Tips From the Experts For Eco-Friendly Pest Control

When it comes to pest control, there are two things most people think about: the most human options and environmental impacts. Many pest control products contain harsh chemicals, which can be damaging to the environment, our health, our pets and other creatures, too. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly pest control methods that experts recommend for controlling pests in your home or garden as well as many humane options.

Identify the cause of the problem

Before you start any pest control plan, it’s important to identify the source of the infestation. Common sources include inadequate sanitation, clutter, standing water, and holes in buildings or around entryways. If you can address these root causes and make your home or garden less attractive to pests, you may be able to solve the problem without chemical treatments.

On the other hand, certain businesses must follow strict regulations to control the spread of pests, such as food service establishments, greenhouses, and pet shops. According to the team from Harvey Pest Control, these businesses may need to implement a more comprehensive pest control plan which includes chemical treatments. However, these treatments are nowadays designed to be safe for the environment while still being effective at controlling pests.

Encourage natural predators

One eco-friendly pest control method is to encourage natural predators that eat the pests you’re trying to control. Such options are particularly effective in the garden.

Attracting ladybugs, birds, frogs, and lizards can help keep unwanted bugs under control. Ladybugs, for example, are great predators of aphids, scale insects, and mites. Birds like woodpeckers can help keep ants and termites from overrunning your garden.

If you don’t have enough natural predators, it is worth trying nematodes which Garden Organic describes as “the organic grower’s biological weapon.” Nematodes act as parasites, releasing bacteria into the host’s body to kill them. You can buy nematodes online, choosing the correct nematode for the right type of pest such as slugs and snails, ants, leather jackets and more.

Additionally, planting certain flowers such as lavender, marigolds, and nasturtiums can also attract beneficial insects to your garden which feed on pests that damage crops. For instance, bees and other pollinators can help reduce the number of aphids in your garden, while parasitic wasps can help control caterpillar populations.

Use physical barriers

If you’re trying to keep pests away from your garden or home, one of the most effective methods is to use physical barriers such as mesh screens and caulking. Mesh screens can be installed around windows, vents, and other entry points to prevent insects from entering your home, while caulking can be used to seal any cracks or holes in your walls that could be entry points for bugs.

However, keep in mind that physical barriers won’t completely prevent pests from entering your home or garden, but can make it more difficult for them to do so.

On the other hand, you can also try to keep pests away from your garden by using row covers and shade cloths to protect plants from insect damage.

Choose natural pest control products

If you do need to use a chemical treatment, it’s important to choose one that is safe for the environment. Bio-pesticides are derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, bacteria, or minerals and are highly selective in targeting specific pests while leaving beneficial insects unharmed. Bio-pesticides often break down quickly in the environment, making them ideal for eco-friendly pest control.

For instance, neem oil is a widely used bio-pesticide derived from the seeds of the neem tree. It can be used to control aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and other pests while leaving beneficial insects like honey bees unharmed.

Or you could try the sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterilized male insects into the wild to reduce the population of unwanted pests.

Encourage good sanitation habits

Finally, good sanitation is an essential part of any pest control plan. Pests are attracted to areas where food is present, so it’s important to keep your kitchen and dining area clean. Make sure all food scraps are disposed of properly and the area is thoroughly cleaned after each meal.

In the rest of the house, it’s important to keep clutter to a minimum and store items in sealed containers. Vacuum and dust regularly, as this will help remove any food particles that may attract pests.

Additionally, if you do find any pests inside your home, contact a professional for help and advice on how to get rid of them safely and effectively.

Use traps and baits

Traps and baits can be a great way to target specific pests, such as rodents or insects, without having to use chemical pesticides. Traps are designed to catch the pests alive, while baits can be used to attract the pests away from your property or into a trap.

For example, for mice or rats, you could use a live trap that captures the animal without harming it. For insects, pheromone traps can be used to attract and capture male moths while leaving beneficial insects unharmed. Additionally, sticky traps are a great way to monitor insect populations in your garden and help you identify which pests are present.

Of course, it’s important to use these traps and baits responsibly to prevent other animals, including pets, from being harmed.

Use natural repellents

Another eco-friendly pest control method is to use natural repellents to deter pests from entering your home or garden. For example, certain herbs and oils can be used as effective deterrents for rodents and other animals. A few examples include peppermint oil, lavender oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil.

Certain homemade solutions can also be used to repel insects, such as a mixture of garlic, onion, and chilli pepper in water or a solution of dish soap and water. You can also use diatomaceous earth, which is a natural dust composed of fossilised algae that kills insect pests by cutting into their exoskeletons.

Use beneficial fungi and bacteria

Experts also say that beneficial fungi and bacteria can be used to control insect pests without harming beneficial insects. The fungus Beauveria bassiana is a natural enemy of many common insect pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is another helpful agent that can be used to control caterpillars, worms, and other moth larvae.

Both beneficial fungi and bacteria are widely available in many organic gardening products, so look for these when shopping for eco-friendly pest control solutions.

Summary

By following these eco-friendly pest control tips, you can protect your home and garden from pests without harming the environment and in a way that is more humane. Remember to choose natural solutions whenever possible, use traps and baits responsibly, use bio repellents to deter pests, and maintain good sanitation habits.

Doing these things will help you keep your home pest-free in an eco-friendly way, while leaving beneficial animals and insects unharmed.