4 Non-toxic Pest Control Alternatives That Work

What are non-toxic pest control alternatives that work?

1. Regular cleaning
2. Soapy water
3. Diatomaceous earth
4. Herbs and spices

 

While pesticides are very effective in eliminating the pests at your home, some ingredients they contain are also harmful to animals and humans. If you’re not careful when using these chemicals, there is a chance you will experience itchy, stung skin, or worse, it could affect your central nervous system. To prioritize your safety, you can try this list of non-toxic pest control alternatives. Read on!

 

Regular Cleaning

Having pests in your home can be prevented by one simple thing—cleaning. Rats, cockroaches, and ants are attracted to food and water. If you have any leftovers from lunch or dinner, you can either get rid of them or store them in airtight containers. This way, no scent will lure these pests.

When keeping a garbage bin inside your home, make sure to always put the lid on every time you throw something in. Aside from cleaning leftovers, it is also a good idea to get rid of clutter. Stacked magazines, cardboard, receipts—these are the perfect areas for bugs to gather in.

If you have bedbugs, ants, or fleas, your best option is to use the vacuum. Clean up rugs, mattresses, and every nook and cranny of your home for these pests. You may not see their eggs because of the minuscule size, but the strong suction will get them all.

 

Soapy Water

Many people think of ants as stubborn pests. Even when you get rid of them, they manage to return. This happens because they leave a pheromone trail that only other members of the colony can detect. That’s why you will notice that they always crawl on a specific path. If you clean it with soapy water, it will get rid of the pheromones. Mix it with vinegar or coffee grounds for the best results.

If you have pests in your plants, using toxic pesticides can also kill the plant itself. If you have bugs like aphids, mites, and thrips, you can spray soapy water without harming your garden.

To make this non-toxic pesticide spray, you can mix 5 tablespoons of soap per gallon of water. You can also buy ready-made insecticidal soap. Soapy water is also effective in getting rid of ants and cockroaches.

 

Diatomaceous Earth

This powdered material may look simple, but it is effective as a non-toxic pest control alternative. Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized remains of tiny creatures which are called diatoms. You can buy this in many formulations, and some products can even help eliminate ticks and fleas in dogs and cats.

When buying diatomaceous earth for pest control, look for a label that says ‘food -grade’. This ensures that the powder is not treated and in its purest form. This is very effective because it dehydrates pests, which leads to their death.

It works because the powder has microscopic abrasive properties that puncture a pest’s skin. The wounds let the necessary fluids from their body out, which are then absorbed by the powder. It is recommended to leave the diatomaceous earth for up to 5 days.

 

Herbs and Spices

If you have a garden around your house, you can try growing herbs such as mint, basil, lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass. Not only will it make your home smell good, but it can also prevent pests from coming in.

Thai lemongrass can be used as an insect repellant if you plant it. You can also make a simple solution by mixing it with alcohol and applying it to your body. This is effective because it contains the essential oil citronella, which is effective against mosquitoes.

Spices that you may already have can also be effective in preventing pests. If you want to deter ants, you can use garlic or cayenne pepper at entry points of your home. Cockroaches also hate garlic and bay leaves. To prevent flies from contaminating your food, you can put basil and clover in a container and open it whenever you have food on the table.

 

Key Takeaway

It can be tempting to just buy a pesticide and spray it all over your home to get rid of bugs and insects. While this may be effective, it can also harm your plants, pets, children, and yourself in the process. Chemicals that are usually found in pesticides can also affect air and water quality when used often.

To prevent these from happening, non-toxic pest control alternatives such as regular cleaning, use of soapy water, food-grade diatomaceous earth, and herbs and spices can help you get rid of the pesky pests in your home.

If you’re already experiencing a widespread pest infestation, a professional pest control group like Topbest can help you solve your problem for good. If you’re interested in a free inspection, you can click here.