Roaches
Prevention. Close off all gaps around pipes and
electric lines where they enter the house by using cement or screening. Caulk small cracks along baseboards, walls, cupboards, and around pipes, sinks, and bathtub fixtures. Seal food tightly. Rinse food off dishes that are left
overnight. Do not leave pet food out overnight.
Hedge Apples (Osage Orange). Cut hedge apples in half and place several in the basement, around in cabinets, or under the house to repel roaches.
Flour, Cocoa Powder, and Borax*. Mix together 2
tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons borax, and 1 tablespoon cocoa. Set the mixture out in dishes. CAUTION: Borax is toxic if eaten. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Borax* and Flour. Mix 1/2 cup borax and 1/4 cup flour and fill a glass jar. Punch small holes in jar lid. Sprinkle powder along baseboards and doorsills. Caution: Borax is toxic if eaten. This recipe may not be for you if there are young children or pets in the house.
Oatmeal, Flour, and Plaster of Paris. Mix equal pans and set in dishes. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar. Mix equal pans and spread around infested area.
Slugs And Snails
Natural Predators. Gardener snakes, grass snakes,
ground beetles, box turtles, salamanders, ducks, and larvae of lightning bugs all feed on snails.
Clay Pots. Place overturned clay flower pots near the shady side of a plant. Rest one edge on a small twig or make sure that the ground is irregular enough for the slugs and snails to crawl under the rim. They will collect there during the warmest pan of the day. Remove slugs and snails regularly and drop in a bucket of soapy water.
Sand, Lime, or Ashes. Snails avoid protective borders of sand, lime, or ashes.
Tin Can. Protect young plants by encircling them with a tin can with both ends removed. Push the bottom end of the can into the soil.
Porcelain Cleaner
Cream of Tartar. To clean porcelain surfaces, rub with cream of tartar sprinkled on a damp cloth. Works well on light stains.
Rust Remover
Peeled Potatoes and Baking Soda or Salt. To remove rust from tinware, rub with a peeled potato dipped in a mild abrasive such as baking soda or salt.
Aluminum Foil. Briskly scrub rust spots on car bumpers with a piece of crumpled aluminum foil, shiny side up. Also works well on the chrome shafts of golf clubs.
Scouring Powder
The amount of chlorine in scouring powder is not
significant enough to cause harm, but if you want to totally avoid chlorine or are sensitive to it follow these recipes.
Non-Chlorine Scouring Powder. Several vommercially available products.
Baking Soda or Dry Table Salt. Both of these
substances are mild abrasives and can be used as an alternative to chlorine scouring powders. Simply put either baking soda or salt on a sponge or the surface you wish to clean and then scour and nose.
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How-To: Information about Homemade Cleaners
