How to Keep Bugs Away Naturally: 6 Easy DIY Hacks
Bugs always seem to find their way in at the worst possible time.
If you’re looking for simple ways to keep bugs away naturally, these quick DIY hacks use everyday items you probably already have at home—no harsh chemicals needed.
Tools and Materials:
- Disco ball (small to medium)
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Peppermint essential oil
- Orange essential oil
- Clean rags or cloths
- Irish Spring Bar Soap
- Swiffer mop (or similar)
- Fast food paper bags
- Plastic grocery bags
- Rubber bands
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Table of contents
1. Hang a Disco Ball Near Windows or Doors
Hang a disco ball outside near a window, patio door, or any entry point where bugs tend to gather. Choose a spot that gets plenty of direct sunlight during the day so it can reflect light across the area.
If possible, hang it where the reflections will hit the glass or doorway directly, since that’s where bugs are most likely to fly toward.
This works best during bright daylight hours and in areas that already get a lot of sun.
Youdepot Disco Ball 4" Inch 2-Pack
👉 Add a playful sparkle to your space while helping keep bugs at bay—these mini disco balls catch the sunlight and scatter it beautifully near windows and doors.
2. Wipe Windows with Dish Soap & Peppermint Oil
Add a few drops of dish soap and peppermint essential oil to a clean, slightly damp cloth.
Wipe along the window glass, focusing on edges, corners, and where the frame meets the glass.
You don’t need to soak the surface—just a light coating is enough. Reapply every few days or after cleaning your windows.
This is especially helpful on windows you open often or areas where bugs tend to sneak in.
3. Rub Irish Spring Soap Along Windowsills
Take a dry bar of Irish Spring soap and rub it lightly along your windowsills and door frames.
Focus on corners and small gaps where bugs might enter.
You can leave a faint residue behind—it doesn’t need to be visible to work. Reapply after cleaning or if the scent fades.
This works well in problem areas like kitchen windows or near entry doors.
4. Add Orange Essential Oil to Your Mop
Add a few drops of orange essential oil directly to your mop water or onto your mop pad. Clean your floors as you normally would, making sure to go over edges and corners.
This is especially useful in high-traffic areas like kitchens, entryways, and around trash bins where bugs are more likely to appear.
You can use this every time you mop for a fresh scent and added benefit.
5. Wipe Walls and Baseboards
Using the same orange oil mixture, lightly wipe down baseboards, lower walls, and corners where dust and debris collect.
Focus on areas behind furniture, near doors, and along the perimeter of rooms. These are common paths for crawling bugs.
You don’t need to soak the surface—just a quick wipe is enough.
6. Make a DIY Fake Hornet Nest
Take a paper bag and loosely stuff it with plastic bags until it forms a round, full shape.
Gather the top and secure it with a rubber band.
Hang it outside in areas where you’ve seen hornets or wasps, such as near eaves, patios, or rooflines.
Make sure it’s visible and slightly sheltered so it holds its shape over time.
Keep Bugs Away Naturally with Simple DIY Hacks
If you’ve been searching for easy ways to keep bugs away naturally, these 6 DIY hacks are a great place to start. They’re quick, affordable, and use items you likely already have at home.
Try a few and see what works best for your space—and don’t forget to share your results. I always love hearing which tricks actually made a difference!
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?