A wooded backyard can be a relaxing scene, but you don’t even have to live near the woods to experience an infestation of ants or the presence of large and sometimes scary looking spiders. However, spiders are an important part of the ecosystem, because they eat other insects such as mosquitoes, which can carry the West Nile Virus and Heartworms. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly ways to manage these insects from getting into your home where you don’t want them.

One way to combat those unwanted insect guests is to incorporate certain plants into your water garden or pond. For example, Bladderworts are carnivores that feed off of mosquitoes and other small insects. These plants will exterminate the bugs for you, and they also bloom purple or yellow flowers. Other carnivorous water plants include the Aldrovanda vesiculosa and the Drosera Intermedia. Pitcher plants such as the Nepenthes rafflesiana can be grown indoors.

Salt is an ingredient you should keep in your arsenal, because it can help repel insects. Depending on what material your doghouse is made from, you could wash out the pen with saltwater to discourage mosquitoes. Also, a sprinkling of Epsom salt can spare your bulbs from cutworms.

A mixture of peppermint essential oil and water can make your home less appealing to wasps and bees. So if you’re allergic to them, you can create this mixture using 1 liter of water and about 10-20 drops of peppermint oil so someone else can spray around your doors, windows and any other areas where nests have been built in the past.

Don’t forget that keeping your home neat and tidy is an easy way to prevent insects from adopting your house as their home. Immediately sweeping up crumbs and sugary liquids from the kitchen as well as cleaning up dirty dishes can deter ants from targeting your living space. In addition, repairing holes in your window and door screens can stop unwanted insects from crawling in.

These are just a few ways to control pests without chemicals, so you can keep your home safe for your family and pets.