Keeps Small Creatures at Bay

Hi Diana here again

I just cannot believe it is October already, and we are still living with those lovely high temperatures. Not to dampen your spirits but once the temperature drops then small creatures will seek the sanctuary and warmth of your home. So how do we keep then out?

What they seek is warmth, food and perhaps some place to lay eggs. Knowing this we can arm ourselves to deter an insect invasion. Yes - cleanliness is the first step, we need to eliminate any other smaller insects, food crumbs and dark corners for them to hide.

Start outside and ensure that the environment close to your house does not harbour the unwanted Spiders, Daddy Long Legs, Moths or even Mice.   Make sure the exterior of your home is free from leaves, grass clippings, wood piles, or any other notorious spider hangouts. You can also check all door openings and windowsills to make sure there isn’t room for spiders to get in that way. Examine doors and windows for tiny openings and then seal with a draught proof sealer, caulk or even Brillo pads.

Next we need to clean the inside of your home, especially where these creatures like to hang out, that means dark corners, damp areas, behind curtains, under beds, sofas and furniture. Regular vacuuming and dusting will help stop them making a home in yours. Having cleaned your home I suggest you store food in plastic or strong containers, never leave scraps lying around. Clean them up and put food rubbish in an outside bin  However, this is where we start some of the methods for deterring spiders, moths, mice and Daddy long legs. 

Certain insects and rodents tend to avoid certain smells or noises while others search out dark damp corners and some are in fact attracted by light.

Spiders do not like citrus (so clean with a little lemon juice) also mint (leave mint tea bags along window sills) or chestnuts (again leave fresh chestnuts around the house.

Daddy Long Legs are attracted to other insects and spiders as a food source so a clean house keeps them away. They also like damp areas, such as your bathroom and are attracted by light. So obviously close windows when lights are on and dry up after a shower.

Moths are somewhat different as it is their eggs or larvae that cause the harm. Clothes moths lay their eggs in your stored away clothing, you might not find them till next spring when it is too late. Wash and freshen clothes before they are put away for the winter and only where the cupboard has been cleaned beforehand.  Food moths are attracted to cereals, flour and grains so keep all these items in sealed containers and clean up any spillages. Again they are attracted by light but the common deterrent is lavender, which you can place sachets in the stored clothing or spray a little lavender oil. Cleanliness and good storage is the best form of protection.

 

For Mice soak cotton balls in an oil made from the spices they hate like peppermint, cayenne pepper and clove, and leave them in areas where mice are spotted. In fact growing mint in pots and placing those pots outside your entrance doors will stop then coming in. Another effective deterrent are certain pitched noises, and such machines are available in most hardware shops. 

Hope this is of some help as we face into the late autumn and start to change our homes for winter living.

“Life is hard for insects. And don't think mice are having any fun either.”

Woody Allen

Don’t forget there is always help to hand especially for the more difficult tasks. We here at Pristine Home would love to take on the task of cleaning your home and have it nice and fresh for you. Please see our website www.pristine.ie and contact Diana at Pristine.ie on 1890 929 988 or info@pristine.ie