Eco-Friendly Pest Control Methods

Insects, bugs, critters, creepy-crawlies, arthropods, or whatever you may call them are plentiful in our beautiful Earth and may cause problems and health risks around your home.  If you are looking for an eco-friendly or environmentally-friendly means of pest control, read on for some suggestions and remedies.

Structural pests like cockroaches, beetles, ants, scorpions, centipedes, spiders can pose health risks or even cause damage to homes.  Some species like termites cannot be eliminated without a traditional treatment, but there are options for rodents and insects that can be effective in controlling those pests.

Step 1: Prevention

• Making your property less attractive to pests is the first step in prevention.  Sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, around windows, around siding and soffits will help tremendously in keeping critters out.  Make sure weatherstripping seals doors properly and use foam or caulk for gaps around the foundation.  Mice will also make tunnels to enter the house from under the slab, so adding a gravel base around the perimeter of the home will make that more difficult for them to tunnel.  Their tunnels will fill with the gravel when they dig, thereby eliminating an infestation.
• Proper drainage is important in controlling cockroaches, earwigs, termites, millipedes and other bugs.  Make sure downspouts flow away from the house 5-10 feet and do not just dump on the ground causing a pool of water.  Make sure gutters remain clear and not filled with leaves and debris.  Clogged gutters create a habitat for roaches to thrive.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house.  Carpenter ants, scorpions, wood roaches, powder post beetles and other destructive insects will nest in that firewood and can enter the home if it is too close.  Termites will possibly be in the wood and you’re inviting them to invade your home if the wood is close to your framing.
• Dispose of waste properly in proper containers with tight-fitting lids.  Keep compost piles away from the home.  Clean waste receptacles routinely to prevent breeding grounds for roaches.  Keep bird feed, deer feed, corn feeds etc. in sealed containers.
• Control moisture inside the home by inspecting and repairing leaky faucets, clogged garbage disposals, pipes leaking in crawl spaces etc.  Dehumidifiers will help control moisture in crawl spaces.

Step 2: Natural Remedies & Non-Toxic Methods

• One of the most popular natural means of pest control is Diatomaceous Earth (DE).  DE is a natural non-toxic powder made from tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.  It acts like silica and causes small abrasions in insects that cause them to dehydrate.  It is safe to be used around children and pets as long as it is placed in an area where it will not be disturbed.  It should be applied along baseboards, in cracks and near entry points.  Re-apply if it is disturbed by wind or rain.
• Essential oils are a safe and effective way to repel pests and control infestations. Many essential oils have natural insecticidal properties, making them ideal for eco-friendly pest control. Some of the most common essential oils used for pest control include:
• Peppermint Oil: Effective against ants, spiders, and rodents, peppermint oil has a strong scent that pests find overwhelming. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to entry points or areas where pests are active.
• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is also effective in repelling ants, cockroaches, and termites. A mixture of tea tree oil and water can be sprayed in infested areas to drive pests away.
• Lavender Oil: Lavender is a natural repellent for moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. The pleasant scent can also help to mask the odors that attract these pests.
• Citrus Oil: Pests like ants and cockroaches dislike the strong citrus scent. A simple spray of water and citrus essential oil can help repel pests.
• Product manufacturers like Essentria and EcoVia make already prepared botanical products that work well.  I use EcoVia EC for wasp nests and for flea treatments because it is potent and fast-acting.
• Boric acid is non-toxic and safe when applied properly.  Lots of ant baits and gels contain boric acid and one of my termite pretreatment options contains orthoboric acid.  It disrupts an insect’s digestive system when they digest it, causing dehydration and death.  It should be applied as a crack and crevice treatment where pests are invading or as a bait like mentioned above. 
• Pro-pell is an essential oil-based product for repelling rodents from around the foundation of the house that has good results in the professional pest control world.

Physical & Mechanical Methods

In addition to natural remedies, there are also physical and mechanical methods of pest control that can help protect buildings from infestations. These methods are non-toxic, require little maintenance, and can be highly effective when combined with other eco-friendly techniques.

Traps are a great eco-friendly option for controlling certain pests like rodents and insects. There are several types of traps available, including:

• Snap Traps: For rodents, snap traps are an effective and humane way to eliminate them. Place traps along walls or near entry points where rodents are likely to travel.
• Glue Traps: These traps are coated with a sticky substance that captures pests such as cockroaches, scorpions, ants, and rodents. While effective, they may not be as humane as snap traps, and they can sometimes trap non-target animals like pets.
• Pheromone Traps: Used primarily for insects like ants and cockroaches, pheromone traps attract pests using a synthetic version of their own sex pheromones. Once the pest enters the trap, it becomes stuck.  Highly effective for roaches or pantry moths.

Exclusion methods are a great way to prevent pests from entering a building in the first place. Physical barriers like mesh screens can be used to block insects from entering through vents, windows, and air ducts. You can also place mesh wire around foundations and vents to keep rodents and insects from gaining access.  Garage doors should always be inspected for gaps and cracks that allow rodents to enter.  I sealed one up this week that had 2 inch gaps around the base so rodents could enter freely.

By adopting eco-friendly pest control techniques, you not only protect your home or building but also contribute to the preservation of the environment for future generations.