I've been a guest at a few farmhouses, since childhood. I don't remember a single farm that didn't have a couple of cats and dogs living there. I also recall that my aunt kept anything that might attract rodent pests sealed up--for example, bar soap was in a little tin on the sink. In addition, she kept flour, sugar, etc., in mason jars.
keep all food in containers with tight fitting lids- glass, metal, plastic; bagged produce - potatoes/onions, remove from bag - dispose of it. Products coming in corrugated boxed ( cardboard ), don't keep the box -- the 'corrugation' is where roaches lay their eggs, keep all food scraps properly disposed of - composed, or put in a sealed garbage bag. Keep counters free of crumbs and food products; set traps for mice, bait boxes for roaches; look for how/where mice are getting in; roaches eat anything -- glue, paper, etc. Vinegar/water makes a good spray for ants - doesn't kill them but deters their paths.
When I was first looking for a natural remedy I saw more than one article about farmers using food grade diatomaceous earth. The articles mentioned the dte being used in animal pens, animal bedding, in animal food, and even on the animals. The farmers used it inside their homes as well. They sprinkled it inside the cupboards, around the baseboards, in their basements and so forth. I have used dte and have found it to be useful for most pests. I do store my flour, sugar, etc. in containers. Peppermint essential oil is reported to keep mice, ants and spiders at bay. I have used it and found it to be especially effective on mice. Hope this helps.
I second the diotomaceous earth! Darlene is right about keeping everything in containers too. Also, steel wool in all the little holes on the outside of the house, rats and mice cant chew through it. Do you actually live on a farm? Or is that the decorative theme to your house? Sorry, I just answered a similar question not long ago and I was waaay off because that person was talking about decor.
Thank u guys for ur ideas, yes I live on a farm, an old 130+ year old home. I have a cow lot beside me and fields all around and across the street. I have tried peppermint oil in pest spray and essential oils that I had and still the spiders and mice still came. I finally had to get a cat and that slowed it down tons! I came from the city and never had to deal with this and with a little one it stressed me out trying to keep up with the cleaning to avoid the critters then n having to clean up after the critters :( but I will need to try the DTE stuff. Thank u thank u for taking the time out to help others!
I have had a horse farm and with it comes lots of feed. I tried sprays and then an older farmer told me to use termite spray. If you look at the ones available at lowes or such the treatment contains only .09 . The termite spray contains 38.38 and the effects lasts years. Just spray around foundations and door and window frames in and out, Spray around base boards in the house and door frames . Try to spray behind cabinets and up under the base of them. Most cabinets especially the older ones you can put your hand up over the toe board. Yes this is strong stuff but termites will eat a brand new home as well as one over 100. This will take care of most everything. in your barns spray the ceiling and rafters, if you live in the south with scorpions this will take cedar oil all over the attics and eaves rafters and such. Clear glass jars for storage almost stops all sorts of bugs in food. The 38.38 can also be sprayed in your pantry areas, walls and doors. If you find fleas in your house you can spray what ever you need this stuff does not stain furniture rugs or walls. Good luck
I would like to know how to get rid those pesty little sink/drain flies. I've tried baking soda and vinegar, drain cleaners and put plastic over the drains.
I've been a guest at a few farmhouses, since childhood. I don't remember a single farm that didn't have a couple of cats and dogs living there. I also recall that my aunt kept anything that might attract rodent pests sealed up--for example, bar soap was in a little tin on the sink. In addition, she kept flour, sugar, etc., in mason jars.
What are your pests?
keep all food in containers with tight fitting lids- glass, metal, plastic; bagged produce - potatoes/onions, remove from bag - dispose of it. Products coming in corrugated boxed ( cardboard ), don't keep the box -- the 'corrugation' is where roaches lay their eggs, keep all food scraps properly disposed of - composed, or put in a sealed garbage bag. Keep counters free of crumbs and food products; set traps for mice, bait boxes for roaches; look for how/where mice are getting in; roaches eat anything -- glue, paper, etc. Vinegar/water makes a good spray for ants - doesn't kill them but deters their paths.
When I was first looking for a natural remedy I saw more than one article about farmers using food grade diatomaceous earth. The articles mentioned the dte being used in animal pens, animal bedding, in animal food, and even on the animals. The farmers used it inside their homes as well. They sprinkled it inside the cupboards, around the baseboards, in their basements and so forth. I have used dte and have found it to be useful for most pests. I do store my flour, sugar, etc. in containers. Peppermint essential oil is reported to keep mice, ants and spiders at bay. I have used it and found it to be especially effective on mice. Hope this helps.
I second the diotomaceous earth! Darlene is right about keeping everything in containers too. Also, steel wool in all the little holes on the outside of the house, rats and mice cant chew through it. Do you actually live on a farm? Or is that the decorative theme to your house? Sorry, I just answered a similar question not long ago and I was waaay off because that person was talking about decor.
I have had a horse farm and with it comes lots of feed. I tried sprays and then an older farmer told me to use termite spray. If you look at the ones available at lowes or such the treatment contains only .09 . The termite spray contains 38.38 and the effects lasts years. Just spray around foundations and door and window frames in and out, Spray around base boards in the house and door frames . Try to spray behind cabinets and up under the base of them. Most cabinets especially the older ones you can put your hand up over the toe board. Yes this is strong stuff but termites will eat a brand new home as well as one over 100. This will take care of most everything. in your barns spray the ceiling and rafters, if you live in the south with scorpions this will take cedar oil all over the attics and eaves rafters and such. Clear glass jars for storage almost stops all sorts of bugs in food. The 38.38 can also be sprayed in your pantry areas, walls and doors. If you find fleas in your house you can spray what ever you need this stuff does not stain furniture rugs or walls. Good luck