Wipe up a line of ants with a wet sponge so other ants won't follow. Also, wipe up stray ants.
Sprinkle boric acid, talcum powder, powdered chili pepper, paprika, dried peppermint, damp coffee grounds, or borax where ants enter the house.
Squeeze lemon juice where ants enter and leave behind the peel.
Plant mint outside or spray ants with strong mint tea in a squirt bottle.
Spray ants and ant trails with a biodegradable soap, inside and out.
Cockroaches and Silverfish
Combine equal parts baking soda and sugar. Spread around infested area.
Combine equal parts powdered oatmeal or flour with plaster of paris. Spread around infested area.
Stir and sift 1 ounce trisodium phosphate, 6 ounces borax, 4 ounces granulated sugar, and 8 ounces flour. Spread around infested area. Repeat 4 days and again in 2 weeks.
Combine 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 4 tablespoons borax. Spread around infested area.
Place cucumber rinds or bay leaves in infested area.
Flies
Fly paper – spread thin layer of honey on bright paper.
Scratch the inside of an orange peel and leave it out. Citrus oil repels flies.
Beetles and Weevils
Place a bay leaf in all grain product containers.
Store flour and grains in a cool cabinet, the refrigerator, or a sealed container.
Hang small cheesecloth sacks of black pepper in food bins.
Insect Repellant Recipes
Splash or dab vinegar on exposed skin.
Apply citronella lotions or oils to skin.
Combine a few drops citronella or pennyroyal oil per ounce vodka or vegetable oil. Apply at pulse points.
Laundry Detergent Recipes and Replacements
Add plain powdered or liquid soap or grated bar soap to laundry. To prevent residue, add baking soda or borax to wash.
Remove odors, perspiration and freshen clothes – 1 cup plain baking soda, vinegar or borax per load.