Toxic air pollutants lurking indoors can cause headaches, lethargy, and aggravate asthma symptoms and, according to the NSW Environmental Trust, that’s just the beginning. Fumes resulting from toxic products inside the home have been linked to hyperactivity in children, chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer. Toxic air in the home is a serious issue and one that bears a hefty price tag, according to the CSIRO. It estimates poor indoor air quality costs Australians around $11 billion a year.

A bug’s life

Bugs do have a place in this world and most adults would agree: it’s outside! Unfortunately, however, creepy crawlies such as ants and cockroaches do manage to find their way indoors. They can be anywhere: carpets, curtains, your cupboards, even under your kitchen sink. To rid your home of these critters, instead of reaching for potentially toxic bug sprays or using harsh chemical treatments that can leave dangerous residues, try natural alternatives.

One of the easiest ways to deter creepy crawlies like cockroaches and ants is to be vigilant about cleaning up food scraps and always make sure jars and containers in your pantry have their lids screwed on tight. It also pays to remove clutter from bench tops and other areas where cockroaches can hide.

So give your home a thorough clean with natural pest deterrents. Clear your cupboards and wipe out the inside of all your drawers with eucalyptus oil. You can also put eucalyptus oil on cotton buds and place them in your clothes drawers to repel silverfish.

To stop ants invading your home, cut off their water supply by fixing dripping taps. Use soapy water to obliterate their trails and rub a cut lemon over their tracks as a further deterrent, suggests naturopath Keogh. “You can also try blending together orange essential oil, a pinch of cinnamon powder, add water and pour the mix into an atomiser bottle,” she says. Squirt it into the gaps where the ants gain entry.