Natural Secrets for Shooing Pesky Insects

Enjoy summer without fussing over uninvited "guests."  Yank the welcome mat with these natural solutions:     

Ants  Deter ants in the house with dry, crushed mint leaves (tea bags work, too) or cloves, and strategically-placed garlic cloves will keep the ants off your patio.  For a long-term nontoxic fix, sprinkle diatomaceous earth where ants congregate.          

Mosquitoes  If you're using the barbecue, throw a bit of sage or rosemary on the coals to repel mosquitoes.  Make a natural bug repellent by mixing one part garlic juice with five parts water in a small spray bottle -hang strips of cotton cloth wettened with the mixture or spray it on your skin.   

Flies  Small sachets of crushed mint or bay leaves, cloves, and eucalyptus wrapped in cheesecloth can serve as fly deterrents around the home and by windows or doors. 

Moths  Aromatic cedar chips in a cheesecloth square, or cedar oil in an absorbent cloth will repel moths.  Make moth-repelling sachets using any of the following: bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, eucalyptus leaves, lavender, pepper corns or wormwood.

BONUS TIP: Planting marigolds around your yard works as a natural bug repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs and flying insects don't like.  (Check with your favorite nursery or garden center for advice on the best variety.)