How to deter insects: a vegan approach without pesticides

As vegans, we accept that we share the planet with insects, but that doesn’t mean we will all be comfortable with them in our living spaces.

It’s understandable to want to encourage them to move along, whether it’s a single fly or an ant kitchen takeover. This blog will explore eco-friendly ways of deterring our tiny guests.

Keep Your House Clean

Now summer is here, cleanliness should be seen as one of the most important aspects of maintaining your home. Insects have discerning tastes: they absolutely adore crumbs under the couch or tucked behind furniture. Their basic needs, such as food and shelter, can all too easily be met by cluttered and unclean households. 
Denying easy access to these essentials greatly reduces their reason to stick around or even pay your place an initial visit. Regular cleaning keeps food particles from attracting hungry insects, and tidiness reduces their hiding spots.

Use Natural Repellents

Certain plants have the amazing ability to ward off many types of insects, making them your new best friends. Lavender and citronella are natural fly repellents that actually work. They can deter moths, flies, and mosquitoes, while marigolds could help repel nematodes in your garden bed. Rosemary, in addition to seasoning your food, is great for repelling various insects.

Place these plants strategically in your indoor and outdoor spaces, where they can work their magic. Position potted lavender by windowsills or near doors that frequently stay open. Even the bushy borders of patios are perfect spots for pretty marigold additions.

Try Citrus Peels

Are spiders making you feel like Halloween came early? No need to worry – citrus is your friend!
The peels, to be precise. As tantalising as your morning dose of Vitamin C can be for you, arachnids detest the smell of citrus peels (such as oranges, lemons, and limes).

Grab some peels after making your morning juice or snack (bonus points if the citrus fruits are non-organic), and rub them over areas where you’ve noticed or suspect spiders are lurking. Windowsills, bookshelves, and near the corners of ceilings are all places where those spiders might be roaming. Don’t forget to replace the peels when they dry out.

Essential Oils Spray

Keeping away insects doesn’t always require harsh chemicals. Many insects find certain types of oils off-putting. You can use this knowledge to create homemade, vegan-friendly, repellent sprays that are free from harsh chemicals and are effective deterrents. 

• Peppermint oil spray is great for repelling spiders. 
• Citronella is effective against mosquitoes and ticks.
• Tea tree oil is great against fleas.
• Eucalyptus oil will deter cockroaches.

All you need to do is blend a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water, shake it up in a spray bottle, and spritz away.

To deter insects from landing on you, try incognito anti-mosquito range of products, which are registered with the Vegan Trademark.

Buy (or Make) Humane Traps

It may sound a bit unheard of, but yes, insect traps can also be humane. You’ve heard the saying: "Catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Well, swap out that honey for some mouth-watering fruit, and you've got yourself a delightfully simple and merciful trap.

Flies will never be able to resist naked, overripe fruit. Simply take a glass jar, toss in some fruit past its time, and fashion a funnel out of paper to place on top. Just make sure the smallest point of the funnel doesn’t touch your tempting treat inside. Flies will enter through the funnel's bead-sized hole but won't find their way back out. Be sure to check the jar regularly and release the flies outside. If you’re going away, you can remove the trap when you can’t be there to let them out – and to avoid a mouldy mess when you get back!

Another humane trap is the classic “cup and paper” method, which works perfectly for bigger insects like spiders or beetles. Wait until your invader is still, quickly cover it with a cup, then slide stiff cardboard under it so you can safely carry it outside and release it to its natural habitat.

For smaller crawlers like ants, cockroaches, or earwigs, humane traps might be more efficient since they can hide in the smallest of spaces and are usually out of sight. Look for traps designed for catch-and-release, which allow you to safely take the insects outside, far from your home. Regularly check the traps to ensure they are released as soon as possible.

Bidding Insects Goodbye, the Non-Toxic Way

In the end, whether it’s a fleet of flies or an army of ants, keep in mind that they didn’t choose this life. They’re just doing their best to survive, much like we are (minus the Netflix binging and online shopping habits). So, while it’s completely normal to want them out of our home, we can give them an environmentally friendly eviction without causing any harm.

At its core, veganism is revering life in all forms. It means recognising that every creature has its place, including those insects that may occasionally wander into ours. So, let us extend compassion and practise kindness wherever possible, even when dealing with insects in our space.

By Adrian Nita

Adrian is a former marine navigation officer turned writer with more than 3 years of experience in the field. He loves writing about anything and everything. When he’s not writing, Adrian enjoys spending time with his family and friends or hiking in the great outdoors.