Eco-friendly Way of Getting Rid of Bugs?

Question

Due to all of the rain we've been having, we're getting a mess of bugs. We have a lot of wildlife around and I have bad allergies - so we need an eco-friendly solution. Does anyone know of a some sort of eco-friendly repellent or spray that could handle an array of different types of bugs? Thanks! :) 
 
 EDIT (as of 8-10-2013): 
 The kind of bugs that seem to be 'bugging' us vary - but mostly are millipedes and roaches, though I hear that millipedes aren't easy to get rid of. Any powder, spray, etc. will do as long as it's friendly to us and critters outside. :) (We get a lot of birds here.)
 
EDIT PART 2 (as of 8-11-2013):
We just found Eco Smart at Home Depot? Any experiences with it or thoughts about it?

Catherine Smith · Answer

Generally, there are various insecticidal soaps available, both commercial and homemade. But it would be helpful if you could explain what type of bugs that are 'bugging' you. It would make it easier to give more specific suggestions. ^-^

Larose LoganOakes · Answer

Hi April!

I have been using Herbal Authority Tea Tree Oil Cream. It works great at keeping all types of bugs away from you and your pets. The bugs don't like the smell. I find it rather pleasant although it is strong.And no I do not get any type of kickback for mentioning this product. I wish I did. You can get this stuff online as I forgot where I bought my original jar of the stuff. This stuff is fantastic!
 Whatever you decide to do, let me recommend that you do not put the 100% oil directly on your skin as this stuff is strong and it can burn your skin.The tea tree oil has to be in a base.Like lotion, cream, or ointment. I have been using tea tree oil since I had foot surgery in 1996 and I will continue using it for everything!It is God's gift to us people.If you don't like the smell you can always use Avon, Skin So Soft in the blue bottle.They make a spray on body oil, lotion, liquid body soap and bar soap.This stuff is very reasonable as well. The US Marines use this stuff in the jungles so you know it works. 
 Good Luck!:)

April · Answer

@Catherine Smith - I apologize for my lack of detail in my post. I'll edit it to be more clear. Mostly it's millipedes, ants, roaches, etc. - with emphasis on the millipedes and roaches - which they're attracted to humidity, I know. We've never had such amounts before. Anything like a powder or spray would be good.
 
@Larose D. Logan-Oakes - Thanks for the repellant suggestions! I guess I used the wrong word, as I actually meant in our house, and not so much on us as just under our feet. But this *is* good to know!

Larose LoganOakes · Answer

April, Sorry about the confusion. Someone else asked the same question yesterday and I have put the link here for you to see. This Bengal stuff is truly amazing!I would give it a try!:) http://www.hometalk.com/diy/q-roach-and-bug-home-remedy-please-older-parents-with-problem-1981955 http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=bengal%20roach%20spray&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CF0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bengal.com%2Froach_spray.html&ei=-TMGUq_EDqewyQGskIAQ&usg=AFQjCNG6HvV74nOKRs1XA5otRseG-wL9_Q

Dee202745 · Answer

Diatomaceous earth will help. http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/how-to-use-diatomaceous-earth-zw0z1304zkin.aspx#axzz2bZRlZtC8 http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html

Catherine Smith · Answer

Since this is an 'inside job', insecticidal soap is not the answer as that's meant to be used on outside pests. I suggest you try searching for organic or natural methods for dealing with roaches. All this rain we've been having is probably contributing to the problem. I know we've had an influx of spiders and ants in the house, lately. I bought the biggest container of cinnamon I could get may hands on and sprinkled it around the door ways, also made up some little cheese cloth bags filled those and slipped them in behind furniture etc. Evidently spiders don't like cinnamon. We use a combo of borax and maple syrup for the ants. Tuck jar lids filled with it under counters etc. We have to be careful with that because we have dogs. But the ants take that bait and carry it back to the main nest and kill the queen.

Saw Contractors · Answer

This is a link to a web sight that will answer your questions and give you a safe way to get rid of all your worries and bugs. http://www.earthworkshealth.com/ Read the parts you want about bug control but there are many uses for this product.

Susan · Answer

Sprinkle salt around the outside of your house. Most bugs don't like salt and won't cross the line.

April · Answer

@Larose D. Logan-Oakes - Oh, no problem! I can see how you would think I meant that. I appreciate your help and suggestions!
 
@Catherine Smith - Wow, I especially like the sound of using spices - that's just about as natural as you can get.
 
@Saw Contractors and @Susan - Thank you for your wonderful links and suggestions as well!
 
[UPDATE] - We just found Eco Smart at Home Depot? Any experiences with it or thoughts about it?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Bed bugs are tricky. We use essential oils sprayed in a fogger while we dose the house using Ozone. The Ozone alone will kill most of them within 8 hrs or so. But the Ozone combined with the essential oils gets them moving around fast enough to come into contact with the oils within the air. Once that happens you need to HEPA vacuum well to remove the eggs that the live ones has left around. The Ozone will remove a lot of the issue by itself. But essential oils combined with the Ozone its a great bed bug defense .

April · Answer

@Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com - I apologize for making my post so confusing; as I'm referring to things like roaches, millipedes, etc. But thanks for the tips anyways! :)

April E · Answer

there is a citrus product called orange tko that works well sprayed o the pests it even works on animals for flea, tick and fly control. also using vinegar to clean with helps to break ant trails causing them to quit entering you home. but roaches can be tough cinnamon, I have heard of if working quite well if you are not truly infested. if it has gotten out of hand the best thing I have found is combat roach baits the roaches enter the bait 'house' and take the kill agent back to the nest. after use bag up the baits and take to your local poison drop site for proper disposal, the baits can be put under and behind appliances and heavy furniture to keep pets and children out of them while they do their job. millipedes are not as bad 1 make sure to seal around all your pipes and any other 'moist' area, also it helps to keep you mulch at least 6 inches away from the base of the house and no woodpiles near the house, then use diatomaceous earth or borax around the perimeter of the rooms you have seen them in and inside cabinets and drawers.

April · Answer

@April E - Hello to another April! :) Thank you for all of the suggestions! Are the baits made with eco friendly material or?

April E · Answer

they are a insecticide they are not a organic however they are a contained insecticide as the killing agent is in small plastic boxes they are put in safe places and not broadcast sprayed through your home. as I said try the cinnamon if it is only a few roaches ou are looking at but if it is more this is a effective safer way to use a insecticide

April · Answer

@April E - Ah, I see. Good to know. I'll have to remember that. Thanks again! :)

DORLIS · Answer

try mint, almost all bugs hate the smell of anything in the mint family. i do not use flea collars, etc as the catnip keeps my cats free of them and ticks.mint also works on spiders and mice. steep some mint and strain the leaves out, then spray around the foundation of your house. if you are brave, plant mints around your house, course you will be fighting mint for the rest of your life.

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