Nobody likes the thoughts of having a pest infestation in their homes. Not only are bugs in your home creepy and gross, but they can also carry disease, ruin your property, and more.
However, before you reach for that can of toxic pesticide, stop and think about how spraying poison in your home can impact your health! According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pesticides can cause an array of health problems ranging from skin and eye irritation to nervous system disorders, cancer, and more!
Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of non-toxic and eco-friendly pest control options you can use in and around your home. Here are XX of the most effective options.
1. Diatomaceous Earth
One of the most popular and most effective natural pest control options is diatomaceous earth. This is actually a powder made from the microscopic silica shells of algae. The shells are sharp, which causes physical damage to an insect’s cuticle.
When an insect travels over this powder and is covered in cuts, it will start to leak bodily fluids, become dehydrated, and, eventually, die. Sounds gross, but it’s an effective, non-toxic, eco-friendly pest control method.
Diatomaceous earth works best against soft-bodied insects like ants, fleas, cockroaches, and maggots.
2. Essential Oils
There are a ton of different essential oils that are effective for deterring bugs. For example, spiders hate peppermint. Mix some essential oil with warm water and spray it in areas where spiders hang out. This is also effective against flies, ants, fleas, mosquitoes, and even mice!
Lemongrass oil will keep away fruit flies, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. Cedarwood oil repels moths, ants, and beetles. This is just the beginning – check out this handy cheat sheet for more essential oil pest control tips.
3. Garlic
A simple bulb of garlic is sometimes all you need to keep those nasty bugs away. If you have an ant problem, try chopping up a few pieces of fresh garlic and wedge it into cracks where they’re entering.
You can also purchase powdered garlic that’s made to spray on your outdoor plants. This will keep away flies, fleas, and ticks.
4. Soapy Water
Believe it or not, plain soapy water is also a great option. Mix some warm water and soap in a spray bottle. Spraying the mixture directly on ants and cockroaches will kill them.
You can also make a DIY flea trip by filling a shallow pan half-way with soapy water and shining a lamp over it. Place this on the floor, and fleas will flock to it, seeking out the heat from the lamp. Once they jump into the water, the soap creates surface tension and they can’t get back out.
5. Non-Toxic Pest Control Pro
If you have an infestation and aren’t able to get it under control with natural DIY methods, you’ll need to call in a professional. Luckily, there are many exterminators who only use non-toxic and eco-friendly solutions.
Just make sure to do your research. For example, you can read on here to learn more about professional eco-friendly termite control.
Non-Toxic Pest Control is the Way to Go
Now that you know some of the best non-toxic and eco-friendly pest control options, you’ll no longer have to worry about poisoning your family! Before you head out, take a few more minutes to scroll through our site. We have a lot of valuable information to help you live a green lifestyle and take care of our planet!
