Noticed some uninvited pests in your home? Though it might be tempting to call a pest control company, harsh pesticides often do more harm than good. Not only can it pollute your groundwater, it can also release pesticides into the atmosphere. It can also prevent your furry companions from enjoying your backyard.
Natural pest control methods are safer and often more effective than traditional pesticides. Some of the benefits of removing pests naturally is that the pests are less likely to develop a resistance, it’s less damaging to your lawn and garden, it keeps beneficial bugs alive, and it’s safer to use around people and pets. Eco-friendly pest control saves you time and money!
Below are five different ways you can use natural pest control methods to rid your home of pesky insects.
1. Make sure your garden is healthy
Having a healthy garden with nutrient-rich soil is less attractive to pests. Adding fertilizer to your soil that comes from your food waste is a great way to put those banana peels to good use!
2. Plant beneficial herbs
Mint, lavender, and basil have natural pest-repellant properties and are also companion plants. Add some of the following plants to your garden so that they can do your pest control for you:
Rosemary
Lemongrass
Clover
Marigolds
Petunias
Eucalyptus
Chrysanthemums
3. Add some spice in your life
The strong smells of spices like cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne deters pests. Mix one teaspoon of your choice spice with one cup of water in a spray bottle to spray on your counters, windowsills, or other entry points. Below are some more spices you can use:
Cloves
Salt
Black pepper
Bay leaves
Tumeric
4. Use essential oils and vinegar
Essential oils and vinegar also have strong smells that bugs don’t like. You can make another DIY spray consisting of one cup of water, a quarter cup of vinegar with a teaspoon of your choice essential oil! Below are some additional essential oils you can use.
Peppermint
Tea tree
Citronella
Eucalyptus
Lavender
Lemongrass
5. Put your food waste to good use
Food waste makes great fertilizer but it can also deter pests. You can add chopped citrus peels to your soil as fertilizer or you can place it on the pests' point of entry like a doorway or countertop. If you have mosquitos, leave a bowl of chopped onion in water on your kitchen counter. Got leftover coffee grounds? Put it on the perimeter of your home to keep bees, ants, wasps, and mosquitos away.
For more eco-friendly pest control methods, check out this infographic from Hippo.
