Do It Yourself Tips
Do It Yourself
Home Tips
Natural pest remedies, seasonal home care, and simple ways to make your home healthier and more comfortable. These are the things I practice on my own farm and happily share with my clients.
Natural Pest Control
Nature's own remedies for a pest-free home
Before you reach for harsh chemicals, the garden might already have what you need. Here are a few of my favorite gentle solutions I use on my own farm.
Natural Pest Remedies
- 1 Peppermint ant spray. In a small spray bottle, combine about 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water and a splash of dish soap. Shake well and spray along baseboards, windowsills, and door thresholds. Ants hate the strong scent, and your house smells like a tea shop instead of a lab.
- 2 Cedar moth sachets. Save those cedar blocks or pick up a bag of cedar chips from the craft store. Sew them into small cloth pouches (or use old socks in a pinch) and tuck them into closets, dressers, and storage bins. Moths and silverfish stay away, and your sweaters smell like a forest.
- 3 Diatomaceous earth for crawlers. This fine white powder looks unassuming, but it's a marvel for controlling ants, roaches, and silverfish. Sprinkle a light dusting along cracks and behind appliances. It's food-grade safe for pets and people, but it dehydrates insects naturally. Just keep it dry, it stops working once it gets wet.
- 4 Lavender welcome mat. A few drops of lavender oil on a small cloth near entry points discourages flies and mosquitoes from coming inside. Plus, it makes coming home feel a little more peaceful.
Summer Home Care Tips
- 1 Natural mosquito repellent. Steep a handful of rosemary, lavender, lemon balm, and mint in boiling water for an hour, then strain and pour the cooled liquid into a spray bottle. Spritz it on your skin (avoiding eyes) and around outdoor seating areas before sunset.
- 2 Keep cool without cranking the AC. Close curtains and windows on the sunny side of the house in the morning, then open everything up once the sun goes down. Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a quick DIY air cooler.
- 3 Protect wood from summer heat. Heat and humidity can warp wood furniture, trim, and flooring. Keep blinds drawn during peak sun hours, use a dehumidifier in damp basements, and dust wooden surfaces with a mix of olive oil and lemon juice.
- 4 Fresh air, naturally. Simmer a pot of water with lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and a dash of vanilla extract on the stove for a natural air freshener that cuts through summer stuffiness.
Meditations
Finding stillness in a busy world
Real estate moves fast, and so can life. That's why I make time each day to be still. A few quiet minutes in the morning, a slow breath between showings, a moment of gratitude before bed. Meditation keeps me grounded, clear, and patient.
When I show up for clients, I want to bring my whole self, and that starts with a settled heart. My meditation practice is simple, personal, and imperfect. And that's exactly what makes it real.
Try these at home, or reach out with questions
A little know-how and some basic herbs can go a long way toward making your home healthier and more comfortable. I'm always experimenting with new recipes on the farm. If you try any of these, I'd love to hear how they worked for you.
