Each year, thousands of children are poisoned by pesticides; in 2013, the national Poison Control Center responded to calls about 470 children less than six years of age. If you want to control pests around your home, but you really don’t like the idea of putting out poisons for children and pets to find, you will be glad to know there are some “green” ways to control the insects and animals that cause damage to gardens and plague our homes. These products don’t damage the environment, either.
Indoors, even in the winter months, spiders can be a problem. If you have eliminated clutter and piles of books or other materials that you don’t move often, spiders will have no place to nest. You can repel them as well by spraying a mixture of a little peppermint oil with water onto webs and around doors and windows. Ants can show up at any time of year as well. The key to controlling them is covering garbage cans and keeping counters and cupboards clean and free of food or drink residue. If you can find their trail of access, you can lay down a line of cayenne pepper or coffee grounds across the points of entry to keep out ants.
Mice in the home can be repelled by putting out peppermint. Mothballs can also repel them, along with ground squirrels. If you find them hiding under your car hood for warmth, put some few slits in a plastic bag, fill it mothballs, then place it on your engine to discourage these animals. Just be sure to remove the bag before you drive.
In summer, mosquitoes can ruin picnics and barbeques. Try planting repellent plants like citronella and peppermint to keep them away. Drain all standing water and try putting rosemary on your grill as you barbeque to discourage the pests. A glass of juice placed at a distance from your grill or table will attract bees and keep them from your guests.
Basic yard care not only improves the way your yard looks, it deprives pests like fleas and ticks of places to breed. Keep the lawn mowed, compost piles covered and debris like piles of grass clippings and leaves cleared. Keep your plants healthy because weak vegetation attracts predators. If deer are bothering your garden, try spraying leaves with a mixture of a whole egg and a quarter cup of water.
If you still have pests, call a company like Green Tree Pest Control Services. Their trained staff can apply natural, non-toxic methods to rid you of insects and animals that are causing problems without harming your children, your pets, or the environment.
