This document provides information on common household insects and how to get rid of them naturally. It discusses flies, fleas, spiders, cockroaches, dust mites, ants, ticks, moths, and wasps. For each insect, it describes their appearance, where they can be found, why they are a problem, and natural methods to remove them, such as keeping areas clean, using essential oils, sealing cracks and crevices, and removing food sources. The overall document encourages using non-toxic and environmentally friendly approaches to pest control.

1. H O W T O G E T R I D O F
I N S E C T S I N S E C T S I N
T H E H O M E
TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING

2. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Creepy crawlies are a homeowner’s worst nightmare.
There are many off the shelf repellents and poisons available but they can be very dangerous to
our health and even lethal if accidentally ingested or touched.
They can also cause allergies or irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Household chemicals in pesticides and repellents are also damaging to the environment too!
Luckily there are natural alternatives to get rid of bugs and nasties.
In this guide, you can find out how to remove common
insect invaders from your home.

3. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
F L I E S
What do they look like?
Flies come in all shapes and sizes, from giant blue
bottles to small black houseflies.
Where can they be found?
You can't miss the telltale annoying buzz that lets you
know there is a fly about. Flies can be found
anywhere and are attracted to food and rubbish.
Why are they a problem?
Flies spread bacteria and disease like food poisoning
and dysentery.
How can you get rid of them?
Keep the house clean. Take out rubbish regularly,
mop up spills and don't leave food uncovered.

4. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
F L E A S What do they look like?
Tiny jumping bugs with a reddish brown body
Where can they be found?
In pet fur, they can also spread to carpets,
upholstery and clothes.
Why are they a problem?
Flea bites are itchy and can cause allergic
reactions. They can spread diseases like typhus
or tapeworms.
How can you get rid of them?
Treat your pet with flea medications. Vacuum
frequently. Spray citronella essential oil over
carpets and pets every day.

5. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
S P I D E R S
What do they look like?
Eight legged invaders which come in all shapes, sizes
and colours.
Where can they be found?
Nooks and crannies, cupboards, wardrobes, under
furniture, damp areas.
Why are they a problem?
Spiders rarely cause a health risk but many people are
scared of them and don't want them in their home.
How can you get rid of them?
Keep clutter to a minimum, trim long grass outside and
keep your house free from damp and mould through good
ventilation. Dust and hoover nooks and crannies regularly.

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C O C K R O A C H E S What do they look like?
Typically 1/2 inch long brown bugs with 6 legs
and long antennae.
Where can they be found?
Warm, damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens and
basements.
Why are they a problem?
Cockroaches and their faeces can cause allergic
reactions, particularly for asthma sufferers. They
also transmit bacteria like E.coli or Salmonella.
How can you get rid of them?
Keep your house clean and food stored away.
Seal gaps in walls and floors with caulk. Line
perimeters of rooms with borax, they hate it!

7. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
D U S T M I T E S
What do they look like?
At the size of a pin head, dust mites can rarely be seen by
the naked eye.
Where can they be found?
Dust mites feed on dead skin cells so can usually be
found in our beds, bedroom, carpets and upholstery.
Why are they a problem?
Dust mite allergies cause respiratory and skin conditions.
How can you get rid of them?
Keep your home ventilated and use a dehumidifier.
Hoover mattresses regularly and sprinkle with baking
soda. Use dust mite covers on mattresses and pillows.

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A N T S What do they look like?
Segmented body, six legs, two long antennae.
Where can they be found?
Ants love warm, damp areas, like under floors, and
in wall cracks.
Why are they a problem?
Some ants bite or sting. They can invade our
homes to find food which is very unpleasant.
How can you get rid of them?
Keep your house clean and food stored away. Seal
gaps in walls and floors with caulk. Use non­toxic
ant repellents. They also hate lemon juice and peel,
so sprinkle at any entrance points.

9. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
T I C K S
What do they look like?
Eight legs with a round brown body, typically the size
of a pea.
Where can they be found?
Ticks are found outside in grass and shrubs. They
hop onto animals or humans and feed on their blood.
Nasty!
Why are they a problem?
Ticks carry diseases, including most famously, Lyme
disease, which is very dangerous.
How can you get rid of them?
Wear long trousers, tucked in to prevent bites. Check
animals for ticks before entering the house and
remove with a tick remover.

10. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
M O T H S What do they look like?
Moths come in all shapes and sizes, usually grey or
brown they have long wings and antennae.
Where can they be found?
Dark, damp areas like cupboards, wardrobes and in
and around dry food or pet food.
Why are they a problem?
Moths cause damage to clothes and fabrics. Many
people experience allergic reactions. They can also
contaminate food.
How can you get rid of them?
If you find an infestation, destroy any evidence of their
presence. Hoover thoroughly and wash with hot,
soapy water. Store dry foods in sealable containers.

11. TIMEFORYOU.CLEANING
W A S P S
What do they look like?
Thin, long­legged bugs with a tell­tale yellow and black
stripy abdomen.
Where can they be found?
Wasps build nests in empty areas like lofts and sheds.
They are attracted to sweet foods and will often get
into the house to find it or hang around rubbish bins.
Why are they a problem?
Wasps are aggressive and their stings are very painful.
Some people are allergic and the sting can be deadly.
How can you get rid of them?
Contact pest control to remove nests. Use non­toxic
repellents and containment traps to remove
unwelcome visitors.

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