DIY Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Chama

DIY Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Chama

Imagine hosting your friends for the monthly chama meeting. The table is overflowing with culinary delights from the creamy kienyeji mboga and brown ugali to the infamous jogoo that once woke up the entire neighborhood, now stewed to perfection and garnished with dhania. Tantalizing, right? Even I’m feeling hungry just thinking about it.

But just as Mama Njeri and Mama Otis approach the table to serve, two roaches dart across the ugali and stew pot, emerging from the area where the plates were neatly arranged. Suddenly, appetites vanish into thin air.

Out of courtesy, they pretend not to notice, serving themselves tiny portions, though you know their usual serving sizes, that's why you added an extra cup of maji ya ugali. If that wasn’t bad enough, Minnie Mouse decides it’s her time to shine, scurrying across Mama Kibet’s leg. The poor woman leaps in shock, knocking Kaleke on the head.

Your perfectly planned chama turns into chaos, and the worst part? The gossip oh, the gossip! You know you won’t hear the end of it.

To save yourself from becoming the punchline of chama meetings for years to come, here are some home remedies to deal with these pesky critters.

The Roach Killers

Cockroaches aren’t just cringe-worthy, they're dangerous, carrying bacteria like salmonella and staphylococcus. Here’s how to banish them:

• Baking Soda & Sugar:
   A simple mix of baking soda and sugar creates an irresistible bait for cockroaches. Sprinkle it in their hideouts, and let the baking soda do its deadly work.
   
• Pepper, Onion, and Garlic:
  Blend pepper powder, onion paste, and garlic in a litre of water. Sprinkle the mix in roach-prone areas; the smell will drive them away.
   
• Lemon Juice:
   Mix lemon juice with water to wipe surfaces. The citrus scent repels cockroaches while masking odors that attract them.
   

Evicting Ratatouille

Rodents don’t just wreak havoc; they destroy your valuables. Picture your beloved KSh 5000 dress, now with a gaping hole, courtesy of these tiny nuisances. Save your couture and sanity with these tips:

• Seal Holes, Cracks, and Gaps:
   Remember the saying: usipoziba ufa utajenga ukuta. Don’t let your fashion pay the price for neglecting simple repairs.
   
• Sticky Traps:
   Next time you hear the matatu vendor shouting “dawa ya panya,” listen up! A KSh 100 trap is a small price to pay to protect your belongings.
   

(Pro-tip: For humane solutions, look up ways to deter rodents without harming them.)

Silencing the Mosquito Choir

After a long day, there’s nothing more frustrating than the relentless buzz of mosquitoes. David, we know you’re tired of explaining the redness on your face after yet another losing battle. Here are some ways to reclaim your peace:

• Garlic Spray:
  Garlic’s sulfur compounds are natural mosquito repellents. Boil crushed garlic cloves in water, let it cool, and spray the solution around your home to keep mosquitoes at bay.
   
• Citronella Oil:
  This natural oil, often found in candles, is an effective mosquito deterrent. Light a citronella candle or dilute the oil in water for a DIY spray.
   

If all this feels like a tall order, worry not. We’re here to swoop in and rescue you from the critter chaos. Let us handle the pests so you can focus on hosting your chama without a care in the world!