Non-Toxic Pest Control

No matter how conscience-driven we are as consumers there are bound to be areas in our lives where, for the sake of convenience and/or effectiveness, we feel forced to compromise. Pest control is one of those areas: we don't like to use chemicals, but they work. I don't know about you but I will do pretty much whatever it takes to prevent or combat a roach infestation. Maybe there is a way, though, for us to hold on to our "green" principles and still get rid of uninvited guests. To keep bugs from bugging you try these environmentally safe, non-toxic pest control ideas. 

We all know what cleanliness is next to (hint: not creepy-crawlies or rodents), so start with a clean house, especially the kitchen and bathrooms.

• Make sure there are no open food or water sources. (Dripping faucets and soaking dishes count.)
• Vacuum all non-traffic areas of carpet, e.g. under sofas/beds.
• Vacuum mattresses and pillows regularly.
• Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot (55 degrees centigrade or higher) water.
• Shampoo and comb pets regularly.
• Keep the house un-cluttered. (Fewer hiding places)

For a targeted approach aimed at specific species give these natural repellents a shot:

  Ants:

• Place cucumber peels or slices in areas of ant activity.
•  A small line of cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or coffee grounds, or a piece of string soaked in lemon juice or citrus oil and placed at the point of entry will keep ants from crossing.

Cockroaches:

• Make catnip sachets and leave in strategic places, or simmer in water for a spray and apply to baseboards, etc
• 1 or 2 slices of beer-soaked bread put into an empty 1lb coffee can and left out where roaches congregate can be an effective deterrent.

Fleas:

•  Pour 1 cup boiling water over a scored and sliced lemon. Let soak overnight before sponging on pet.
• Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to animal's water daily.

When warm weather expands our living space to include the great outdoors these suggestions couldn't hurt:

Mosquitoes:

• Plant Marigolds and Thai lemon grass.
• Mix 1 part garlic juice to 5 parts water for a natural spray. Soak strips of cotton cloth in the mixture and hang for a localized repellent.

Flies:

• Hang cheesecloth squares filled with bay leaves, cloves and eucalyptus in window
• Fill plastic bags with water and hang in doorways and around patios.

To rid your home of mice place dried peppermint leaves behind/under stove and refrigerator.

Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, chalky dust that can be used both indoors and out to control many household and garden pests. Made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, hard-shelled algae, the small, sharp particles are harmful only to the exoskeletons of insects. A mechanical, not chemical killer, it clings to their bodies as they walk or crawl over it, cutting the waxy coating and causing them to dry out. The insect dehydrates within 48 hours.

Treading lightly is the best way to avoid leaving an imprint so keep your green-tinted glasses on and let your imagination show you some simpler solutions to pest control. Your health, pets, environment, and wallet will all reap the rewards.