No one wants to see roaches scurrying or ants marching across their kitchen counters. But before using pesticides, consider natural alternatives to control pests.

One of the first steps to reducing pests and insects in the house is to remove whatever attracts them. Keep counters and floors clean of food scraps. Avoid dripping faucets and soaking dishes; they serve as a water source enticing insects into the kitchen. Foods that pests find attractive like flour, macaroni, and cornmeal can be kept in the refrigerator or in airtight containers.

There are also some natural remedies to control pests in the house. Here is a list of natural ways to rid your home of some of the more common pests without using pesticides:

• Follow a trail of ants to find where they are coming in. Sprinkle chili pepper, dried peppermint, or borax to steer them away.

• For cockroaches, mix borax, sugar, and flour, and sprinkle it in the infested area, or add water and form the mixture into little balls and leave them for the roaches to eat. Also try sprinkling borax behind light switches, under sinks, and in the back of cabinets to kill roaches.

• Feeding a dog or cat brewer's yeast mixed in with their food deters fleas.

• Look to cedar chips to drive off moths.

• Buy humane traps that allow you to catch and release varmints.

• Pantries can be kept free of moths and other insects with insect traps that use nontoxic adhesives and attractants.

• Diligent vacuuming can eliminate dust mites. If dust mites are in bedding, wash it regularly and cover pillows and mattresses in mite-free mattress cases and pillowcases.

Another benefit of eliminating pesticides is that you will be able to avoid keeping poisons in your home and reduce the possibility of accidental exposure.