Natural Pest Control and Insect Repellents
Summer may be over (at least here in the US), but it’s never to early to start thinking about pest management for when the bugs come back next year, or for those of you who live in areas with mild climates. Some insects are not only annoying, but can cause damage to your home and to your health.
The best option for dealing with unwanted insects is obviously with a green pest control alternative. If you have a serious problem and are looking to hire a company, look for one that considers the health of the environment and its customers, as well as the humane treatment of animals. For those of you who live in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Arizona, or Colorado, Alphaecological is one company that offers green pest control.
If you do not live in those states, or do not want to hire a company, avoid standard pest control options laden with chemicals. These are not only bad for the health of you, your children, and your pets, but also for the environment. There are many companies that offer pest management products that are non-toxic and environmentally safe.
Other healthier options for getting rid of those annoying bugs are prevention (obviously!) and making your own at home natural pest control products.
Prevention
- Make sure openings into your home are sealed.
- Don’t leave uncovered food out in the open.
- Keep garbage in containers with lids, and don’t let it sit in your home for long periods of time.
- Clean up spills and food messes promptly.
- Use insect repellent (natural, of course!) when you go camping or anywhere you might pick up insects.
- Bathe and comb your pets regularly to remove any insects they may have picked up.
- Dust and vacuum your home frequently, including your curtains, to deter dust mites.
- Reduce water sources such as leaky taps, and replace your pet’s water frequently.
Fruit Flies
Keep your fruit in containers, and throw it away or compost if it starts to go bad. Fruit flies, once you have them, can be difficult to get rid of. Basil is a fruit fly deterrent; try keeping a basil plant in your kitchen.
Flies
Mint or eucalyptus oil can be used to deter flies. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a piece of absorbent cloth and place it where flies are a problem.
Ants
Trace the ants back to their point of entry. When you found it, sprinkle a small amount of spent coffee grounds, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper. Ants won’t cross with any of these there. Dry, crushed mint leaves can also work as an ant deterrent.
Cockroaches
Here’s an interesting fact I bet you didn’t know: catnip is a natural cockroach repellent! Garlic and bay leaves are also said to deter cockroaches.
Spiders
Lemon or lavender essential oils can be used to deter spiders. If you don’t want to spray these around, put some onto cedar shavings and place them in a sachet (you can make this out of old panthose), and hang or place the sachet where you notice the spider problem.
Insect Bites
It is especially important to use a natural insect repellent on your skin. Most chemical-based insect repellents contain DEET, which can cause rash, swelling, itching, and eye irritation.
Essential oils, which are natural alternatives, to reduce the occurrence of insect bites include:
- Ticks: rose geranium, eucalyptus, lavender
- Mosquitoes: thyme, lavender
- Fleas: orange oil
- Lice:lavender, tea tea, rose geranium
Notes: If you are pregnant, consult with your doctor before using essential oils. Avoid using essential oils on your pets. They may be dangerous, especially for cats. For pets with fleas, make a tea of lemon peel and water and allow it to steep overnight. Allow to cool and sponge the tea onto your pet.
For ants, I had also heard that you can use chalk on the ground. For example, if you have a dog food dish outside, drawing a circle of chalk around the dish keeps the ants from crossing and out of the food. I bet the dog will like that more than cayenne pepper!
One thing living in New York City is that there aren’t many bugs. But we see some of the hugest roaches out there.
Dusting and vacuuiming is a tip I should adhere to more often!
I loved the detailed prevention tips, Stefanie and I will apply it on my daily life, as I don’t want to use the synthetic pest control too often!
Irish, that’s true, I forgot about chalk!
Jordans, bugs don’t usually bother me, but I think cockroaches might be another story!
Wilson, hope that you find the tips useful :)
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Jordans, bugs don’t usually bother me, but I think cockroaches might be another story!
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Then I don’t think you’d want to encounter the ones that can fly!
Great tips! I would say the best way of pest control is to keep surroundings clean
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Then I don’t think you’d want to encounter the ones that can fly![/quote]
No thank you!!!
Jai, that’s definitely an important step!
some very good tips managing pests is something that is often overlooked until its too late and an infestation is established.
Interesting blog, I’m a pest controller in the UK using traditional insecticides but sometimes we are asked about natural methods. Do you have any solutions for bed bugs?
Ken Chadwick
Manchester Pest Control
Ken, I replied to you via email, but I thought I would post it here as well, for others who might be interested.
I found this article on natural remedies for bed bugs: http://www.natural-remedies-for.com/pest_control/natural-remedies-for-bed-bugs/
I am sure that you will be able to find a company that will do a one shot deal, but expect to sign an acknowledgement that there is no warranty expressed or implied. In the end, someone will take your money and provide the service you want. The only person that you are cheating is yourself, because the pests are almost sure to return in short order.
Amazing tips! I would say the best way of control is to keep surroundings clean.
some very interesting points, we try to use natural insect treatments whenever we can
Yes I’ve been using that chalk thing as well for ants and it really works.
I used Boric Acid powder when i lived on campus, never had a roach or water bug, though neighbors did. I did not put it where it was accessible by my son, who was a toddler, and instead put it behind the stove and behind the refrigerator only.
We had severe ant problems this summer, from the drought. The only thing I found to get rid of them, Sevin dust, which is for use on edible veggies in your garden. Do not know if it is toxic to humans, but I never saw any more ants.
It is also imperative that you keep wood piles away from your home. They will hold moisture and become home to many pests.
Also, ensure wood chips do not make direct contact with your foundation.
I have been looking for something for spiders, I had no idea. These are all great ideas that can be organic AND non-toxic. In our house, the number one culprit is ticks, carried by wild bunnies that eat our garden. Here is an article about the bunny problem. :) Natural Rabbit Repellent
The cleaning is key! I cant tell you how many homes I treat that the main problem is that they don’t clean often enough. Clean regularly will help keep the critters and pest away.