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6 Tactics to Get Rid of Bugs

Extinguish these pesky critters that invade your home

AARP Bulletin, April/May 2016

  • 6 Tactics to Get Rid of Bugs
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    Mosquitoes

    En español | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says oil of lemon eucalyptus is an effective, natural mosquito repellent. Products containing the oil are widely available online and at discount retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart.

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  • 6 Tactics to Get Rid of Bugs
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    Dog ticks

    Prevention is key. Put one drop of rose geranium oil between your dog’s shoulder blades and one at the top of the base of the tail, or two drops directly on the collar.

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  • 6 Tactics to Get Rid of Bugs
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    Pantry moths

    Wipe food containers and shelves with white vinegar, and then place bay leaves inside the canisters and cupboards.

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  • 6 Tactics to Get Rid of Bugs
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    Ants

    Vinegar deters ants from entering your home by overpowering the scent they would use to follow other ants’ footsteps. Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and squirt in places that are likely to attract ants, such as the area around pet food bowls and other food sources.

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  • 6 Tactics to Get Rid of Bugs
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    Bees

    Listen to the experts: Do not attempt to remove a bee swarm yourself, warns the American Beekeeping Federation. Do an Internet search for your local area or state’s beekeeping association to find a beekeeper who can remove the bees without killing them. 

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  • 6 Tactics to Get Rid of Bugs
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    Camel crickets

    These giant jumping crickets—which don’t bite, by the way—may make a home in your basement. Use glue traps to dispatch.

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