5 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Insects

Bugs! Nobody wants them in your house but with young kids or pets, the heavy stuff just isn't cutting it. Here are 5 natural ways to get rid of unwanted bugs without harming the ones you love.

Insects are a nuisance, always finding a way to sneak themselves into the great indoors. Sure there are great products on the market to rid of these pesky bugs, but many of them contain harsh chemicals that can reek more havoc on your health than the bugs in your house — especially when there are young children or pets around.

The good news is there are many natural ways to rid of these annoying creatures. Here are five natural solutions that are both easy and effective.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Fruit Flies: These pesky mini flies seem to appear out of nowhere, and once seen, they tend to multiply at rapid speed — especially with a fruit bowl nearby. The good news is a little apple cider vinegar and dish soap can save the day. Set up little bowls of apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in each container (to lure the bugs with a sweet smell) and the fruit flies will end up in the vinegar with no way out. Repeat for a few days to completely get rid of the pack.

2. Lavender for House Flies: Lavender doesn't just warm up the smell of your house with its beautiful floral scent, it's also good for deterring pesky house flies. Whether you create a bug spray with lavender oil and water, or have fresh lavender plants in your home (or garden to keep them from your fruits and vegetables as well), your house will smell fresh and be fly free.

3. Tea Tree Oil for Lice: Every parent dreads the "A kid in your class has lice" letter that gets sent home on a frequent basis for school-aged kids. One way to help lower the chances of your kid having a head full of bugs is with tea tree oil. Although it isn't a proven solution once you have lice, adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a de-tangled spray or water is said to help ward off the dreaded hair infesting bugs.

4. Cedar to get rid of moths: Cedar blocks balls or oils (just be careful with the oil — it can stain) can make your closet drawers smell nice and also get rid of younger moths and the larvae that make the little tiny holes in your clothes. The one key to the cedar working is to replace it often — once the smell runs out, it's no longer protecting your precious garb.

5. Earth Kind Stay Away prevention packs: This company took to creating all natural packets of what looks like potpourri mixed with essential oils that target specifics creatures. A blend of citronella, rosemary, and lemongrass helps ward off spiders, and lemongrass, peppermint, and thyme keeps ants at bay. And the packets are put in a biodegradable pod to assure they are out of harm's way.