Ants are not vermin, but they can still be very annoying. Are paving slabs being undermined, mounds of sand stretching across your property like signposts or does the ant trail run right through your home? Instead of resorting to chemicals, you can use a simple household remedy to keep the pesky creepy-crawlies at bay. In this article, you’ll find out why it’s so effective, how to use it correctly – and what mistakes you should avoid. Fighting ants made easy: simple, cheap and immediately effective!

Why ants come into the house in the first place

Ants follow clear scent trails that their conspecifics leave on the ground with formic acid. This is how their typical trails are created. They are constantly on the lookout for food, preferring sweet or protein-rich leftovers. A small crumb is often enough to attract a whole column. Once they have found their way into the house, they will return again and again – unless you deliberately cross their route.

Why lime is a good household remedy against ants

The effect is not only due to the dusty surface, but also to the alkaline pH value of the chalk, which neutralizes the formic acid. This causes the insects to lose their orientation and turn around. You can therefore draw a chalk line around areas that you want to protect most from ants, such as the front door of your apartment or balcony, your plants or your patio.

Tip: Ants are clever and will try to avoid the line. The chalk line must therefore be continuous and as thick as possible.

Chalk has this disadvantage

However, there is a small disadvantage: the chalk lines have to be redrawn regularly as they fade over time and therefore become ineffective. The lines also need to be renewed after a rain shower. Perhaps you have children who would like to help you with this.

You can also get rid of ants with these household remedies

Not only chalk or lime can be an effective remedy in the fight against ant invasion. The following tips can also help:

• Keep your area clean and free of food scraps or crumbs.
• Use natural scents such as cinnamon or peppermint to keep ants away. Strong odors drive ants away because they disrupt their sense of direction. Spices, oils or herbal concentrates such as lavender, lemon peel, cinnamon, chili and cloves have proven effective. These can be placed in front of entrances, on ant trails and in front of ant nests.
• Use a mixture of water and vinegar to repel ants.
• Seal all potential entrances through which ants can enter your home.
• Use cooking oil or Vaseline to lubricate the legs of tables and chairs to prevent ants from climbing up.

Important: Do not sprinkle baking soda on them. Not only is the effect limited, but the small animals can also die in agony from ingesting baking soda.

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Fighting ants with chalk is an ingenious and natural trick against the annoying insects. Simply draw chalk lines on windows, doors or ant trails – and the animals will avoid the barrier. A simple, non-toxic solution that really works and costs nothing!

Source: Focus

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, silvery insects that are mainly found in damp rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens or cellars. They are shy of light and are usually active at night. They feed on starchy materials such as paper, paste or skin flakes, but can also be found in food.

What attracts silverfish

Silverfish prefer high humidity and high temperatures. That’s why you often find them in poorly ventilated bathrooms or damp places in the house. They like to hide in cracks and joints, they are harmless to humans and do not transmit diseases. However, silverfish can damage materials such as wallpaper or books over time. In this case, it is important to find their nest in good time.

What to do if you discover silverfish in the bathroom

If you discover silverfish in your bathroom, the first thing you should do is reduce the damp environment they like to live in. This means repairing leaks, airing out regularly and removing any water build-up or standing moisture. It is then important to clean the bathroom thoroughly to remove any food particles and hiding places where the silverfish could be hiding.

Home remedies such as lavender or Baking powderto keep the animals away. Chemical agents are not usually necessary as they do not cause any serious damage.

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Control and prevention

If the infestation is more severe, professional pest control measures can be considered in more serious cases. Ultimately, however, continuous maintenance and cleanliness will help to minimize the risk of re-infestation. Regular ventilation and the sealing of cracks and crevices can prevent infestation.

Preview image: ©IMAGO / Panthermedia

Are you looking for a carnivorous plant that looks beautiful, catches insects and is still super easy to care for? Then you should definitely take a look at the butterwort, also known as Pinguicula 🛒 called Pinguicula. This enchanting carnivore is perfect for beginners and will spoil you not only with its fascinating sticky traps, but also with its pretty flowers. To help you care for it effortlessly, you can find all the important tips about butterwort here – from choosing a location to propagation.

The right location is crucial

Pinguicula loves bright, but not too sunny places. The Mexican species in particular thrive on a windowsill with plenty of light but no draughts. You can recognize the ideal spot by the fact that the leaves turn a beautiful green and are covered with shiny sticky drops. These not only serve to catch prey, but also show that your butterwort is completely happy. Some species can even cope with chalky tap water – a real advantage over many other carnivores.

How to water Pinguicula correctly

Watering pinguicula works differently to normal houseplants. Simply place the pot in a saucer with 1-2 cm of water so that the substrate can soak up water from below. Allow the water to disappear completely before topping up. Rain or distilled water is ideal, but tap water is actually permitted for this plant.

Butterwort in winter: Observe the dormant period

Not every Pinguicula grows the same throughout the year. Many species, especially those from Europe, retreat in winter and form so-called hibernacula – a kind of hibernating bud. During this time, water less and ensure cooler temperatures. Tropical species, on the other hand, continue to grow and enjoy a constant climate on the windowsill.

Repotting and propagating

Butterwort grows slowly, so it is sufficient to repot the plant every few years. If a root breaks off, it’s no problem – the plant quickly forms new roots in moist substrate. You can even propagate your butterwort very easily: Break off a leaf with a base and place it on slightly moist substrate. Small offspring will soon sprout from the break.

How to keep your butterwort healthy

Butterworts are considered to be particularly uncomplicated if you keep a few things in mind: a bright location, mineral substrate and not too much moisture in winter. You will be rewarded with numerous pretty flowers in white, purple or pink – all year round. Whether you want to get rid of fungus gnats or are simply looking for an unusual plant, it’s definitely worth buying a butterwort plant.

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Do you want an easy-care, decorative and useful houseplant? Then the butterwort is just the thing. With a little light, the right watering technique and a suitable location, you will be able to enjoy your Pinguicula have – without any green fingers.

Source: Green Jaws

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