You clean the counters, empty the trash, and still wake up to a trail of ants. Your tomatoes look fine one day and lace‑eaten the next. You want pests gone without fogging your home with harsh chemicals or risking your kids, pets, or pollinators. The good news: you don’t have to choose between effectiveness and peace of mind. With the right approach, you can stop infestations at the source and keep them from coming back—safely.

This guide shares eight natural pest control solutions that actually work for both home and garden. You’ll get practical prevention tactics and targeted, low‑tox options, plus when it’s smarter to call in eco‑friendly pros. For each method, we’ll explain how it works, what it’s best for, how to apply it, safety notes, and the cost and effort involved. From sealing and sanitation, diatomaceous earth, and plant‑based oils/soaps to beneficial insects and microbes, smart baits and traps, companion planting, and physical barriers—you’ll have a clear, step‑by‑step playbook to match the right tool to your pest problem. Let’s start with a greener, integrated plan that sets you up for lasting control.

1. Redi Pest Control’s eco-friendly integrated pest management

When you want results without dousing your space in harsh chemicals, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the smartest path. Redi Pest Control builds a customized, eco-friendly plan that targets the cause of the problem—then keeps it from coming back—using inspection, exclusion, sanitation, monitoring, and low-impact treatments.

How it works

Redi’s IPM starts with a thorough inspection to identify the pest, pressure level, and root causes (entry points, moisture, food sources). From there, they deploy layered, natural pest control solutions: sealing and habitat reduction, targeted baits and traps, and low-tox materials like diatomaceous earth and plant-based oils/soaps where appropriate. They escalate only as needed, protecting people, pets, and pollinators while delivering fast relief.

Best for

This approach is ideal for homes and businesses dealing with ants, cockroaches, spiders, bed bugs, rodents, and termites, as well as prevention-minded property managers who want long-term, green control without disrupting daily operations.

How to apply

Redi follows a simple four-step process:

• Choose service: Share your pest issue and goals.
• Pro guidance: Get expert advice and a tailored IPM plan.
• Technician visit: Detailed inspection and on‑site recommendations.
• Targeted treatment: Seal and sanitize, set monitors/baits, and apply low-impact products precisely; follow-up verifies success.

Safety notes

IPM minimizes exposure by focusing on prevention, spot treatments, and precise placement. Keep kids and pets away from treated areas until dry or as directed. Food-grade diatomaceous earth and botanical-based options are used where suitable; professional application ensures label compliance and reduces drift to non-targets.

Cost and effort

• Cost: Typically moderate compared to repeated DIY attempts, with strong long-term value because it prevents rebounds.
• Effort: Low for you—pros handle inspection, sealing guidance, and treatments; you’ll maintain simple sanitation and monitor tips for lasting results.

If you’re seeking natural pest control solutions that solve the problem at the source and stay safe for your household, a professional IPM program is the gold standard.

2. Seal and sanitize: Exclusion and habitat reduction

Before any spray or dust, cutting off food, water, shelter, and entry points delivers the biggest win. Exclusion and sanitation are the backbone of natural pest control solutions: when you remove attractants and close gaps, ants, roaches, flies, mosquitoes, and even dust mites lose their foothold.

How it works

Pests follow resources and easy access. Sealing doors, windows, and vents blocks entry, while routine cleaning and moisture control remove the reasons they came inside. Eartheasy highlights this first line of defense for ants (clean counters, cover sweets, cut water), roaches (clean kitchens/baths), flies (seal openings), and mosquitoes (eliminate standing water).

Best for

Great as a universal, preventive foundation—and especially effective for:

• Ant trails and kitchen invaders
• Cockroaches in kitchens/bathrooms
• Flies and mosquitoes entering from outdoors
• Dust mites where clutter and humidity are high

How to apply

Start with a quick audit, then tackle the highest‑impact fixes:

• Seal entry points: Caulk cracks, repair screens, and seal up doors, windows, and roof vents.
• Reduce food sources: Wipe counters, store food airtight, rinse recyclables, and take out trash on schedule.
• Eliminate water: Fix leaks, dry sinks overnight, and remove standing water outdoors (birdbaths, bowls, gutters).
• Declutter and launder: Reduce harborages; wash bedding hot for dust mites; vacuum thoroughly and dispose bags sealed.
• Manage humidity: Keep indoor RH under 70% to make spaces less mite‑friendly.

Safety notes

Exclusion and cleaning are low‑risk, family‑safe steps. When vacuuming roaches, seal and discard the bag outside to avoid re‑infestation. Use mild cleaners; avoid mixing chemicals. Repair screens and vents safely.

Cost and effort

• Cost: Low—mostly caulk, door/window repairs, and basic supplies.
• Effort: Moderate upfront; light weekly upkeep. Pays off by reducing reliance on other natural methods and preventing rebounds.

3. Diatomaceous earth (DE) for crawling insects

If you want a low‑tox tool that keeps working while you sleep, food‑grade diatomaceous earth is hard to beat. Eartheasy recommends DE as a first‑line, non‑toxic, broad‑spectrum option that’s safe around kids and pets when used as directed—making it one of the most reliable natural pest control solutions for indoor hotspots.

How it works

DE is a fine mineral dust. When crawling insects contact it, the tiny particles abrade their waxy exoskeleton, dehydrating and killing them—often within 48 hours; heavy roach activity typically drops within two weeks.

Best for

• Ants: Sprinkle where trails and entry points converge.
• Cockroaches: Cabinet tops, behind appliances, and hidden voids.
• Fleas: Carpet edges, pet hangouts; complements traps and cleaning.
• Bed bugs & dust mites: Mattresses, rugs, and surrounding areas.
• Stink bugs (attics): Dust near migration pathways.

How to apply

Apply a thin, barely visible layer—heavy piles reduce effectiveness.

• Indoors: Lightly dust baseboards, cracks/crevices, behind appliances, and under sinks.
• Ant/roach runs: Puff into wall voids and along trails; leave monitors to track decline.
• Mattress/rugs (mites/bed bugs): Dust surfaces, leave 2–3 hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly.
• Fleas: Dust carpet perimeters and pet bedding; you can also rub food‑grade DE into pet fur per Eartheasy’s guidance.

Safety notes

Use food‑grade DE only; do not use pool‑grade. Apply lightly to minimize airborne dust and keep people and pets out of treated areas until settled. For roaches, expect a brief increase in activity as dehydrating insects seek water.

Cost and effort

• Cost: Low—an inexpensive, long‑lasting staple of natural pest control.
• Effort: Low—simple dusting; reapply after deep cleaning or vacuuming.

4. Plant-based oils and insecticidal soaps

When you want fast, targeted knockdown without residue, plant-based oils and insecticidal soaps are dependable natural pest control solutions. They repel or disable pests on contact, work indoors and in the garden, and can be reapplied as pressure returns.

How it works

Essential oils act as eco‑friendly repellents: eucalyptus helps reduce flies and roaches, citronella deters mosquitoes, and peppermint discourages ants and spiders. Neem products offer plant‑safe suppression; neem extracts are known to affect many insect species and can interrupt reproduction rather than simply kill. Insecticidal soaps are contact sprays that must hit the pest directly to be effective, especially against soft‑bodied insects and mites.

Best for

• Aphids, mites, whiteflies: Soap sprays on ornamentals and edibles.
• Ants and spiders (indoors): Peppermint along trails and entry points.
• Flies and roaches: Eucalyptus around problem areas.
• Mosquitoes (yards/patios): Citronella/lemongrass and garlic-based repellents.
• General garden chewing pests: Neem-based foliar treatments.

How to apply

Mix essential oils with water in a spray bottle and apply to target zones (baseboards, window frames, plant foliage) as a light, even mist. For mosquitoes, a DIY option is a garlic repellent: one part garlic juice to five parts water; spray lightly on exposed skin or hang treated cloth strips—protection can last up to six hours. Use neem oil products as directed and cover leaf tops and undersides. For insecticidal soap, apply directly to pests with thorough coverage; a simple formula is 2 tablespoons grated plant‑based soap per 1.5 liters of water—test first and rinse the plant a few hours later.

Safety notes

Test sprays on a small leaf and wait 24 hours. Rinse plants after soap treatments. Keep kids and pets away until sprays dry. Do not use dry dish soaps or laundry detergents on plants. Avoid citrus oils on cats.

Cost and effort

• Cost: Low to moderate; widely available and economical for routine use.
• Effort: Low; quick mixing and spot spraying, with periodic reapplication as needed.

5. Beneficial insects and microbes

Sometimes the most effective natural pest control solutions are living ones. By recruiting predators, parasitoids, and microbe-based products, you can suppress pests without blanket spraying—protecting pollinators and speeding recovery in both home and garden.

How it works

Biological control uses nature’s own checks and balances. Predators like ladybeetles, predatory mites, and ladybugs eat soft‑bodied pests. Parasitoids, including tiny wasps and tachinid flies, target specific hosts and disrupt populations. Microbial options introduce pathogens that impact pests; for example, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces proteins that affect certain insects and is widely used in Integrated Pest Management.

Best for

Biocontrol shines when pests are localized and identifiable, and when you want ongoing suppression rather than quick but short‑lived knockdowns. It’s especially useful for:

• Aphids and whiteflies: Predators and parasitoids on ornamentals and edibles.
• Spider mites: Predatory mites in greenhouses and houseplants.
• Larval stages on foliage: Bt for susceptible insects on treated plants.
• Mosquito larvae: Safe, non‑toxic biological controls in standing water you cannot drain (e.g., “mosquito dunks” noted by Eartheasy).

How to apply

Order beneficials matched to your pest and release them per supplier guidance, ideally at dusk and after watering to boost humidity and survival. Provide gentle coverage and avoid spraying the release area with soaps or oils for several days. Apply Bt products to foliage where larvae feed, following label directions and ensuring thorough coverage. Use biological mosquito controls directly in stagnant water sources that can’t be removed.

Safety notes

Biologicals are targeted and pollinator‑friendly when used correctly. Avoid broad‑spectrum sprays and dusts near release sites, which can harm your allies. Eartheasy notes biological mosquito controls are safe for people, pets, birds, and other wildlife; still follow all label instructions.

Cost and effort

• Cost: Low to moderate—predator packs and microbial products are economical compared to repeat chemical spraying.
• Effort: Moderate up front (correct ID, timing), then low maintenance with periodic reapplications as pest pressure returns.

6. Smart baits and traps for targeted control

When you’d rather lure pests to their end than spray every surface, baits and traps deliver precise, low‑tox results. These natural pest control solutions exploit what pests want—food, heat, light, or pheromones—so you can draw them out of hiding, monitor activity, and knock populations down without blanketing your home or garden.

How it works

Baits mix an attractant with a slow‑acting toxicant so foragers carry it back to the colony (think sugar‑borax for ants). Traps rely on irresistible cues: heat and light for fleas, pheromones for flies and moths, CO2 and warmth for bed bugs. Once lured, pests are captured on sticky surfaces, in soapy water, or inside containers they can’t escape.

Best for

Use targeted baits and traps when you’ve identified the pest and want fast feedback with minimal exposure.

• Ants and cockroaches: Food‑based baits and container traps near runs.
• Flies: Outdoor pheromone traps and DIY flypaper.
• Fleas: Electric heat/light traps or soapy‑water lamp traps.
• Bed bugs: Non‑toxic heat/CO2/pheromone glue traps for detection.
• Clothes/pantry moths: Species‑specific pheromone traps.

How to apply

Set traps where pests travel, not where you live and eat, and refresh them on a schedule.

• Ant bait (indoor only): Mix 1 liter water + 1 tsp Borax + 1 cup sugar. Soak cotton balls; place in a lidded yogurt cup with small holes. Station along trails; keep away from kids/pets.
• Roach trap: In a 1‑lb coffee can, add beer‑soaked bread. Smear Vaseline around the inside rim and add a ramp. Place in infested areas.
• Flea traps: Plug in a non‑toxic electric flea trap to attract 24/7. Or set a shallow pan of soapy water on the floor and shine a lamp over it at night.
• Flies: Hang non‑toxic, pheromone‑based outdoor fly traps. Indoors, make flypaper by soaking kraft paper in 1/4 cup syrup + 1 Tbsp sugar + 1 Tbsp brown sugar; dry and hang.
• Moths: Place species‑specific pheromone traps in closets or pantries.
• Bed bugs: Position non‑toxic traps that use heat/CO2/pheromones near beds and sofas to confirm activity.

Safety notes

Keep all baits and traps out of reach of children and pets. Borax and boric acid are toxic by mouth—use ant baits indoors only and avoid open placement. Use lamps and electric traps away from water and pet traffic. Check and dispose of captured pests promptly in sealed bags.

Cost and effort

Most baits and traps are inexpensive and DIY‑friendly, with effort centered on setup, placement, and weekly checks. They shine as part of integrated, eco‑friendly control—giving you proof of progress and reducing the need for broad applications while keeping your natural pest control solutions targeted and effective.

7. Companion planting and repellent herbs

Think of this as a living perimeter: fragrant herbs and flowers that make your spaces less attractive to pests while feeding pollinators and your kitchen. As part of natural pest control solutions, these plants help mask host scents, confuse pests, and gently push them away from patios, doorways, and edible beds.

How it works

Aromatic plants release volatile oils that insects avoid. Eartheasy notes marigolds deter flying insects, Thai lemongrass contains citronella oil that repels mosquitoes, and tossing sage or rosemary on coals helps keep mosquitoes off your gathering. The University of Florida also highlights lavender, catmint, rosemary, basil, mint, and sage as useful mosquito‑repellent plantings. Mint is additionally cited as a repellent against aphids, cabbage pests, and flea beetles.

Best for

Use companion plantings to reduce pressure around high‑use zones and sensitive crops.

• Mosquito relief: Marigolds, citronella grass (Thai lemongrass), lavender, catmint, rosemary, basil, mint, sage
• Fly deterrence (near food): Basil, mint
• Soft‑bodied garden pests: Mint interplanted (away from cucumbers) to discourage aphids, cabbage pests, and flea beetles

How to apply

Place plants where people and pests intersect, then keep them vigorous so they emit more scent.

• Ring patios and entries: Pot up lemongrass, marigolds, basil, rosemary, lavender, mint and cluster near seating and doors.
• Border beds: Tuck marigolds at edges; interplant mint for aphid‑prone crops—but keep it in containers or root barriers and away from cucumbers.
• Instant boost outdoors: During a cookout, toss a handful of sage or rosemary on hot coals.
• Personal repellency: For short‑term mosquito relief, bruise a Thai lemongrass stalk to release citronella and lightly rub on exposed skin; test first.

Safety notes

Companion planting is gentle, but a few cautions improve outcomes.

• Cats: Avoid catnip/catmint as a repellent in homes with cats; it attracts them.
• Skin: Patch‑test lemongrass/citronella; discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Mint spread: Contain mint—it’s vigorous.
• Pets: Avoid citrus oils on cats; keep plant parts out of pet bowls.

Cost and effort

• Cost: Low—seeds or starter pots are inexpensive and multi‑purpose (culinary, pollinator‑friendly).
• Effort: Low—regular watering, pruning, and occasional replanting; integrates easily with other natural pest control solutions.

8. Physical and mechanical controls

Sometimes the most elegant natural pest control solutions are the simplest: block them out, trap them, or suck them up. Purely physical and mechanical tactics—screens, mattress encasements, vacuums, jar traps, and newspaper or oil traps—remove pests without sprays, and they work in both home and garden when used consistently.

How it works

These tools exploit pest behavior and physics. Door and window screens deny entry; zippered, allergen‑proof covers block dust mites. Vacuums physically remove roaches, bed bugs, silverfish, and stink bugs. Moist rolled newspapers lure earwigs, glass jars trap silverfish that can’t climb smooth surfaces, shallow oil dishes drown earwigs, and beer cups attract and drown slugs. Even a small nightlight can disrupt ant foraging patterns for a few nights.

Best for

• Earwigs: Damp newspaper rolls; shallow vegetable oil traps
• Silverfish: Glass jar traps (tape outside, smooth inside)
• Roaches and bed bugs: Thorough vacuuming and sealed disposal
• Stink bugs: Vacuuming in living areas and attics
• Dust mites: Allergen‑proof bedding; duct filters under 10 microns
• Slugs/snails: Beer cup traps in garden beds
• Ants: Low‑watt nightlight to disrupt trails short‑term

How to apply

• Screen and sweep: Repair window/door screens; add tight door sweeps.
• Encasements: Install zippered, allergen‑impermeable mattress/pillow covers; inspect for rips.
• Vacuuming: Target mattresses, box springs, baseboards, and roach/stink bug hotspots; seal and discard bags outdoors.
• Earwigs: Lightly mist and roll newspaper; place overnight near activity; discard in a sealed container. Or set a shallow, straight‑sided dish half‑filled with vegetable oil; clean daily.
• Silverfish: Wrap jar exterior with tape; set near activity; drown trapped insects in soapy water.
• Slugs: Bury a cup level with soil and fill with beer; refresh as needed.
• Ants: Place a low‑watt nightlight near heavy activity for several nights to disrupt trails.
• Dust mites: Add fine duct filters; vacuum and hot‑wash bedding regularly.

Safety notes

Keep beer and oil traps away from pets and children. Handle glass jars carefully; smooth interior only. Avoid burns or fire hazards with nightlights; keep clear of flammables. When vacuuming pests, bag and dispose outdoors promptly. Lift mattresses with help.

Cost and effort

• Cost: Low—screens, encasements, jars, newspaper, oil, and basic tools are inexpensive.
• Effort: Low to moderate—initial setup plus simple weekly resets; highly effective when combined with other natural pest control solutions.

Next steps

You now have a playbook of eight natural pest control solutions you can mix and match. Start with sealing and sanitation to cut off food, water, shelter, and entry points. Layer targeted tools—DE for crawlers, plant‑based oils/soaps for soft‑bodied pests, smart baits and traps for detection and knockdown, beneficials for ongoing suppression—then backstop with physical controls. Keep notes on where you treated and what you observed, reapply lightly as needed, and give each tactic time to work. This approach reduces sprays, preserves pollinators, and keeps problems from rebounding.

• In the next 48 hours: Seal obvious gaps, fix leaks, and clear standing water.
• Quick wins: Dust DE in hotspots; set two traps where you’ve seen activity.
• For the garden: Add a ring of repellent herbs around patios and entries.

If the issue is recurring or high‑stakes (termites, bed bugs, rodents), or you want fast, eco‑friendly relief, schedule an IPM visit with the pros at Redi Pest Control.