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Having unwanted pests in your home is a nightmare, and it is a natural first reaction to head to the web and search for your closest pest control expert to help you to regain control of the situation. Before you make that call, however, consider the impact any potential action could have on the environment.
Biological forms of pest control can have devastating consequences for wildlife and nature and could also impact poorly on your health and wellbeing. Fortunately, experts such as Nature First Pest Control are focusing on more eco-friendly options to keep your home and the planet safe. There are steps you can take to help. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to traditional pest control to help you clear a problem with a clean conscience.
Ants
Ants are a common pest found in homes and are primarily attracted by crumbs and left out food. Here, prevention is better than cure, so make sure all foodstuffs are stored in airtight containers to stop ants from becoming attracted to them.
In addition, you can try solutions including:
- Soap water: spraying ants with soapy water will deter them
- Cucumber: ants have a natural aversion to cucumber, and so leaving out peels and slices will act as a deterrent
- Mint tea: Ants also hate mint, so try leaving out mint tea bags, dry crushed mint leaves, or cloves where they seem most active.
- Natural repellents: Ants also hate cayenne pepper, lemon juice, citrus oil, cinnamon, coffee grounds, and garlic. Find out where the colony is coming from, and place any of these items at the entrance to prevent them from returning.
- Diatomaceous Earth: this is a long-term and non-toxic solution which will deter ants from your property without causing environmental harm or damage.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are the housemate nobody wants, but there are steps you can take to boot them out without resorting to harsh chemicals. Keeping your environment clean and hygienic is an important place to start, but natural remedies include:
- Diatomaceous Earth: this is safe to use in the kitchen and food preparation areas, and can be sprinkled in the places the roaches like to congregate, such as behind appliances and cupboards.
- Catnip: Cockroaches hate catnip, so leaving small sachets in areas of high activity will deter them from returning
- Soapy water: Deceptively simple, soapy water will kill roaches if sprayed directly at them.
- DIY Trap: This is easy to make, and harmless to humans and domestic pets. Take an empty one-pound coffee can, and place inside one or two pieces of bread soaked in beer to attract the roaches in. A ramp should be set up leading to the tin, with the edges lined with Vaseline to prevent them from climbing out.
- Boric Acid: Roaches like high places, so placing boric acid on top of kitchen cabinets is a great way to smoke them out. They will take the boric acid back to their nests, killing the whole lot in one go. Keep boric acid away from pets and children, as it can be toxic if consumed.
