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Vinegar can be an insect repellant, as many bugs find its scent off-putting. However, vinegar is acidic and may also cause damage to any plants it comes in contact with. If you'd like to use vinegar to deter pests in your garden, be careful not to spray it directly on the plant's leaves or stems.

It's also worth noting that vinegar's effects can be short. To continue to repel bugs, you'll need to spray vinegar repeatedly. 

Heat is the most effective instant killer of bed bugs. Exposing them to temperatures above 131 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour can eliminate them. Methods like steam cleaners and using a dryer on high heat are effective for this. Other options that can kill bed bugs on contact include EPA-approved pesticides, bleach, disinfectant sprays with alcohol, diatomaceous earth, and hydrogen peroxide. While freezing can work, it is not an instant solution, as it can take several days at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective. Keep in mind that many DIY treatments won't reach bed bugs hidden in cracks or behind walls. For severe infestations or the most effective results, it is best to hire a professional exterminator for a professional heat or chemical treatment.

Scorpions are repelled by strong scents like lavender, cedar, peppermint, and cinnamon. Applying essential oils of these scents mixed with water around your home's perimeter and entry points can act as a mild, chemical-free deterrent. In addition to scents, scorpions also tend to avoid well-lit areas, preferring to hide in dark, cool, and damp places during the day. However, it's important to note that these methods are not fully effective on their own and should be combined with other preventative efforts, such as sealing any potential entryways into your home.

Even with professional pest control and taking your own drastic measures to eliminate a phorid fly infestation, it can be difficult to get rid of these pests for good. If you find that phorid flies keep appearing in your home, it’s very likely that you have a persistent source of moisture such as a drain leak or a cracked sewer. Another culprit could be a decaying animal carcass in your home’s foundations.