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Insects

A number of nontoxic substances can be used to repel insects. Generally. they are highly fragrant or volatile herbs or spices. Powdered red chilli pepper, peppemnint. bay leaves, cloves, citrus oil. Iavender rosemary, tobacco, peppercoms. and cedar oil can repel various types of insects.

Insects can be trapped and killed using a poison nontoxic to humans mixed with a food that insects find attractive. and spread in the infested area.

Examples are oatmeal (attractive) and plaster-of-Paris (poisonous), and cocoa powder and flour (attractive) and borax (poisonous). Old-fashioned flypaper - not a hanging strip of insecticide - is an effective trap.

To keep ants out, sprinkle powdered red chilli pepper paprika, dried peppermint. or borax where the ants are entering.

Weed killer

If weeds or unwanted grass come up between patio bricks or blocks. carefully spread salt between the bricks and blocks. then sprinkle with water or wait for rain to wet it down. For tough weeds like dandelion, puli the leafy head off and pour a few teaspoons of salt on the exposed root and then douse with boiling water.

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