Skip the harsh chemicals and get rid of weeds and pests the natural way. These options are effective, affordable, and better for the environment than synthetic pesticides and herbicides. This guide explores eco-friendly strategies to manage your home and garden’s most unwanted guests.
Boiling water
Sometimes all you need is a pot of boiling water. This method works best to kill weeds that are growing through the cracks in sidewalks, walkways, or other paths so the boiling water doesn’t kill neighboring plants. Simply pour the water directly on weeds to instantly kill them.
Vinegar and Soap
Mix one gallon of vinegar with one tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the weeds and wait for them to disappear. The acid in the vinegar dries out the plant, and the soap helps it stick. This is a great option for weeds growing amongst your plants.
Vinegar, Salt, and Soap
This recipe is potent and persists in the soil, making it best for targeting weeds and preventing them from growing back. Stir together one gallon of warm vinegar, one cup of salt, and one tablespoon of dish soap until the salt is dissolved. Add to a squirt bottle or spray bottle and apply directly to the weed.
Mulch
Mulch blocks sunlight which stops weeds from germinating and creates a physical barrier that smothers new sprouts. Cover the soil with two to three inches of mulch to prevent weeds from overtaking your garden. To add an extra layer of defense, place cardboard or newspaper over the soil to smother existing weeds before distributing the mulch.
Corn gluten meal
Corn gluten meal (CGM) acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide that prevents seeds from germinating. CGM doesn’t kill existing weeds but is effective in preventing dandelion, crabgrass, and clover from spreading. For use on lawns, apply 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet in early spring, ensuring the soil is dry, then water lightly. An added benefit of corn gluten meal is that it also acts as a slow-release fertilizer that will feed your soil.
Baking soda
Baking soda can be used in two ways. For weeds on driveways, sidewalks, cracks, and patios, sprinkle baking soda directly on the leaves and base of any weeds to dry them out and prevent new growth. For spot treating in garden beds, mix 10 tablespoons of baking soda with a gallon of water in a spray bottle, and spray the mixture directly onto weeds. Make sure to use this method on a dry, sunny day so the rain doesn’t wash the baking soda away.
Rubbing alcohol
Mix two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on the stems and leaves of the weed. This method is best used on hot, sunny days. Try to avoid soaking the soil, as it can negatively affect the health of the surrounding soil.
Fire
Weed torches can be an effective, non-toxic way to kill weeds growing on hardscapes like sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Move the torch about 3-6 inches above the weed for 1-2 seconds. This method is best used when the air is calm and after the morning dew has evaporated. For safety and to prevent other materials from catching on fire, do not use near dry mulch, wooden fences, or during drought conditions or windy days.
Plant native plants
Densely planted native groundcovers act as a living barrier that shades the soil and prevents weeds from germinating. These plants are adapted to the local environment and can withstand Texas’ harsh summers and frequent droughts, allowing them to outcompete invasive weeds. Some examples of native groundcover plants are creeping thyme, buffalo grass, sedges, and shrubs like Texas sage and red yucca.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is an affordable, non-toxic way to get rid of ant hills, beetles, and other persistent bugs that invade your yard. On a dry day, apply food-grade diatomaceous earth to pathways, cracks, crevices, and garden soil bases to dehydrate insects.
Essential oils
Lemon, eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, and tea tree oil can all be effective at repelling pests like spiders, ants, and mosquitoes. Mix 10-20 drops of oil with water in a spray bottle and apply the mixture to your home's entry points. Be careful with essential oils around pets as some may be toxic if ingested or inhaled.
Vinegar and apple cider vinegar
The strong acid smell of vinegar and apple cider vinegar disrupts the scent trails of pests like ants, fruit flies, and spiders. It is best for creating non-toxic barriers inside the house and in your garden but should be diluted to avoid harming plants. Mix equal parts water and vinegar and spray around windows, doors, and active insect trails.
Neem oil
Neem oil acts as a natural insecticide and fungicide that is effective against aphids, mites, whiteflies, and fungus. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of neem oil with one gallon of water and one teaspoon of dish soap, then spray directly on infected plants. To avoid leaf burn, apply in the early morning or evening and reapply every 7-14 days.
Garlic spray
Blend 1-2 bulbs of garlic with two cups of water and let the mixture sit for 12-24 hours. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove the pulp, and add 1 tablespoon of dish soap to help the solution stick to leaves. Dilute the solution with one part solution to 10 parts water and add to a spray bottle. Spray on the leaves of plants to repel aphids, mites, caterpillars, and rodents. Reapply weekly and after rain.
Baking soda and onion
Got a roach infestation? Combine diced raw onion with baking soda to create a DIY trap that attracts pests. The scent brings them in while the baking soda kills them 12-24 hours after consumption. Put the mixture in small shallow containers and place in dark corners, crevices, and under sinks to control infestations.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves have a strong scent that repels pantry moths, weevils, roaches, and flies. Place whole dried leaves on pantry shelves, in cabinets, or in dark corners to deter pests. Crushed dried bay leaves will release the most scent and can be placed near entry points or put in sachets that can be added to drawers or wardrobes. Replace as scent fades. You can also create a spray by boiling a handful of leaves in two cups of water. Spray on windows, doors, or baseboards to repel flies and mosquitoes.
Plant companion plants
Certain plants have strong scents, produce chemical repellent, or attract beneficial predators that will feed on pests. Pungent plants like garlic, onion, sage, and rosemary hide the smell of vulnerable plants and make it harder for insects to locate it. Marigolds are known to release chemical repellents that deter nematodes, whiteflies, and beetles, while basil repels tomato hornworms. Flowering plants like alyssum and dill attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps that feed on aphids. Read more about companion planting here.
By swapping synthetic sprays for these household staples, you’re creating a safer environment for your family, your pets, and the local pollinators. With these natural remedies, you can effectively manage unwanted guests using simple ingredients already sitting in your pantry.
Didn’t find a solution to your problem on this list? Check out this blog to learn how you can use your kitchen scraps to repel pesky garden pests.
