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**Instructions**:
– Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
– Spray the mixture directly on ant trails, along baseboards, and in areas where ants are entering your home.
– Reapply daily to eliminate the scent trails and keep ants away.
#### **b. Cinnamon and Clove Oil**
Ants dislike the strong scent of cinnamon and clove oil. Sprinkling cinnamon or using essential oils can disrupt ant pathways and keep them from entering your home.
**Instructions**:
– Sprinkle ground cinnamon or place cinnamon sticks near entry points.
– Alternatively, mix 10-15 drops of clove oil in water and spray along ant trails.
#### **c. Borax and Sugar Trap**
Borax is a natural insecticide that is safe when used correctly but deadly to ants. Combining borax with sugar attracts ants, which then carry the borax back to their nest, killing the colony.
**Ingredients**:
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of borax
– Water
**Instructions**:
– Mix the sugar and borax together and add a little water to form a paste.
– Place small amounts of the paste in areas where ants are most active.
– Refill as needed until the infestation is gone.
#### **d. Lemon Juice**
Lemon juice is another natural remedy for ants. The acidity of lemon juice disrupts ant trails, preventing them from returning to food sources.
**Instructions**:
– Squeeze lemon juice directly on ant trails and around the entry points of your home.
– Alternatively, mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle and apply it to affected areas.
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### **3. How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Naturally**
Cockroaches are one of the most unpleasant pests to have in your home. They can spread diseases, damage food, and make your home feel unsanitary. Fortunately, there are natural ways to eliminate cockroaches without resorting to toxic chemicals.
#### **a. Boric Acid**
Boric acid is a natural substance that works as a stomach poison for cockroaches. When cockroaches come in contact with boric acid, it sticks to their bodies, and when they groom themselves, they ingest it and die.
**Instructions**:
– Sprinkle boric acid powder under appliances, along baseboards, and in cracks and crevices where cockroaches are likely to hide.
– Avoid using boric acid in areas where children or pets play.
– Reapply after a few days to ensure effectiveness.
#### **b. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) for Cockroaches**
As mentioned earlier, diatomaceous earth can also be used for cockroaches. The sharp particles of DE penetrate their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die.
**Instructions**:
– Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where cockroaches are hiding, such as behind refrigerators, in cabinets, or near food storage areas.
– Leave it for 2-3 days and vacuum up the powder.
#### **c. Essential Oils**
Cockroaches are repelled by certain essential oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil. These oils can be mixed with water to create a natural cockroach repellent.
**Ingredients**:
– 10 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil
– 1 cup water
**Instructions**:
– Mix the essential oils with water in a spray bottle.
– Shake well and spray in areas where cockroaches are often found.
– Repeat as necessary.
#### **d. Cucumber Slices**
Cucumbers have been shown to repel cockroaches due to their natural compounds. Fresh cucumber slices placed in strategic areas may deter cockroaches from entering.
**Instructions**:
– Place slices of fresh cucumber in areas where cockroaches are likely to appear, such as under sinks, in cabinets, or along baseboards.
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### **Long-Term Prevention Tips for Fleas, Ants, and Cockroaches**
Once you’ve successfully eliminated fleas, ants, and cockroaches, it’s important to maintain a pest-free environment. Here are a few long-term prevention tips to keep your home pest-free:
– **Seal Entry Points**: Ensure there are no cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, windows, or doors where pests can enter.
– **Regular Cleaning**: Keep your home clean, especially in areas where food is stored or prepared. Clean up food crumbs, grease, and spills promptly.
– **Proper Waste Disposal**: Take out the trash regularly and make sure garbage bins are sealed tightly.
– **Pet Care**: If you have pets, make sure they are regularly treated for fleas and ticks.
– **Moisture Control**: Fix leaky pipes and ensure that areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms are dry, as pests like cockroaches and ants are attracted to moisture.
### **Conclusion**
Getting rid of fleas, ants, and cockroaches requires persistence, but with the right natural methods, you can achieve a pest-free home without relying on harsh chemicals. By using common household ingredients like vinegar, diatomaceous earth, essential oils, and boric acid, you can successfully eliminate these pests and keep them from coming back. In addition to these natural remedies, maintaining a clean environment and taking preventative measures will help ensure that pests stay away for good.
