With warmer temperatures sweeping the nation, an invasion of insects are arriving through our front doors.
But instead of letting them inside – only to blast them with a hefty dose of insect spray – there are a variety of more pleasant options available that will help to keep the creepy crawlies at bay.
From a peppermint-scented spray to the littering of bay leaves, FEMAIL rounds up a variety of organic methods that can bug proof your home this summer.
Instead of blasting bugs with insect spray this Australian summer, FEMAIL has revealed a variety of organic methods to help keep them at bay (stock image)
The good news for those with arachnophobia is that house spiders can be easily deterred with something as simple as a peppermint-scented spray.
Mixing 20 peppermint oil drops to a bottle of water, and spraying it around generously, will not only make your house smell nice but will keep spiders at bay too, The Sun reported.
This natural method won’t harm the arachnids, but instead simply encourages them to relocate to the backyard.
Solutions with a higher concentration of peppermint will also deter rats when applied to cotton balls placed near entry points.
The good news for those with arachnophobia is that house spiders can be easily deterred with something as simple as a peppermint-scented spray (stock image)
Meanwhile, cockroaches and moths can be taken care of by scattering bay leaves (stock image) or the herb sage in dark areas of your house
Cracks and holes filled with copper or steel wool is also effective in deterring rats, as they won’t chew through it.
Meanwhile, cockroaches and moths can be taken care of by scattering bay leaves or the herb sage in dark areas of your house.
The potent scent of bay leaves and sage act as a deterrent to the creepy crawlies, ensuring they stay away from cups and bowls in your kitchen cupboards.
Pesky trails of ants can also be taken care of by scrambling their navigation systems with vinegar.
Ants use scent trails to navigate, so an equal parts solution of vinegar and water wiped across floors, tables and kitchen countertops will throw them off a food trail and keep them outside.