The monsoon brings with it moody nostalgia and also an uptick in the number and variety of household bugs. Experts say that many of these lie dormant in the preceding months to spring to life after a rainy shower. While many rely on chemical alternatives, concerns have been raised about their impact on air and water quality, as well as the tendency of these to bio-accumulate inside your body to cause lasting damage. So, if you’ve been grappling with dampness and keeping pests at bay while also being mindful of your health, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Household critters

“Unlike store-bought remedies, home-made nature-based alternatives serve to repel insects rather than killing them. For me, this makes them a more viable and a gentler solution for both my farms and at home,” explains Varun Goel, founder of Sanesa Farms. He recommends diluting neem oil in water as a spray for plants or around your house to keep flies and other pests at bay. “You could also mix garlic juice with hing (asafoetida) powder or juice. Dilute about 5 ml of this solution in 100 ml of water for use as an insect repelling spray,” he suggests. Chef Reetu Uday Kugaji, a culinary expert and consultant chef, adds that basil and mint leaves act as natural repellents. Crushed mint leaves help keep ants at bay.