Pests can be a persistent problem for homeowners. They invade landscaping, ruin flower beds, and make your home their own. This behavior can make things difficult and potentially dangerous for your family and pets. The majority of commercial pest control options are full of toxic chemicals that are not only bad for your health, but also the environment. Fortunately, there are some effective eco-friendly options for you to choose from.
Catch It and Release
One of the most eco-friendly ways of dealing with certain kinds of annoying critters is using the catch and release method. The catching and releasing of a nuisance animal is considered the most humane and eco-friendly way of handling pests in both your home and garden. Little is needed for this method except for a method of collecting it, and some bait. While releasing it elsewhere isn’t always possible, try to do so if you can.
Boric Acid
While boric acid is a natural substance, it is toxic to your kids and pets. Always try to place it out of reach of your family pets and young children, and you will still be pleased with its great pest control results. Once you have put the boric acid dust in place, roaches and ants will carry it back to their nests and the colony will die.
You can put boric acid on:
- Kitchen cabinet tops
- Tops of tall appliances, like your refrigerator
- Under your sink
- Behind your oven
You can also treat some critters, such as bed bugs, with heat.
Heat Treatment
Heat is harmful to the bed bug, and it is also a natural way to treat the issue. Heat treatment requires zero chemicals, unlike some insecticide options. When you raise the temperature of your home to at least 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the bedbugs will start to die off. If you can raise your home temperature to 122 degrees, they immediately die. It is important to note that this temperature must be maintained solidly for at least two hours and anything you have that is sensitive to heat should be removed from the home, including kids and pets.
The Birds
A natural enemy of most insects and smaller animals are birds because they are natural predators. This is especially true when birds are nesting and need to feed their young. Attracting birds to your garden or yard is a great way to deal with persistent outdoor bug issues. They’re very successful predators, especially during nesting season when they have hungry mouths to feed. Birds need food, water, and a place to nest. If you don’t have these resources available, a quick trip to your local hardware store should help you get them.
Birds can help you control different kinds of bugs in your backyard, such as:
- Moths
- Aphids
- Earwigs
- Beetles
- Ants
Soap and Water
Everyday dish soap mixed with water is a common solution that a lot of insects are vulnerable to. Because bugs breathe through their exoskeletons, the soap and water solution suffocates them. You can simply mix a solution of soapy water in a spray bottle to apply the treatment by following these steps:
- Get a clean spray bottle
- Mix 1 tablespoon of soap per quart of water
- Mix together well and use immediately
Solar Power
With the innovation of solar power, there are now new pest repellants using this kind of energy to help homeowners get relief from unwanted animals and insects. By sending vibrations through the ground, the device will scare them away, and it is powered by solar cells. This type of technology works for small and large animals.
Check with Your Local Exterminator
Another great resource for eco-friendly pest control options is your local exterminator. These industry professionals can explain some of the best natural methods to deal with an infestation or general pest issue. Also, if you don’t want to handle the issue yourself, they are there to help. My Private Exterminator has offered extermination services for over 15 years in the Brooklyn area. Call today at (347) 305-8524 to speak with one of our qualified team members or contact us via the web.