When ants, slugs, cockroaches and aphids start winning the war in the garden of good and evil - a gardener may turn to chemical pesticides as a swift counter attack. However, repeated exposure to pesticides can cause serious cumulative health effects if used in poorly-ventilated areas or without following proper instructions for handling and application.
Runoff of pesticides used in lawn and garden care has also raised concern among environmental protection advocates about their impact on community water supply systems.
Natural Pest Control
The first step in indoor pest control is to keep counter tops and living spaces clean and free of food fragments that will attract critters. If a pest problem starts, there are many home made and naturally-occurring solutions that won't poison the environment.
Popular natural pest blockers:
- Diatomaceous earth is one of the safest natural pesticides. On the surface it looks like a fine, soft powder; but an insect crossing a trail of this product experiences the human equivalent of walking barefoot on broken glass. It is effective at killing ants, cockroaches and slugs. Diatomaceous earth is available at most garden centres.
- Beer is a natural way to prevent slugs from chewing garden plants. Pour beer into a shallow plastic container and leave it in the garden overnight. Slugs will be attracted to the beer, fall in and drown.
- Soap mixed with water and sprayed on plants will help control aphids. Leave the mixture on plants for approximately 30 minutes before washing off.
- Boiling water, when poured between the cracks of pavement stones, will help to destroy weeds and ant colonies.
- Mint is an effective natural pest deterrent. Plant peppermint in the garden to ward off mice, ants, fleas, flies and moths. Gardeners recommend planting mint in pots and then placing into bedding soil – mint can take over your garden if allowed to grow freely.
- Borax and flour, when mixed together (one part borax to two parts flour) and sprinkled near household entry points will help to keep down populations of ants and cockroaches. Insects die when they ingest the Borax while grooming the dust from their bodies. Note: Borax is also poisonous to humans if ingested; using this solution is not recommended in homes with young children or pets.
- Bay leaves are a natural deterrent to cockroaches and ants. Place bay leaves in the pantry where food is stored.
- Insect predators are nature's way of preventing any one insect population from gaining too much control and upsetting the ecosystem. Unfortunately, humans have interfered with that balance in many areas. Find out what species of insects do not like each other, and how to regain order in the garden.
These are only some of the many homemade pest control solutions tried by homeowners and gardeners. Feel free to add a comment to this article about a tried and tested pesticide alternative.
When to Call a Professional
Unfortunately, sometimes pest problems get out of control and professional and/or chemical extermination is necessary. Cockroach, scorpion and bed bug infestations, for example, can pose serious health risks to household occupants.
Store bought pesticides are a convenenient and immediate solution to destroying insects that invade home and garden areas. However, nature has evolved its own ways of keeping pests in check that aren't nearly as poisonous to the ecosystem. Before jumping to a chemical pesticide to rid the home of bug invaders, try a less toxic solution.
Anne Williams - Anne is a freelance writer and communications consultant based in Vancouver, Canada.
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