When you start seeing pests, it can be tough to know what to do next. Do you hire a pest control service? Do you look for DIY solutions? In this episode of the, We Live Green Podcast we discuss what organic pest control means and how you can use that to your advantage when trying to get rid of bugs in your home or garden.
Organic pest control is much more than just using pesticides that aren’t safe for kids or pets, instead, it is about finding ways to keep those nasty little critters at bay while still keeping your family and pets happy and healthy.
We’ll cover the different types of organic pest control, tips and tricks on how to get started, what products you should avoid and the pros and cons of each method. Organic Pest Control is great because it doesn’t harm the environment or your family if something does go wrong. It also doesn’t cost a fortune either so there are no excuses!
What is Organic Pest Control?
Organic pest control is the art of finding ways to naturally repel unwanted pests without harming the organic environment around you. Pesticides, sprays and gels are toxic to both humans and animals so they are not good for gardens, pets or kids. However, many people like to use them as they are not aware that there are sustainable and organic methods they can use to clean and protect their homes without harming any living organisms.
Pesticides and sprays are used to kill plants and animals because they contain synthetic ingredients that are meant to harm these organisms, but these same ingredients are also highly toxic to humans and animals. These ingredients can end up in your food, make their way into the drinking water or be absorbed by plants, which is why organic methods are so important.
Why you should care about Organic Pest Control
Pests can cause a lot of damage in homes, especially when they are a nuisance and don’t happen often enough for us to notice. The damage can range from major structural damage caused by termites or wood-destroying beetles to damage caused by mosquitoes, flies or spiders.
Some pests are even carriers of diseases. These pests can be a huge headache, especially when they are a nuisance and don’t happen often enough for us to notice. Add to this the damage they cause and how they can seriously affect our health, mood and quality of life. Organic pest control is an important part of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. It allows you to maintain a healthy environment while also protecting your family, pets and home from unwanted pests.
How to get started with organic pest control
There are a few things you can do to get started with organic pest control:
- Clean – If you have a clean and well-maintained home, you are more likely to have fewer pests. It is important to clean regularly and thoroughly.
- Seal – Seal any cracks and openings where pests can enter your home. Water, dirt and organic matter can allow pests to enter your home through these openings and make it very easy for them to spread.
- Maintain – Maintain your home. This includes keeping it clean and well-maintained.
DIY organic pest control methods
- Make Your Repellent – This is a surefire way to repel pests. You make a mix of ingredients and mix them. You can use this mixture to make homemade bug spray, an insect repellent or just a room deodorizer. You can use many different plants to create this repellent. Some examples include eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass or orange peels.
- Make a Smudge Pot – This is one we have used a lot and it works like a charm. What you do is put some herbs in a pot, put the lid on and then set it in the corner of the room. The pot will release the herbs’ essential oils into the air, which then repels mosquitoes.
- Create a Natural Fog Machine – Making a natural fog machine out of a pot is a great way to repel mosquitoes. The pot should be in a shaded area and it is best if the pot is sitting on a non-absorbent surface. Take some water in a pot, place a shaded cloth over it and let the pot simmer. The steam from the water will create mist that is great at repelling mosquitoes.
Products to avoid when trying to do an organic pest control program
When you are trying to do organic pest control, it is important to remember that you are not using pesticides or sprays, so products to avoid include:
- Soap and Water – This may seem like a strange product to avoid, but it works well for organic pest control. – Cat Litter – This is what most organic pest control methods are based on.
- Cedar or Pine shavings – These are great to keep away pests because they have an essential oil that is very effective at repelling them.
- Plants – Numerous plants have anti-insect properties that make them a good product to use for organic pest control like rosemary, cedar, sage and many others. Make sure to only buy plants that are organic and pesticide-free.
- Vinegar – Red wine vinegar is one product to avoid when trying to do organic pest control. Vinegar is a great product, but drinking vinegar is something you should avoid. Other products can be used for organic pest control, but vinegar is one to avoid.
Conclusion
Organic pest control is a great way to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle while also protecting your family from unwanted pests. While you may worry about pesticides, these aren’t as bad as you may think when it comes to the harmful chemical residue. There are many safe and effective ways to get rid of unwanted pests.
Keep in mind that natural is always better when it comes to pest control. After all, you don’t want to harm the environment or your family either. With that in mind, you can use organic pest control methods to protect your home and keep pesky pests at bay while remaining environmentally friendly and safe.
