Insects and rodents can be an annoyance, but there are several natural and eco-friendly pest control methods you can use to keep them away. These treatments are secure for both your family and the environment.
Most Commonly Used Natural and Eco-Friendly Pest Control Options
1. Diatomaceous Earth
For a natural and eco-friendly pest control method that works effectively, diatomaceous earth (DE) is one of the best. This inert powder can be used to kill nearly all crawling pests while being safe for people and pets alike.
The powder can also be used for water filtration and other industrial uses such as food manufacturing, skin products, and farming. It has the capacity to eliminate harmful viruses, insects, and parasites by binding to them and drying out their bodies.
DE is generally safe and non-toxic when consumed, however, it’s essential to use only food-grade diatomaceous earth for pest control purposes. Pool/filter grade DE can be more toxic, so unless you are a professional you should avoid using it unless necessary.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil is an organic pesticide that kills insects by disrupting their normal feeding and growth patterns. Its active compound, azadirachtin, acts as a hormone disruptor by stopping eggs, larvae, and nymphs from developing.
Neem oil as a spray is one of the best and most eco-friendly ways to control pests in your garden. It can be used for controlling whitefly, aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, fungus gnats, and other insect pests.
It’s also an effective fungicide and bactericide, controlling powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. An organic alternative to conventional pesticides that often end up in the soil or around pets and wildlife, it provides a safe and organic alternative that may cause harm.
3. Insecticidal Soaps
Insecticidal soaps are an organic pest control method that utilizes the fatty acids in liquid soap to suffocate and kill soft-bodied insects such as aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites. They work by penetrating these insects’ outer shells and damaging their cell membranes.
Fatty acids present in insecticidal soaps cause pests to lose vital body fluids and dehydrate quickly. While this type of treatment is effective against many soft-bodied pests, it should never be applied during hot weather or direct sun exposure.
4. Spinosad
Spinosad is an organic pesticide made from the fermentation juices of Saccharopolyspora spinosa, a soil bacterium. Unlike synthetic pesticides, it has a less adverse impact on certain beneficial insects than their synthetic counterparts.
Spinosad binds to the nervous system of pests and causes muscles to flex uncontrollably, paralyzing or killing them. It has particular efficacy against caterpillars, thrips and beetles in their larval stage.
Spinosad is non-toxic to humans, pets, and beneficial insects alike. Additionally, it’s safe for adult butterflies as well as many of their predators and parasites, making it an ideal choice for use in your garden.
5. Leaf Inspection
Leaf Inspection is an organic pest control method that involves washing and inspecting leaves for insect activity. This has proven to be one of the most successful ways to eliminate pests from your garden and yard.
Leaf Miners are a common pest that can wreak havoc on ornamental foliage, trees, shrubs, bushes, lawns, flowers, and garden beds as well as fruits and vegetables. A professional inspection is the best way to identify their presence and the conditions which encourage them to thrive.
Leaf miner infestations are most frequent during autumn when leaves begin to fall off plants and decompose. However, this pest can also be found during other seasons of the year.
These are some of the natural and eco-friendly pest control methods you can use at home. If you want even better options, contact a top eco-friendly pest control service today!
