I was terrified of bugs growing up. I use to refuse to go weed our garden because I knew a spider bite was exactly how I was going to die (even though there weren’t any poisonous spiders in Alaska that could bite you)!

As I grew up though I came to the conclusion that I had to face my fears…or figure out a way to get rid of them! That’s when I started experimenting with different DIY natural bug killers and repellants. I wanted to share some of my favorites with you today.

How to Get Rid of Bugs in House

If you already have creepy crawlies in your home, it’s time to take action in either scaring them away or killing them. (I’ll cover repelling bugs in the section below.) The best natural way to kill spiders and any other insect with an exoskeleton is with Diatomaceous Earth (commonly known as DE). DE is a naturally forming sediment– it’s actually the hard shells from tiny phytoplanktons called Diatoms that live in oceans and help with cleaning the air. When they get out of water, their little glass-like bodies get dried up and form diatomites (seeing a trend here with the names…). Diatomites are then harvested, ground into powder for food-grade DE or heated to form a difference substance called pool grade DE.

Make sure you get food-grade DE (or garden grade DE) when buying Diatomaceous Earth to kill bugs. This powder is harmless to humans but when insects get into it the DE works under their shells and cuts their soft bodies underneath causing them to die of dehydration.

Besides using DE, you can also trap bugs using DIY soda bottle traps like this.

How to Keep Bugs Out of Your House

Now, if you are looking to repel bugs out of your home or just keep bugs away from your house, here’s what you need to do: Fill a 4-6 oz glass spray bottle with water and about 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil. Then go spray-happy in all the areas you see bugs! I’ve found peppermint gets rid of spiders (my biggest concern), cockroaches and even mice! And, it makes your house smell nice and clean! Win-Win!

Citrusy smells also keep spiders away. If you’re looking for a DIY ant repeller, try sprinkling ground cinnamon in key areas you see ants coming in. This can get a little messy, so you can do the glass spray bottle with water and several drops of cinnamon essential oil.

If you’re wondering why glass spray bottles, essential oils have a tendency to eat away at plastics and make it deteriorate. Glass bottles keep pure essential oils potent for longer.

What are some tricks you know on how to repel bugs? Share in the comments below!