Green Pest Control Vs. Chemical

Green pest control avoids harmful chemicals.

Weeds, insects and rodents are all natural parts of the environment. Controlling these pests can sometimes be a challenge. There are natural and chemical solutions available to control indoor and outdoor pests. Chemical pest controls can be harmful to your health and the environment. Green pest control methods use materials and techniques that are less hazardous to human health or the environment.

Pest Prevention

A tightly sealed garbage can will help keep pests away.

One of the best green pest control methods is to keep pests away in the first place. One way to do this is to keep foods stored in air-tight containers. Keep a tight-fitting lid on your garbage can. Remove clutter around the home and be sure to keep the kitchen free of crumbs and other items that may attract pests. Seal cracks in the doors, windows and around pipes to help keep pests away. Remove standing water in and around your home. Pick up and empty your pet's water bowl each evening to keep unwanted pests away.

Identify the Pest Problem

Determine the pest you need to control is critical to pest management.

Determining the type of pest you need to control is the first step to controlling them. To help identify the pest invading your garden or home, consult an insect guidebook at your local library or a contact your local County Cooperative Extension office. These resources are free and often provide you with enough information to determine the best approach to controlling the unwanted pest.

Pest Management

Dandelions add color to a lawn. Control dandelions by digging up the weeds.

Decide how essential a weed or pest free lawn or garden is. Using toxic chemicals to get rid of all weeds and pests can be hazardous to your health, so taking a greener approach to pest control can help you effectively manage pests without posing a risk to your health and the environment. Be realistic in setting your pest control goals. A healthy lawn may still have some weeds but will likely have beneficial insects and earthworms that help keep pests under control.

Attract Beneficial Predators

Ladybugs are a natural way to remove unwanted pests from the garden.

Purple martins, dragonflies, bats, ladybugs and spiders can actually help remove pests from your yard. Consider installing a purple martin house or bat house in your yard to attract these natural predators. Talk with your local County Cooperative Extension office about ways to attract beneficial predators to your garden. If rodents are the pest you need to control, consider getting a cat or dog to help discourage these pests from making your home their home.

Chemical Free Pest Control

Traps are a chemical-free way to control pests.

There are number of chemical-free ways to control pests. To keep ants from entering your home try sprinkling red chili powder or cayenne pepper around the entryways to your home. Ants will avoid crossing these hot spices and instead find another place to call home. Keep roaches and other pests away by placing garlic near entryways or growing the herb in pots near doorways. Use the peels from oranges or lemons near windows to keep flies away. Mice despise peppermint. Dab a cotton ball with peppermint oil and place in the garage and near entryways to naturally keep pests away. For rodents, use traps to catch these pests instead of toxic chemicals.

References

• EPA Consumer Pest Control Guide
• EPA Pesticide Tip Sheet

Resources

• U.S. Department of Agriculture Biological Pest Control