Eco-friendly pest control refers to multiple methods of managing and preventing pests that are safe for pets, humans, and the environment. These methods include the use of non-toxic pesticides and exclusion/prevention strategies that minimize the presence of pests.
Reasons To Try Environmentally Friendly Pest Control
There are many benefits to the use of eco-friendly pest control.
- To protect the environment (reduce pollution/volatile organic compounds in the air, avoid contamination of soil and water, reduce damage to native plants)
- To reduce contamination of fruit and vegetables
- To protect humans and pets (Traditional pesticides cause eye/skin irritation, headaches, vomiting/nausea, dizziness, memory problems, fatigue, and respiratory problems and are linked to birth defects, cancer, genetic changes, and nerve and blood disorders.)
- To effectively control pests
- To improve the health of soil/plants
- To save money (it’s cost-effective as prevention/exclusion strategies stop pests before they become a problem)
- To promote sustainability
- To lower your carbon footprint (harsh chemicals are not used in the synthesis and manufacture of non-toxic pesticides)
- To ensure pests don’t develop resistance (the natural content of non-toxic pesticides ensures long-term results, free of the development of resistance)
- Because prevention/exclusion strategies are more humane (traditional pesticides can cause slow agonizing death)
- Because it’s convenient (no need for precautions against contamination)
- Because they require minimum effort for prevention, exclusion, and control)
Examples Of Eco-Friendly Pest Control Solutions
- Seal entry points with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Remove sources of water and food (cover food containers and clean spills and crumbs).
- Utilize traps: Bait traps with scents or food and place them near areas where pests are observed. Use humane animal traps, sticky traps for insects, and funnel traps for birds.
- Employ physical barriers: Install screens and door sweeps.
- Try natural repellents (citrus or peppermint oil sprayed around the garden and home).
- Use biological controls such as parasites and natural predators (ladybugs to help with aphids, parasitic wasps to control caterpillars, and bats for mosquito control).
- Try handpicking to remove snails and slugs.
- Use Neem oil: It repels pests via insecticidal and anti-feeding effects.
- Utilize diatomaceous earth to absorb waxes and oils from the bodies of arthropods/insects, causing dehydration and death.
- Try boric acid to kill arthropods/insects by sprinkling it on windowsills and doorways.
- Insecticidal soap breaks down the coating on arthropods and insects. Mix it with water and apply it to the desired areas.
- Consider planting foliage that repels pests (rosemary, peppermint, lemongrass, catnip, lemon thyme, lavender, basil, tulsi, feverfew, citrosa geranium, etc.) around your deck, walkways, porch, and yard.
- Hire a pest control company to help with a variety of eco-friendly methods. They have the experience, knowledge, tools, and substances to do so!
Do you have a pest infestation in your home or yard? Are you interested in eco-friendly pest control solutions? Do you need help with pest identification and management? Contact One Man and a Lady Bug Ltd. Our trained residential pest control experts can help!
