By Nicole Walters, GreenisUniversal.comWhen it comes to pests in and around my home, I must confess my first instinct is to kill, with swift and brutal force and usually as many chemicals as possible. My vegetarian, literally would-not-harm-a-fly husband recently brought to my attention that because I work for a green website, I might want to look into modifying this behavior. I see his point, but personally, I think he just wanted to save the little buggers from certain death.
With bug season now in full swing, I'm getting that certain itch and while it's easier to make a call to the local pest control company my reluctant research has brought some very scary connections between pesticides and child health & safety to my attention. This got me thinking that the alternatives might just be better for my family and pets.
I've also learned that with natural pest control, prevention is the first and vital step.
- Dry up water sources. Look around your yard and dump any water that may be collecting - preferably in a flower bed to be more eco-efficient. In your home, fix any pipe leaks, keep your drains clean and the area around your sinks dry. This simple step can deter everything from mosquitos to rodents.
- Keep your lids on. If you feed your pets outside, pick up any additional food after they are done eating and keep all food and bird seed in sealed containers. This one's a no-brainer, really, because our food is their food, this can help prevent everything from flies to rodents.
- Decaying wood is not welcome near your home. The little beasties like to nest and feed off of wood piles and compost heaps. You don't want your basement to become the winter villa so it's best to keep these as far away from your home as possible.
- Hole-y Moly, you should seal that up. And finally, what may seem like a tiny crack to you, could be like the entrance to the Taj Mahal to a bug or rodent. Did you know that mice can squeeze through a space as small as a nickel? That one really got my imagination going...
Now that you've taken these first important steps you've got room to be a little more creative. Introduce some beneficial bugs into your back yard or build a bat house. If you are more of the hands on type of person when it comes to your pest control, check out these recipes for homemade pesticides at iGo Green.
Nicole Walters
GreenisUniversal.com
Ashes from fireplaces sprinkled lightly on vegetable foliage discourage cabbage and tomato worms etc. and do no harm to plants or soil.
THanks I needed each 1. I have a tendency to leaving the dog plate until he finishes the food.
Thanks a BUNCH
I like the homemade pesticides recipes. I wish I can find a good one for my roses fungal mildew. Any suggestions?
nice info!!!!
The Japanese Beetles are ruining my roses...please help!
Fire Ant Killer: Spray bottle filled with several drops of Dawn liquid soap and hot water. Out of Dawn, use white vinegar. Add orange peel for extra punch. Prevention: buy cheap body powder and sprinkle on thresholds of front and back door.
I heard spraying yourself with Listerine keeps mosquitoes away. Has anyone else?
My first instinct used to be to kill the insects, but now I feel different. Since I've gotten more involved and aware of life on our planet I have gotten more in touch with my conscience.
I've found that observing the insects and viewing them as 'life' is a real eye opening experience.
Mosquitos, as with other insects, seem to be really turned off by garlic. My husband and I eat alot of garlic and take garlic capsules. This seems to make a difference. We aren't as bothered and do not get bit like we did in the past. We've been doing this for years.
A mix of garlic and water sprayed on flowers and plants works really good for some insects. This could possibly be used also as a mosquito repellant for humans in an outdoor area.
I've also used biodegradable dishsoap mixed with water; sprayed it on plants for aphids, varied insects and slugs. Organic gardening makes alot of sense. It really pays off in the long run too. To not have to worry about toxins and poisons on our produce and in our drinking water is priceless. I've been an avid organic gardener since the 70's.
The Honey Bees are dying and disappearing. This most likely is happening because of the overuse of insecticides and poisons on plants.
I hope those with 'the power' pay attention to the ways of the past and the drastic change in our present world.. before all of our Beautiful Bees are gone. Without the Honey Bees we won't have many of the produce that we take for granted today. Apples are one of my favorite fruits.. I sure would miss them.
There are many alternative ways a heck of alot better all the way around for all life involved.
Maybe it's time to go back to the basics and the way our great, great, great grandparents did things. 'Old Wive's Tales' are really more fact than people realize. Now those same things are called 'Organic' and 'Natural'.