Worried about bed bugs? “All it takes is a restless night or a suspicious little red dot on the skin for the alarm to go off.” But there’s no need to panic or use harsh chemicals. Two natural ingredients—diatomaceous earth and cloves—can help keep your home insect-free.

This fine powder, made from fossilized algae, “dries out crawling insects, such as bed bugs, ants, or fleas, until they are neutralized.” To use it, vacuum your mattress, box spring, baseboards, and crevices. Then, sprinkle the powder lightly and evenly on bed legs, carpets, and other hiding spots. Leave it for a few days, then vacuum carefully and repeat if needed. Bonus: it also works against cockroaches.

Cloves are more than a spice: “Its strong smell bothers bed bugs, fleas, mosquitoes and even some ants.” You can use them in small cloth bags placed in drawers, under pillows, or near pet beds. Alternatively, make a spray by mixing about 10 drops of clove essential oil per 100 ml of water and spraying on bed frames, curtains, and carpets every 2–3 days.

Diatomaceous earth and cloves aren’t just for bed bugs. Sprinkle the powder near pipes or windowsills to deter ants and cockroaches. Clove bags in food cupboards prevent pests. For fleas, sprinkle the powder on carpets or beds, let it sit, then vacuum. A clove spray keeps mosquitoes away without synthetic fragrances.

“These two natural allies are not limited to bed bugs.” Using diatomaceous earth and cloves provides “natural, economical and easy-to-use solutions to protect your home safely.” Just a few simple steps can create a healthier, pest-free environment without chemicals.