Natural Pest Control
Toxic chemicals in pesticides are causing a great deal of harm to the environment and to everyone exposed to them. In addition to purchasing organic foods and other organic materials, you should avoid the use of toxic pesticides in and around your home. The best way to deal with bugs is to avoid having them to begin with. IPM (integrated pest management) is a way to try to stop pest problems before they occur. You can avoid many pest infestations by maintaining a clean and well-kept home. This is why you should always seal cracks, install screens on windows and doors, repair ripped screens, and install door sweeps on your outside doors.
Many natural substances in your kitchen can be used to deter bugs both indoors and out. There are also many other natural and nontoxic solutions that can help repel bugs. Many pests hate strong citrus odors and garlic. Using natural essential oils in citrus scents such as orange or lemon is a good way to repel some critters. Soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in your cabinets or anywhere you seem to have a problem. If you can stand the smell of garlic, it can be used in the same way.
The EPA defines IPM as an effective and environmentally sensitive approach that relies on a combination of common sense practices. IPM is used to manage pest damage through the most economical means with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM chemical pesticide applications should be a last resort after cleaning, prevention, trapping, and repelling.
Crushed garlic, garlic powder, chili powder, and dried hot peppers can also be used to keep bugs at bay, especially ants. Just sprinkle the powders anywhere you see ants crawling around. Other natural ingredients that help repel many types of creepy, crawly critters are biodegradable soaps such as Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap, Tabasco sauce and other hot sauces, tea tree oil, and castor oil. Natural Pest Control: Alternatives to Chemicals for the Home and Garden by Andrew Lopez is an excellent resource that gives you detailed instructions on how to get rid of several types of pests both indoors and out. Pheromones and natural traps can also be used without the dangers of harmful pesticides.
Diatomaceous earth is another common ingredient used for natural pest control. If you purchase this, make sure to get garden grade (not pool grade) and use goggles and a mask while using it. It contains very small, sharp particles that are not dangerous to touch but can cause severe irritation to your eyes and lungs.
The web store Planet Natural (www.planetnatural.com) has a wide variety of all-natural pest control solutions for home and garden. If you have pets, check out the Only Natural Pet Store (www.onlynaturalpet.com). In addition to organic food and supplements, natural toys, and bedding the Only Natural Pet Store sells natural flea sprays, baths, collars, pills, and more to keep your pets flea-free. The essential oils pennyroyal, eucalyptus, citrus, citronella, rosemary, and tea tree all work wonders at repelling fleas when used around your home, on pet bedding, and even on the pets.
