I think mint or basil will keep pests away.

If you can find where ants are coming in, sprinkle some talcum powder there. Ants don’t like getting the powder on their legs. If you know where their nests are you have to be very careful; you can pour very hot water down the holes. Some herbs keep creepy crawlies away. A garden centre may be able to advise you what herbs will deter them.

If you use an automatic release spray you need to make sure it won’t drift down near you.
The mositure is not particularly pleasant smelling in my opinion.

For ants you can use sugar free soft drink. It drives them mad and if they ingest it they usually die. I feel those control sprays that go off like every 20 mins also help in keeping the pest levels down and they are generally natural or low chemical and safe for pets and kiddies

Thanks for the answers MOM’s! All very helpful.

Someone else asked a similar question recently and after I commented I saw a Mortein ad with a natural automatic spray that is “guaranteed” to keep the bugs out for 30 days or they give your money back. Might be worth a try (they have both indoor and outdoor options)

Thanks for sharing this good tip mom108118! I have never heard of using peppermint oil.

use peppermint oil on cotton wool balls and put around and under things ie. fridge, sinks. wipe window and door frames with it too. I also use a home made spray for my floors and skirting boards which has a mixture of essential oils in it to keep away bugs.

We had an exterminator. Apparently the stuff they use is ok. We made sure as we have kids and baby. You just needs to make sure it’s dried before you let kids or pets roam around. Best to book it in for a warm day and it will dry quicker. You only need to stay out of the house for a couple of hours. It really did work.