Maybe I’m weird, but I have a thing for fabulous smelling cleaners like this citrus splash all-purpose spray. As a housekeeper for over 12 years I’ve now traded the noxious fumes for natural scents like lemon, orange, and pine needle. Lemony fresh countertops and minty toilets are my jam. I use homemade cleaners like this disinfectant spray with essential oils to power away germs. And make my lungs happy.

Disinfectant Spray Woes

I have a bone to pick with cleaning commercials. You know, the ones that say your bathroom isn’t clean unless it smells like bleach? Or how about those happy people spraying disinfectant cleaners on the baby’s high chair? Conventional cleaners aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Conventional disinfectant sprays warn that they can cause skin and eye damage. The cleaner has ingredients linked with asthma, brain cell damage, and breathing issues. Oh and did I forget to mention cancer?

Which Essential Oils are Best for Cleaning?

Certain essential oils are germ fighting ninja’s, without the questionable health effects. This orange eucalyptus disinfectant spray uses essential oils for a great smelling, effective cleaner. Other citrus oils like lemon, grapefruit and lime are also good choices in a cleaner. And if you don’t like the crisp smell of eucalyptus, then fir needle, pine, tea tree oil and pine are fabulous at disinfecting surfaces.

Thyme oil contains thymol, a natural and potent antiviral. So potent it’s one of the only EPA recommended natural disinfectants for certain viruses and other pathogens (when used as directed). This recipe uses the amount of thymol necessary to meet the EPA and CDC standards, assuming your essential oil has at least 40% thymol content. If you’re not sure, look at that batch’s GCMS report for the breakdown of chemical constituents. And if that essential oil company doesn’t have GCMS reports to verify purity and potency I recommend switching to a company that does (like Plant Therapy).

There are plenty of natural disinfectant options without resorting to chlorox, chlorine bleach, or other harsh chemicals.

Citrus Oils that Need Trashed

I had no idea until recently that essential oils expire. Citrus essential oils oxidize and lose their therapeutic effectiveness after about a year. Older essential oils can also cause sensitization or phototoxicity, aka skin burns (Nesmith, 2014). While senior citizen essential oils may be past their prime for medicinal use, they still work for cleaning.

Instead of pitching that citrus oil, put it to use in this natural disinfecting spray. Fresh orange oil de-greases, sanitizes surfaces and I use it in my all purpose cleaner.

Vodka: Not Just for Cocktails

I don’t drink, but I have a gallon of vodka in my kitchen. Alcohol not only extracts an herbs beneficial properties for tinctures, but is an effective homemade disinfectant cleaner. Since alcohol evaporates quickly, this helps the cleaner dry fast while it ups the disinfecting power. It also helps disperse the essential oils into the cleaner, and preserve the spray.

Best Disinfectant Cleaners

According to the CDC you need a 60-90% alcohol concentration to tackle bacteria, fungus, and viruses. While I don’t like alcohol in my homemade hand sanitizer, it works beautifully in a disinfectant spray. Vodka usually starts at a 40% alcohol concentration, so you’ll need at least 120 proof vodka in this recipe.

Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol ranges from about 70-90% alcohol and is usually cheaper than vodka. Everclear can be harder to come by but it’s about as close to 100% alcohol as you can get. Any of these can work depending on what’s available. It can be hard to make a diy disinfectant with alcohol levels that high, so the essential oils fill in the gap. The vinegar, alcohol, and antimicrobial essential oils combine forces to make a germ whopping cleaning solution.

Don’t worry, the house won’t smell like a bar. I expected the vodka smell to overpower the spray, but it isn’t too noticeable because of the essential oils. Rubbing alcohol would also work if that’s what you have. It does smell strong at first, but alcohol evaporates quickly.

Hydrogen Peroxide: A Non-Alcohol Alternative

If your cleaning products like to skip the alcohol, hydrogen peroxide makes an effective disinfectant. Unlike other sanitizing cleaning sprays, hydrogen peroxide cleaners need much less active ingredient. According to the EPA and Centers for Disease Control, just .5-1% hydrogen peroxide will kill most pathogens, including viruses. This means that the end product needs to have a .5-1% concentration of hydrogen peroxide. I’ve included this option in the disinfectant spray recipe.

Is it Safe for Kids?

I use natural cleaners to protect the health of my family, especially my little ones. Eucalyptus get a bad rap for causing breathing issues in babies, but there’s more to the story. While I wouldn’t recommend diffusing eucalyptus essential oil in a baby’s bedroom, the small amounts used in a cleaner don’t have the same effect. Eucalyptus cleaner in a open area is safe for most people of all ages.

What About Breathing Issues?

Certain essential oils can make asthma worse. However researchers have found eucalyptus can help asthma symptoms. Other research has shown that the D-limone in citrus oils can worsen asthma (Buckle, 2015). If your child has serious health issues like asthma or epilepsy, then clean when they’re out of the room and use ingredients that are safe for their condition.

For the majority of kids though, a eucalyptus orange sanitizer spray is a safe way to clean the house (Franklin Institute of Wellness, 2018).

Natural Orange Eucalyptus Disinfectant Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp orange essential oil (lime, lemon, grapefruit or bergamot will also work)
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil or 12 drops Thyme essential oil 
• 1/2 cup alcohol (at least 120 proof vodka, 90% isopropyl alcohol, or everclear)
• White vinegar
• 16 oz spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Pour the alcohol and essential oils into the spray bottle.
2. Add the vinegar until the bottle is almost full. Leave enough room for the sprayer.
3. Put the spray top on and shake vigorously to combine.
4. Shake well before each use, and spray surfaces around the house to disinfect, like faucets, doorknobs, and light switches.

Disinfectant Spray Without Alcohol

While I don’t recommend sniffing this cleaner regardless, some find that the high alcohol levels cause some issues. If you prefer not to use alcohol (or can’t find the right kind), then hydrogen peroxide works well. Alcohol and vinegar can mix, but hydrogen peroxide and vinegar shouldn’t be mixed (usually).

When combined they form a completely different chemical with it’s own properties: peracetic acid. On it’s own this acid works great as a disinfectant.  However, household concentrations of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide aren’t strong enough to make peracetic acid that’s potent enough to neutralize microbes. Instead we’re left with an ineffective disinfectant.

This recipe works best when used on clean surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down and won’t disinfect microbes when there’s dirt and dust on the surface.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp orange essential oil (lime, lemon, grapefruit or bergamot will also work)
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil OR 12 drops Thyme essential oil 
• 1/3 cup and 1 tsp 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Distilled water
• 16 oz spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Pour the hydrogen peroxide and essential oils into the spray bottle.
2. Add the water until the bottle is almost full. Leave enough room for the sprayer.
3. Put the spray top on and shake vigorously to combine.

How to Use DIY Eucalpytus Disinfectant

Unlike certain disinfectant cleaners … cough*lysol*cough … this one doesn’t need washed off of surfaces before using them. I use this to sanitize my countertops and cutting board. It also works well on stainless steel since it doesn’t leave a soapy residue and dries fast . You can also spray and leave it on toilet seats, door knobs, and other surfaces where germs like to party.

References

• Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy Essential Oils in Healthcare. St. Louis, MO. Churchill and Livingstone.
• Franklin Institute of Wellness. (2018). Essential Oils in Your Child’s School. Retrieved from https://franklininstituteofwellness.com/essential-oils-classroom/ on March 25, 2019.
• Nesmith, R. (2014). Do Essential Oils Expire? Retrieved from https://blog.planttherapy.com/blog/2014/05/28/do-essential-oils-expire/
• EPA. (2020, March 26). Pesticide Registration: List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
• Science Direct. (N.D.). Peracetic Acid. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/peracetic-acid

The post How to Make a Simple Yet Powerful Disinfectant Spray appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

Vinegar is useful for so many things. I have recipes for everything from floor cleaner, to side dishes and facial toner that call for vinegar. And while vinegar is a useful little bugger, it doesn’t quite smell the best. The smell dissipates mostly when it dries, but it can sting your nose.

Citrus infused vinegar

So, what’s the solution? Make your own infused vinegars! These not only improve the smell, but help boost the cleaning power. Oddly enough, this is great for vinegar you plan to use in a salad dressing too.  Loading a vinegar with medicinal herbs is also a great way to make remedies for colds, flu and the like, but I’ll save that idea for later.

Recently I’ve been saving my citrus peels to put in vinegar. Lemon, grapefruit and orange peels all work well. It’s really easy to make a citrus infused vinegar, and it’s a cheap way to make your own cleaner.

Tips from a (former) pro housekeeper

This can be used on sinks and toilets in the bathroom. Combine it with some natural soap and you have the perfect tub and shower cleaner! Deodorize and disinfect your kitchen countertops with it, or put a generous splash in the mop water for tile floors. My husband is a pro tile setter, and he always uses vinegar to safely and quickly remove gunk and residue on tile.

I used to clean private and public buildings as a professional housekeeper/janitor. With over 12 years in the business, I’ve cleaned everything from 120 year old church pews, to college bathrooms, to sticky gym floors and antique vases. I like to keep things simple though, which is why vinegar was my number one go to for many cases.

Citrus infused vinegar

• a quart size glass mason jar and lid
• citrus peels (fresh or get dried here)
• vinegar- white or apple cider

1. Fill the jar full of the fresh citrus peels. Fill half full if using dried peels.
2. Pour vinegar over the peels until the jar is full. Be sure the vinegar completely covers the peels or they may start to grow mold!
3. Place the jar in a cool cupboard/shelf for 2-4 weeks. The longer it sits the stronger it will smell of citrus. Give it a good shake every day or so to move things along.
4. Strain the vinegar and store in a jar or bottle and discard the peels. 

Cleaning with your citrus vinegar

The post Citrus Infused Vinegar – A Pro Housekeeper’s Secret Weapon appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

Then there are those of us who just adore cleaning and can’t wait to redust the end tables each day. This type relishes trying out different cleaning products. Should you use the lemon or the lavender all purpose cleaner? Spray or scrub? I’m not one of those people, and you may not be either. Whatever your cleaning style, we all want to clean effectively with little time and effort.

Not only is this natural all-purpose spray a snap to whip up, but it’s easy on the wallet.

Total store bought cost – About $3.84 for 32 ounces
Total homemade cost – About $1.62 for 32 ounces (A savings of 50%!)

Citrus Splash All-Purpose Spray

Store bought eco-friendly cleaners can get expensive! Save money while making your house smell like tantalizing citrus!

Ingredients:

• 1 and ½ cups filtered or distilled water
• 1 cup white vinegar  or citrus infused white vinegar
• 20-40 drops citrus essential oil (sweet orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit).

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a glass spray bottle.
2. Shake well before using, then spray on surface and wipe clean with a soft cloth. For stubborn areas something more abrasive can be used, depending on the surface.

Tips for Using the Natural All-purpose Cleaner

• Store away from heat and sunlight for optimal shelf life
• This recipe is the perfect way to use up old essential oils. Older citrus essential oils will oxidize, making them unusable for skincare. They’re still perfectly safe and effective to clean with though!

The post 3 Ingredient Citrus Splash All Purpose Cleaner appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

I never thought twice about using conventional room and fabric sprays like Glade and Febreeze. Here are some of the warnings on a Glade air freshener safety sheet.

• Wash thoroughly after handling
•  Toxic to fish and other water life
• Store in a well ventilated space (the previous warning said to only use in well ventilated spaces)

Given that air fresheners are used in bathrooms without good air flow and for the purpose of smelling them, this seems crazy! Here’s something even crazier.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are found in products like conventional air fresheners. These toxins can cause headaches and irritation after just one use, but are also linked with cancer and brain damage (among other things) in the long run. VOCs make up a whopping 51% of the Glade spray!

A homemade air freshener spray gets rid of stinky odors without the brain damage. This room spray uses essential oils which not only smell amazing, but improve mood and health.

Customized Homemade Air Freshener

I use essential oils in my coffee, in homemade hand sanitizer  or to get things steamy in the bedroom with edible massage oil.  Homemade air freshener spray has aromatherapy benefits that improve mood and boost health.

• Mist lavender on pillows for dreamy sleep.
• Vetiver can have a calming and grounding effect on the emotions (kids bedrooms anyone?).
• Peppermint is refreshing, sparks concentration and sharpens the brain.

Homemade Air Freshener and Fabric Spray

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp witch hazel or vodka
• 15-30 drops essential oil of choice (I used 15 drops bergamot, and 5 drops each cedarwood and orange)
• Distilled water
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 8 oz spray bottle – I love these mist bottles!

Instructions:

1. Pour the alcohol into the bottle. Add the essential oils and gently swirl to disperse.
2. Add the baking soda and fill the bottle the rest of the way with water.
3. Gently shake until the baking soda has dissolved.

Tips:

• Spray liberally in the air to get rid of stinky odors.
• I haven’t had any issues, but the spray could stain some fabrics. When in doubt it never hurts to do a test patch!

The post Homemade Air Freshener Spray appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

Do you have 2 minutes? Then you have time to make this diy homemade laundry detergent recipe. About the same amount of time it takes to whip up this refreshing fabric and room spray. Most laundry detergent recipes involve a steamy pot of water and soap on the stove and arm-aching stirring. Not to mention it’s all congealed when it’s time to pour it out of the bottle.

Easy Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

With this recipe there’s nothing to heat on the stove, no hassle, and less mess. Natural laundry detergent is also more eco-friendly since it doesn’t use unnecessary water. You’re throwing the homemade detergent into a huge drum of water anyway when you wash the clothes.

Many years ago my best friend scooped out a strange, neon yellow, congealed mixture from a five gallon bucket in their family garage. I was used to her mom’s herbal concoctions, but this yellow goo caught me off guard. Turns out she made homemade laundry detergent to save money doing laundry for her eleventy million kids. Ok, there were only nine, but some days I’m sure it felt like it.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Laundry Detergent

Homemade laundry detergent is only as good as it’s ingredients. Conventional soap bars, like those lining the bath aisle at Walmart, won’t work well. I use Dr. Bronners castile soap with success, but you can also use soap specifically for laundry.

The method here is simple and uses only 3 ingredients.

Fels Naptha vs Castile Soap

My first time around with this recipe I used old formula Fels Naptha because it’s what I had on hand. Purex now makes the soap and it has ingredients I like to skip out on,  like titanium dioxide, acid yellow #73 and PEG-6.  A natural soap, like Dr. Bronners, or a homemade laundry soap bar will work. Either plain or scented, if you don’t want to add essential oils. The Dr. Bronner’s tea tree or orange citrus are especially good for laundry.

A cheaper option is to make your own soap. Mommypotamus has a great coconut oil laundry bar recipe that makes about 9 large bars with 3 ingredients. This is enough laundry soap to last 180-360 loads of laundry, depending on how large/dirty the loads are.

The Secret Ingredient to DIY Laundry Detergent

Washing soda, not to be confused with baking soda, is sold in the cleaners aisle. Don’t go looking for it next to the brownie mix. Washing soda is made of sodium carbonate, not sodium bicarbonate, and helps soften water. It’s just as natural as baking soda, has a high pH, and is found at most stores.

How to Make Washing Soda

If for some reason you can’t find washing soda here’s an easy way to make it.

1. Dump baking soda into a glass baking dish and spread so it’s 1/2 to 1 inch thick.
2. Cook the baking soda for 1 hour at 400 (or longer if needed)
3. Stir halfway through cooking

Borax: Ant Killer and Laundry Saver

Borax softens water and helps prevents damage to clothing to help them last longer. It’s a gentle, yet powerful cleaner when it comes to stain fighting. Borax creates a negative electrostatic charge between the fabric and dirt so they repel each other in the washing machine. This also helps prevent the dirt from attaching back to clothing fibers. (source)

Borax is controversial for some because it’s toxic to ingest. I actually mix it with peanut butter to kill ants in the house. However, it’s used in many natural skin care products and is a naturally occurring mineral. My toddler once ate  some of my homemade ant killer solution and I freaked out. The lady at poison control calmly explained that he would need to down a whole lot for there to be any issues.

“Borax naturally occurs from the repeated evaporation of seasonal lakes. The largest deposits of this mineral may be found in California, the American southwest, Chile and Tibet.” (source)

Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax

I don’t have a problem using borax in my laundry, but if you have sensitive skin you may need to skip it. Almost everything gives me a rash, including most soap, markers, and old books, but… I do fine with borax. Unless your kids eat massive amounts of laundry detergent it’s shouldn’t be an issue. However, substitute more washing soda for the recipe if you don’t want to skip the borax.

Laundry Detergent with Essential Oils

These are optional but add extra disinfecting power and make the laundry smell nice and clean.  essential oils are non-toxic when used properly, but clothes won’t leave the washer with a heavy scent like they do with artificial fragrances in conventional laundry detergent.

Tea tree and lemon essential oils are my favorite essential oils for laundry. They’re antibacterial and help control mold and mildew in clothing, especially cloth diapers.

Why Homemade Laundry Soap is Bad

I know you’re thinking, “you just sold me on this stuff and now you tell me not to use it??” Homemade laundry detergent recipes have gotten a bad rap for several reasons, but it depends on a few factors. Soap is not the same thing as detergent and it works a little differently. Most recipes (including this one) use soap instead of a synthetic detergent formulated for clothing.

While soap is natural and easy to use, residue can build up on clothing over time. This can depend on how hard your water is, if you have an HE machine which uses little water, and the ratio of soap in the recipe. We have a water softener and house filter so I’ve never had issues with the homemade stuff. If your clothes start smelling funky or feeling weird though, you need a laundry detergent intervention.

The options are:

1. Strip your clothes and revert to a store- bought natural laundry detergent. Seventh Generation and Ecos laundry detergents are my top choices.
2. Increase the borax and washing soda in the recipe and/or dissolve the mixture in hot water first.

This homemade laundry detergent recipe has worked well for us and I like it infinitely better than neon yellow goo.

This diy laundry detergent is easy on time and your wallet. You can even customize the scent and boost cleaning power with different essential oils.

Natural Laundry Stain Removers

My favorite laundry stain remover for most messes is hydrogen peroxide. Supposedly it can fade certain colors, but I’ve never had that problem. You can test it out on a small patch first to make sure. This stuff has gotten rid of set in blueberry stains, baby drool and coffee.

For grease stains I use straight up dish soap. I cook a lot with coconut oil and sometimes it gets away from me and onto my shirt. So far peroxide and dish soap have yet to fail me as natural laundry stain removers.

Know a friend who needs this recipe? Spread the love with the share buttons below!

The post 2 Minute Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths for Good

So what did you do this weekend? I had plans to go to Chicago, maybe see a movie. My husband and I had an amazing date night planned. But what did I do? I spent hours scrubbing down everything with diy cleaners and researching how to get rid of pantry moths.

I realized weeks ago they had moved in, but my strategy was to pretend they weren’t there.

I avoided putting any items on the bottom shelf where I first noticed them and hoped they’d go away. Well they didn’t. And like all procrastinators I paid my price. I was now seeing them flying around the house in search of new food sources.

What finally did it though was when I noticed my stash of very expensive, organic, non-gmo nuts and beans from Whole Foods had fallen prey to the buggers. Even… the chocolate covered almonds. Sigh.

Recognizing the Problem

You may see a few pantry moths, or a few dozen moths flying around your house. Females can lay 400 eggs which are deposited in food sources. These eggs are very tiny, 1 to 2 hundredths of an inch and are hard to see when they’ve been laid in grains like ground flour. They like grains, but I’ve also found them in nuts, beans and sugar.

Another sign that there is an infestation is the webbing the moths create. Once hatched these tiny caterpillars grow until they create cocoons and emerge as grey moths. The webbing may not be dispersed throughout the food. If the grains or food particles appear to be attached to the sides of the container by tiny hairlike strings, then they’ve been contaminated by pantry moth larvae.

Fruit flies and gnats can also be a huge kitchen nuisance. You can see how to get rid of them here.

What Causes Pantry Moths?

Warm temperatures draw bugs and rodents into food areas. Keep pantry items in a cool and dry place. Not only will they last longer, but they’ll be less susceptible to bugs. Heat speeds the life cycle of pantry moths. A faster cycle means more pantry moths and more damage. Once they’ve set up house, it can be hard to get rid of pantry moths.

Open or Poorly Sealed Containers

Pantry moths can fly into open cereal boxes, bags of flour and other containers even if they’re “closed.” A cereal box has seams for the moths to enter and larvae can eat through the plastic and paper covering the food. I had moth damage inside of anything that isn’t properly sealed in a thick glass or plastic container. Pantry moth eggs have even been found on the underside of peanut butter jar lids. I haven’t had that experience, but these critters are creative so I don’t doubt it!

How Pantry Moths Get into the House

Some grain based items being sold in stores, primarily organic ones, can contain pantry moth eggs or even larvae. When you purchase these products, it infects the entire pantry. I’ve had this happen once with a bag of rice, which is what started this recent infestation.

To check for this examine the bag for grains that stick to the side of the container or for tiny pin prick sized holes in the bag. When the larvae eat through the bag the holes look like pin holes. It’s rare, but still possible.

The best way to get rid of pantry moths

Clean EVERYTHING

And I mean everything. Anywhere food is stored wipe off each item, including canned goods. Eggs and cocoons are laid on rims and in cracks so disrupting all potential laying sites is vital.

Here’s a citrus splash all purpose cleaner I like to use that take mere minutes to make!

If you use shelf liners these need to be removed and washed in hot soapy vinegar water or thrown away. Clean all pantry shelves, walls and be sure to get into the corners. The room, floor, and ceiling corners also need cleaned because they can harbor eggs. Vacuum and use the hose to get in all the crevices. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the bin immediately.

Below is what I used to clean the shelves and food containers. Pantry moths don’t like certain scents (see below) so I used these to clean and repel them with. I immediately washed the rags I used to clean with in hot soapy water.

Bug off Cleaner

• 1/2 cup Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Water
• 15 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
• 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops Lavender essential oil
•  8 oz Spray Bottle

1. Pour the vinegar and essential oils into the spray bottle.
2. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. You may need slightly less than 1/2 cup.
3. Shake vigorously before each use.

Throw it Away

Dispose of all affected food items. To be on the safe side dispose of all grains, dried fruits, nuts and sugar that have been stored in plastic bags or improperly sealed containers. Seal the trash bags and take them out immediately. Some recommend taking them directly to the landfill to prevent infestation in waste containers.

Freeze It

Items that are susceptible, but do not appear to have damage can be put in the freezer to kill any eggs and get rid of the pantry moths. Some feel this preventative measure is adequate, while others think the eggs are only dormant until placed back at room temperature.

Seal it up

Every food item in the pantry must be stored in a sealed container. There are lots of options, even stackable containers. Since larvae are so invasive screw-top lids may not be effective.

I purchased these sealed and stackable containers here. I had some extra mason jars on hand so I put those to good use as well.
A sealed glass jar like these from Anchor Hocking would work well too. They’re also stackable.

Have Some Tea

I like peppermint tea but pantry moths don’t. They also don’t like eucalyptus, lavender, wormwood, tansy or bay. Place peppermint tea bags in each back corner of shelves where food is stored to deter moths and mice. Sachets can be made using various repellent herbs and placed in the pantry.

Another option is to place a few drops of essential oil onto a cotton ball and place these in the pantry and in the corners of the room to get rid of pantry moths.

How to Prevent Pantry Moths

Even if you don’t have pantry moths (yet) it’s a good idea to check packages prior to purchasing and properly store foods. Placing herbs in the pantry is another good preventative measure. Don’t be like me and ignore the issue until you have to spend ALL day cleaning.

Sources:
Herbal Pest Control– Suite 101
Who Let the Bugs Out? – Purdue University
How to Get Rid of Moths– How to Get Rid of Things
Pantry Moths, Life Cycle and Control– Pantry Moth Trap
Indian Meal Moth– Pests and Diseases Image Library

The post How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths for Good appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.

Delicious, photo worthy bowls of fruit on the counter may look appealing, but they can also attract unwanted pests. As much as you love that fruit, the bugs love it even more! Learn the secret for how to get rid of fruit flies with this easy DIY fruit fly trap.

What Causes Fruit Flies?

I neglected to empty the compost bin last week, and the fruit flies discovered an all you can eat buffet. We’re now in the process of ridding our house of the unwanted little guys.

These tiny bugs aren’t just attracted to fruit. Here are some other things to watch out for in your home.

Things that Attract Fruit Flies:

• Used cloth diapers. Keep that pail clean!
• Food splatters on cabinets
• Sticky residue on the fridge and dishwasher
• Compost pails
• Fruit of all kinds
• Fermenting and fermented foods (kombucha, kefir, vinegar etc.)
• Any rotting root vegetables like potatoes and onions
• Wooden and plastic utensils (these can absorb odors that attract the bugs)
• Dirty dishes
• Garbage disposals and sink strainers
• Trash cans

How Long Do Fruit Flies Live in Your House?

Too long. These annoying pests live for about 40-50 days and are busy making babies a large portion of that time. It’s easy for them to get out of control and there’s a full on infestation. Luckily, I’ve found a way to keep them away for good!

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

• Thoroughly clean everything in the kitchen that could be attracting fruit flies. I wiped down all the cabinets, counters, appliances and other surfaces. Don’t use a cleaner with vinegar in it though, as this will just attract them even more!
• Wash cloth diapers daily, especially the poopy ones. If I keep to my every 3 day diaper washing routine in the summer, the bugs are more likely to swarm.
• Move the kitchen trash can outside temporarily. My parents have been dealing with an infestation and they’ve had success with doing this.

After you’ve thoroughly cleaned all areas, it’s time to set the traps! I’ve tried a lot of different things to attract them, but here is what I’ve found to be the most effective, and it’s so easy!

How to Make a DIY Fruit Fly Trap that Really Works

You Will Need:

• Fermented Juice or wine ( kombucha or raw apple cider vinegar can also be used)
• Dish soap
• Small, shallow bowls

Instructions

1. Fill the bowl almost to the top with the juice or wine.  For every 1/4 cup liquid, add 3 drops of concentrated dish soap. I’ve successfully used Dawn brand, but I’m not sure how others will work.
2. Place bowls of the mix around the kitchen in areas the bugs like to congregate.
3. It’s important to fill the bowls close to the very top, otherwise bugs will gather on the rim and stay there.

Will regular juice work? Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting and rotting things, so regular juice doesn’t work as well.

A Fruit Fly Trap Without Vinegar

White vinegar works great for cleaning tile in my homemade, citrus infused cleaner, or in this citrus splash all-purpose spray. I haven’t had much luck with it in a fruit fly trap though. Apple cider vinegar works much better, but I’ve found that the bugs like wine more than anything else. They apparently have good taste. Any cheap wine works, but I’ve used the dark red wines successfully.

Have you ever dealt with unwanted fruit flies? What did or didn’t work for you? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How to Make the Best Fruit Fly Trap appeared first on The Herbal Spoon.