, chaos. When I last left off, I was telling you about our adventures with a mystery rodent. Let’s call it Godzilla, so you don’t confuse it with that cute little epicures mouse in Ratatouille. Better yet, let’s call it the ROUS (rodent of unusual size); with teeth. (If you missed the early part of … Continue reading →

The Rabbits ate My Roses!

I received a rosebush for Mother’s Day. The roses are long-stemmed “rainbow sorbet,” which is a golden color tinged with deep, pink tips. They are very full roses with a delicate fragrance and I love them. My rosebush has been doing very well since almost immediately after we planted it. I’ve had several roses bloom at different intervals. I noticed that there hadn’t been any for a while and assumed my rosebush might be done for the season. Then, I noted new buds once again. As I was looking at them, I noticed chewed up ones. I don’t know why … Continue reading →

Home Pest Control: Spiders

Many spiders are fairly harmless unless a person is sensitive to spider bites. In fact, spiders can be useful as they help control other insects. However, some spiders are venomous and can cause severe reactions, especially in small children, the elderly, or people in poor health or with compromised immune systems. Some people are also allergic. There are some things you can do to help decrease the spider population in your home and lessen the chance of being bitten by a spider. The first step is to dust and vacuum thoroughly and regularly, especially in corners, crevices, and out of … Continue reading →

Great Ideas for the Great Outdoors

Whether you just like to sit outside in the morning with your coffee, or enjoy indulging in delicious dinners outdoors, or even if you simply like to relax to soothing sounds outside in the evening, you may find your experience interrupted by pests. In another article, I mentioned using marigolds as a good way to keep some insects away, since they don’t care for the scent. Instead of just planting some near the house, however, you might also want to consider picking up some potted marigolds. They are bright and beautiful, and you will be able to move them with … Continue reading →

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Going in to this film, I had no idea what to expect. I knew the kids liked it – they saw it with my husband, but I wasn’t there. A little hesitantly, I sat down and watched it with them, and to my surprise, laughed the whole way through it. Wallace is the owner of a humane pest control service called “Anti-Pesto.” (If that doesn’t give you a chuckle right off the bat, I don’t know what will.) He’s also an inventor and has filled his house with gadgets to wake him up, dress him, feed him, and capture the … Continue reading →

Yard and Garden: Controlling Snakes

Even if you don’t live out in the country, you may encounter snakes in your yard or garden. There are various types of snakes, many of which are not only harmless but may also be beneficial. They tend to eat other pests. Still, it is wise to avoid contact with snakes since you may not know which ones are dangerous. Pit vipers have triangle shaped heads with a “dent” or pit between the eyes and should always be avoided. Watch where you step and don’t reach into piles with bare hands. Use a rake or a shovel to reach in … Continue reading →

Yard and Garden: Rabbit Control Tips

Do you feel like Mr. McGregor? Is Peter Cottontail tearing up your yard, garden, or flowerbeds? Despite the fact that bunny rabbits are cute and furry, they can become frustrating when they destroy your hard work. Here are some ideas for controlling rabbits without causing physical harm to them. 1. You can start by fencing areas and plants that you wish to protect. You will need chicken wire or the type of mesh you see in rabbit hutches. The openings must be very small. Be sure the fencing is snug to the ground. You may also want to reinforce the … Continue reading →

Getting Rid of Fruit Flies the Frugal Way (2)

My article Getting Rid of Fruit Flies the Frugal Way (1) explains in detail how the fruit flies get into your home and how their life cycle works. Now I’m going to share with you, the best ways to get rid of them and keep them out. What you are going to do is create a fruit fly trap. You will need: Glass Jar A jar that held jelly or pickles, mayonnaise, etc. is perfect. You are looking for taller jars, rather than wide jars, but any jar will work well. Piece of Paper Any paper will do, but a … Continue reading →

Getting Rid of Fruit Flies the Frugal Way (1)

As the season’s change from summer to fall, many insects are found in and around our home in abundance. The fruit fly is just one, and being that they are more commonly seen indoors, there are some simple and frugal techniques you can use to get rid of them. Most of the techniques to rid your home of fruit flies are extremely expensive and constitute purchasing sprays and traps that can cost a fortune and don’t always work. But there is a more frugal alternative to all of that. My neighbor just had a run in with a plethora of … Continue reading →