Cheap safe, pest control

     In the past when individuals considered pest control, the easiest, fastest solution was the only one to consider. Over the past few years we’ve seen widespread education encouraging our movement to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. We’ve learned that toxic pest control is not only toxic for the pests but can be for us and the environment as well. Toxic pest control kills not only the pests, but also the good bugs that keep your lawn or garden healthy. The chemicals involved in the pest control can be consumed by local animals or pets, causing illness. It is not uncommon for these toxic chemicals to leak into irrigation systems, public waters, streams, bays, lakes, and more. Toxins are spread far and wide, causing more sickness for more people and animals.

     Luckily, there are many ways to avoid toxic pest control. These options are considered cheap and eco-friendly. It is possible to buy eco-friendly pest control, as well as to make some forms of it at home.

     A good thing to consider in pest control is to first remove any pest attractants. This means making sure cracks are sealed around your home, keeping jars and bags of food closed, and avoiding stagnant water.

     • Ants- They can be deterred by being sprayed with soapy water. Other ways to keep them at bay include using slices of cucumber at their entry point. The bitter cucumber is a natural deterrent. Dry, crushed mint leaves or cloves work in a similar manner. There is also a small group of natural products that ants will not cross: cayenne pepper, citrus oil, lemon juice, cinnamon, and coffee grounds.

     • Dust mites- The number of dust mites can first be lowered by vacuuming all mattresses and pillows. There are allergen impermeable encasings that can be placed over these things that block dust mites. Wash all bedding, rugs, etc at 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Tannic acid neutralizes the allergens of dust mites. Dust problem areas with this in the form of a powder. Avoid using humidifiers, as dust mites thrive in humidity.

     • Cockroaches- Cockroaches like high places. Place boric acid on top of your cabinets. The roaches will carry the chemical to their nests, killing them at the root of the problem. Keep away from pets and children! Diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled where cockroaches congregate. Catnip is also a natural deterrent to cockroaches. Spraying soapy water on a cockroach is always a great alternative as well!

     • Fleas- Fleas have a natural aversion to citrus. Pour a cup of boiling water over a sliced lemon. Let soak overnight, including the lemon rind. This can be sponged on pets for instant flea killing. Add brewer's yeast and garlic, or apple cider vinegar, to your pet’s food. Trap fleas in your home using a wide, shallow pan half-filled with soapy water. Place it on the floor and shine a lamp over the water. Fleas will jump to the heat of the lamp and land in the water. The detergent breaks the surface tension, preventing the flea from bouncing out.