Keep Lizards, Cockroaches and Pests Away by Adding Natural Ingredients to Mop Water

Ever notice how the rainy season seems to bring more than just showers? It often comes with uninvited guests: skittering cockroaches, trails of ants, and the occasional lizard darting across the wall. The increased moisture creates the perfect damp, dark hideouts these pests love.

While store-bought chemical sprays are an option, many are looking for simpler, more natural solutions. The good news is you might already have everything you need right in your kitchen. It turns out that what you add to your mop water can make a big difference in keeping those creepy crawlies away.

Here are a few easy tricks to try the next time you clean your floors:

A classic combo for cleaning, vinegar and baking soda are also great for pest control. Try adding one cup of vinegar and two to three teaspoons of baking soda to your mop bucket. The scent is a strong deterrent for cockroaches and lizards, especially if you use it regularly.

For a fresh, citrusy clean that ants and roaches hate, squeeze the juice of one lemon into your mop water and add two tablespoons of salt. This mixture leaves your floors smelling great and makes your home far less inviting to pests.

Known for its disinfectant properties, alum is a powerhouse for fighting germs and bacteria. Dissolve some alum powder in warm water and use it to mop your floors. You can also use this same solution to scrub sinks and bathroom areas, leaving everything feeling fresh and hygienic.

For a strong, pest-repelling aroma, try crushing five to six camphor tablets and mixing them with a cup of water and a few drops of clove oil. Adding this to your mop water creates a scent that insects and lizards will want to avoid.

Of course, the best defense is a good offense. Keeping your home clean, especially making sure those hidden corners and spaces behind furniture are dry, is the most important step in preventing an infestation. By adding these simple ingredients to your cleaning routine, you can enjoy a fresher, more pest-free home all through the monsoon season.