Dried basil hung over the doorways, windows, & fireplaces will keep ghosts from entering. Rue or Purslane planted near the house discourages ghostly visitors.
Wild horseradish or mustard placed under a pillow will prevent nightmares induced by ghosts.
Spinning clockwise 3 times before entering your dwelling reportedly confuses spirits so they cannot enter.
Rapping 3 times on your door post before entering deters ghosts.
Rapping 3 times on your bedpost also deters ghosts from inducing nightmares.
Bells, chimes, and door harps are ancient methods of deterring ghosts stemming from China and Scandinavia.
Serving a plate of potatoes to a ghost just after sundown is another ghost banishing method. When leaving the plate announce that it is for the spirit. Just before dawn, bury the potatoes and the spirit should go with them.
If you know the identity of the spirit, and have access to their belongings there is a North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountain potato banishing that might be useful. Take an unwashed, unpeeled potato and cut it in half. Then hollow out a small section, leaving fairly thick walls. Place a small, non-valued item belonging to the deceased inside the hollow space. Then use two long nails or pins to reseal the potato. Take it to the cemetery where they are buried and leave it. The ghost should be bound to the cemetery until its ready to move on.
If you feel you are being followed by an evil spirit, cross over running water. It is said that spirits cannot cross over running water.
To turn away negative forces of human, spectral or animal nature, toss nine broom straws, one at a time, on a hearth fire at sunset.
Squeaky doors should be fixed because they are invitations to ghosts and troublesome spirits.
Windows can be protected with sprigs of fresh rosemary, basil, and woodruff.
