Pest control can be hazardous to your health. Learn about green, healthier options you can use to protect those you love in your home when dealing with an infestation.
In the past,
pest control almost always meant spraying your home with potentially toxic chemicals, putting your family, pets, and visitors at serious risk. Today, however, this is no longer the case. Many insects can be effectively controlled and eliminated using environmentally friendly options. Here are a few of them.
Microbial Insecticides
If you know the type of pests you have in your home, you might be able to use microbial insecticides. These target one specific insect, leaving any other critter, pet, or human alone. These are particularly popular among gardeners who want to avoid killing off the beneficial insects while they deal with pests.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is created from the fossilized silica shells of a certain algae. While you cannot see these shells, the tiny sharp projections on them cut into the cuticle of insects. This leads to dehydration as the critter loses vital bodily fluids. Soon the insect must die. This can be successfully sprinkled outside the home and in gardens for safe, effective pest control. It can also be dusted into carpets to deal with fleas and other tiny insects.
Neem Oil
Neem oil repels and kills insects. It comes from the Neem tree in India and can be sprayed on plants or soil. It is almost nontoxic to mammals, so is safe to use around pets and kids. It is not recommended for use inside homes, but can be used effectively in the garden.
Borax
Some insects, like fleas, are difficult to kill because of the eggs and larvae that have a long life cycle. These can easily hide in carpeting until they hatch, making the infestation a never ending cycle. Borax, when sprinkled on the carpet, can dry out these immature critters, and then they can be vacuumed up and the threat eliminated. While professional pest control companies are not likely going to use borax, the do-it-yourselfer can find it an effective solution.
Options for Rodents
Pesticides are not going to help with a rodent infestation. For this, consider using traps. Traps do not put out poisons or other toxic materials out for pets or kids to get into. Some traps even allow you to capture the rodent alive, letting it go in a safer environment without having to deal with the dangers of a dead rodent body. Make sure you know how to safely trap and release rodents before going this route, or hire a professional who is willing to use traps.
Look for Organic
If you must buy a "pesticide" to use inside your home, look for one labeled as organic and non-toxic. Simply "environmentally friendly" may not be sufficient to keep your family safe. In order to be labeled "organic," the product must follow certain regulations. Anyone can say "eco-safe" when labeling pesticides.
Remember, pest control is something to take very seriously. Most pests pose a health risk to pets and humans. You do not want to let a small infestation grow into a huge problem. The sooner you deal with the problem, the happier and healthier you will be.
