When faced with a serious pest infestation, the first instinct is to use harsh chemical-based pesticides to gain quick relief from the problem. However, what we fail to realise is strong chemicals in and around your home can have dangerous consequences.
So, what’s the solution? Well, you can embrace green pest control solutions! Not only is this eco-friendly approach effective against pests, but it is also safer for you and your family. Moreover, green pest control is also great for your pets and the environment.
Keep reading to learn what green pest control solutions entail. In this article, you will get an overview of some of the best eco-friendly pest control methods and the overall benefits they provide.
What are Green Pest Control Solutions?
Green pest control refers to the use of naturally occurring pesticides and non-chemical measures for managing pest populations on your property. It helps get rid of common household pests in ways that have a significantly low environmental impact. This eco-friendly approach entails using ingredients sourced from plants, flowers, and other natural elements instead of harmful chemicals.
It uses earth-based materials marked safe by the National Environment Agency (NEA). This includes botanical pesticides, insecticides, borates, and desiccant dust such as silica and diatomaceous earth. Note that NEA does not regulate products with active ingredients of plant origins (i.e. essential oil, neem, citronella).
Even though the green movement is a step in the right direction, the effectiveness of these products does differ from harsh chemical pesticides. These green products kill pests on contact, but they have some limitations as green products do not always have residual effects on pests. This is why green pest control emphasises using preventative measures in combination with the application of natural pest control products.
Green Pest Control Methods
Use Natural Herbs to Control Pests
Natural pest control products can be as simple as using lavender, basil, mint, rosemary, and other herbs to deter pests. You can plant these in your garden and also use them to control pests inside the house.
Plant herbs throughout the yard as companion plants for other plants, especially in your vegetable garden. Not only will these herbs keep the rodents away along with other pests, but they will also attract beneficial insects into the garden. In addition to companion plants, you may also plant petunias, lemongrass, chrysanthemums, clover, eucalyptus, or marigolds to control pests.
Season Entry Points such as Window Sills
Did you know you can do much more than season your food with seasonings like salt, black pepper, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne? These seasonings are known to repel different kinds of bugs and insects.
All you have to do is sprinkle some of these ingredients along the window sill. This will deter unwanted pests from entering through the window sill. You can also put some cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon in a small bag and place it in closets, cupboards, bookshelves, or other crevices in your home where you notice pests.
Clean Diligently with Essential Oils and Vinegar
A significant part of green pest control is all about active prevention, and when it comes to prevention, the best method is a thorough cleaning. Forget chemical-filled and toxic cleaners and start cleaning with biodegradable natural products.
It’s not too difficult. You need some vinegar, water, and essential oils to make a simple homemade solution that doubles as a cleaner and a pest deterrent. Mix half a cup of vinegar with two cups of water and add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil. This DIY solution removes smells and food remnants which keeps the pests away.
Make DIY Pest Deterrent with Food Waste
Food waste such as cucumber peels, coffee grounds, and orange peels can be used to make natural insecticides. For example, you can make a citrus cleaning spray with lime, lemon, and orange peel.
Alternatively, you can cut citrus and banana peels and add them directly to your garden to serve both as an insecticide and a fertiliser. Leftover onions can repel mosquitoes when added to water. Ground coffee also has a similar effect on many pests. So, think again before you throw away food waste.
What are the Benefits of Green Pest Control Solutions
Low Carbon Footprint
There are plenty of advantages to environmental-friendly pest control. This green movement uses biodegradable pest control products, which have a low carbon footprint. As a result, they emit fewer greenhouse gases and have a negligible impact on the atmosphere.
Environmental Sustainability
Besides, biodegradable pest control products help maintain a cleaner food chain compared to chemical alternatives. Off-the-shelf chemical sprays will help exterminate pests but also ruin the natural food chains.
Natural approaches such as introducing predators for your target pests will allow adequate food delivery without any chemical side effects. This way, green pest control enables environmental protection and conservation.
No Harm to Landscape
Often, spraying non-natural pesticides can desiccate grass and crops. This will not be a concern if you follow biodegradable pest control methods that are kind to the environment. You can preserve the landscape by using natural goods to remove pests, bugs, and rodents while not harming the greenery.
Safe to Use Around Children and Animals
One of the most important and immediate concerns you may have is the safety of your loved ones. Organic goods are harmless to use in households with kids and pets.
Chemical pesticides can be more damaging than helpful if ingested by curious kids at home. However, you do not have to worry about natural products as they do not pose a threat to anyone other than pests.
Pest Cannot Attain Resistance to Green Pest Control Solutions
It is not uncommon for pests to get resistant to certain chemical substances. When generation after generation of the same species is attacked with a chemical, they develop resistance to it. The chances of such resistance arising are lower if you use organic pest control products.
Conclusion
It is easy to spray potent pesticides and get rid of insects on the spot. However, there are a few problems with this approach. Chemical-based pest control methods can have severe consequences on not only your health but also on the environment. What’s the solution? You can take the natural route and find a way to get rid of pests by using only natural products and methods. When embracing green pest control solutions, remember to focus on preventive measures, too, because both are indispensable for producing the best results.
If managing the pest problem all by yourself is not for you, you can always engage a pest control service provider who takes the integrated pest management approach. They would be able to give you the best solution based on the level of pest infestation in your house. Always opt for a greener alternative to manage pests that only affect the targeted pests and no one else.
