Last Updated: Jul 10, 2021
There is nothing worse than opening your kitchen pantry and finding a horde of cockroaches scrambling into the hidden nooks and corners where you store your food. Besides being simply disgusting, cockroaches also represent a serious health threat. They carry diseases that can cause typhoid fever, polio, and even dysentery. While ants generally do not pose any health threat to humans, ants in the kitchen will inevitably find their way into places where you store food. Termites can compromise your home's structure if you are unlucky enough to have a sizeable infestation.
When cockroaches, ants, or other common household pests are found, the first reaction of many homeowners is to purchase a can of Baygon or other common pesticides. However, spraying strong chemicals on your kitchen counter, in your pantry, and in other areas of your home should raise eyebrows for health-minded individuals. In this article, we look at some of the potential environmental and health problems associated with using pesticides in the house. Then, we offer a variety of ideas for pesticide-free control of pests at home.
Many of the most common household pesticide products contain organophosphorus chlorpyrifos as one of the active ingredients. While this ingredient is certainly effective at killing insects, it is also known to cause health problems for humans, mainly through negatively affecting the central nervous system.
Another common active ingredient in over-the-counter pest control products is the several types of pyrethroids. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) finds that pyrethroids can interfere with the way that the nerves and brain function. They can also cause feelings of numbness, itching, burning, and stinging on the skin. In terms of environmental impact, any type of chemical insecticide use can have ecological effects.
Pesticides can contaminate soil and water sources. They also tend to indiscriminately affect beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators, which are essential parts of any ecosystem. Even when used in the home, chemical insecticides may take a long time to break down and can negatively affect the ecosystem around your home.
If you go to the store looking for a pest management solution, you'll probably find an abundance of toxic chemicals. These are extremely dangerous if kids or pets come in contact with them. Luckily, there are dozen of non-toxic pest control options to deter critters and get rid of any that may already be crawling around your house.
In most cases, pesticide use can be entirely avoided through proper preventative measures. Like all live creatures, insects need to eat to live and move toward areas where food is present.
Following strict preventive measures can help to avoid, and also get rid of pest problems without relying on pesticides. Commercial, LEED-certified buildings have to abide by strict indoor air quality requirements and are a great example for the industry. This means that building managers need to follow a lengthy and extensive protocol, focusing on preventive measures before ever resorting to pesticide use for a pest infestation problem.
Here are a few tips that will tell pests they are not welcome in your home:
Try growing these herbs in around the edges of your house to deter pests:
Love pets? Cats are natural mice deterrents. An outside cat is an effective way to send rodents running. Already have an inside cat? Consider letting him/her outside every so often. Of course, if you're building a new home or adding on, that is the perfect time to put in a little extra proactive pest control. An airtight home is naturally more pest-proof than an older home with holes, cracks, and outdated fixtures.
The moment you find that first sign of pests inside your home is the moment you need to take action. The earlier you tackle the problem, the easier it'll be to rid your home of the intruders. Once in, they may breed and create an even bigger problem.
If the problem is already too big or you don't have the time or energy to act right away, call a professional. When you make the call, but sure to ask about their non-toxic options.
If you have bed bugs in your mattress, you can either find a professional mattress cleaning service or dispose of the old mattress. Several organizations help make safe mattress disposal easy.
There is an increasing number of pest control companies that are specialists in minimizing dependence on chemical pesticides to rid your home of pest problems. LEED Certified Buildings rely on these companies to resolve pest issues safely. For example, Heart's Pest Management company, in Southern California, offers green pest control methods that are compliant with LEED-certified buildings.
Another way to search for pest control companies that offer integrated pest management strategies is to look for businesses that have received Green Shield certification. This certification requires companies to apply effective non-chemical strategies first and pesticides only when necessary. Baits and traps must be used instead of more toxic sprays. The only pesticides allowed are those that have been screened and approved by the Green Shield Certified non-profit organization. You can find a list of Green Shield Certified pest control companies here.
If you catch the pest problem early, it doesn't take much time or effort to manage it yourself. When you carry out your pest control, you can be 100% certain you're using non-toxic solutions that are safe even if your dog licks it or your toddler gets her hands on it.
Whether store-bought or homemade, the following pest management sprays and powder solutions will deter most pests, including ants, fleas, bedbugs, cockroaches, flies, wasps, hornets, moths, and spiders.
This fine powder, made from fossilized algae, is the ultimate non-toxic pest management solution. It can be sprinkled on windowsills, carpets, furniture, and even directly on pests.
Don't Bug Me Spray is made from chrysanthemum flowers and won't harm humans, pets, or the environment. Just spray it wherever the pests are getting in.
Orange Guard is made from orange peels. This liquid solution spray is great for the pantry, on countertops, windowsills, and even pet bedding.
Mouse Magic is a ready-made essential oil spray. It contains peppermint and spearmint oil and will work on all types of pests; mice included.
EcoRaider offers a large variety of products for pests ranging from bed bugs to cockroaches and ants. Their Roach Killer and Repellant made from geraniol, cedar extract, and sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be derived from coconut or palm oils.
Mix 2 cups of water with 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake and then spray wherever pests are a problem.
This spray can be sprayed anywhere inside the house, and it will make your house smell good, too! Mix 2 cups of water with 50 drops of essential oil like peppermint, spearmint, basil, lavender, or lemon. Feel free to mix oils to create a unique scent like basil lavender or lemon basil.
Mix 2 cups of water with 2-4 cloves of crushed garlic or garlic oil in a spray bottle and apply where needed.
Mix 2 cups of water and ¼ cup of soap flakes from a bar of regular hand soap. Spray liberally on windowsills, door frames, and wherever pests are getting in.
Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar in a bag. Seal and shake. Lightly sprinkle the powder on windowsills and countertops where pests persist. Be sure to clean it up when the problem subsides.
Once you've tackled the source, be it from cracks, pets, or messes, be sure to clean around the area where the pests were found thoroughly. They may have spread out onto carpeting, curtains, furniture, and other fabrics nearby. Anything infested with bugs should be cleaned or removed to fix the pest problem completely. Finally, apply a spray or powder (like those mentioned above) to deter them from coming back.
In the warmer months, flies, wasps, and moths often find their way inside our homes. If these flying pests bother you, your first line of defense is to secure your window screens and avoid leaving doors open.
Next, find out what they're attracted to. Fruit flies are aptly named for their love of ripe, sweet fruit, and fruit-topped desserts. Be sure any produce or sweets left out are covered or sealed. Or better yet, move them to the refrigerator. You'll also want to check that your garbage, compost, and recycling bins are all sealed tightly.
Regardless of how neat and clean your house is, flies, wasps, and moths may find your home more attractive than the great outdoors. Luckily, there are several non-toxic products (store-bought and homemade) that can help.
Some spiders can be incredibly beneficial in trapping other pests, but many people are afraid of these 8-legged insects. To remove them, find their entry point and seal it. Any spiders that are already inside can be quickly and safely moved outside on a piece of paper.
You can buy a ready-made crawling trap like the Terro Insect & Spider Trap. Or you could use any of the non-toxic sprays mentioned above. Some research indicates that lemon, peppermint, and chestnut repel some species of spiders, so do your research and try these options as a last resort.
Mice and rats are probably your least favorite pest to deal with as they can be quite large and fast. Again, the first thing to do is to seal up those entry points. Next, either hire a professional exterminator or try these at-home solutions.
Whether you live in the country or the city, pests can always find a way into your home. Keeping a clean home is the number one way to deter pests from making a home of your house. If you do come across pests, try any of these non-toxic options to remove them without harming your loved ones.
Laura grew up in the California suburbs, far removed from environmentalism, but nature always has a way. She uprooted her life in 2015, moving to the countryside of Washington to live a more sustainable and simple life on 12 acres. She and her fiancee are learning on the job as they attempt everything from gardening and natural pest control to eco-friendly building and home improvement.