Wildlife control and prevention are common concerns for homeowners all across the world, and while many debate the use of lethal versus non-lethal traps and extermination methods, few consider the imprint of wildlife prevention on the environment. The truth is, many people use various poisons and dangerous chemicals to get rid of pests on their property and to discourage their return. And while that may be effective against rats, it is also heavily taxing to the planet.
Which makes us wonder, could there be a better way? What are our options for keeping our properties pest-free, but without hurting Mother Nature, while we’re at it? In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular eco-friendly pest control alternatives out there, plus, you can always find more humane options for getting rid of wildlife pests.
1. Replace Your Cleaning Products
Obviously, the first and most important step in keeping a property pest-free is cleanliness. Leftovers, excessive dirt, and clutter all are common attractors for a wide range of pests, from rodents to cockroaches to snakes. So of course, you’ll want to keep your home as neat and tidy as possible, but at what cost?
Most regular cleaning products contain lots of bad chemicals that can be destructive to your furniture, dangerous to your health, and detrimental to the earth in general. This is why a great cleaning alternative is to use as many natural products as you possibly can, reducing the risk of unpleasant side effects both for you and the planet.
Nowadays, many manufacturers are creating cleaning products with natural cleansing agents such as vinegar, a potent astringent and bacteria-annihilator that doesn’t damage the environment. You can also use essential oils to your advantage since many of them have great cleansing properties. And think about how good your house will smell afterward!
2. Plant Some Natural Pest Control Right in Your Garden
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Although there is quite a bit of debate as to the effectiveness of these “natural pest control alternatives,” we figure it’s well worth a try. Obviously, you’ll have to do your own specific research, depending on what particular pest you’re dealing with. For example, lemongrass and marigolds are said to repel snakes from approaching your backyard, while rats are more averse to peppermint and lavender.
Onion and garlic are also really common alternatives, as their pungent smell and aroma are said to deter a wide range of pests from approaching. You might also consider using basil, hyacinths and daffodils. Basically, the stronger the smell, the more likely it is to repel at least one type of pest.
Now naturally, these solutions aren’t foolproof and should not be used as your only pest control method. Still, if there’s even a chance of deterring an unwanted intruder from taking over your garden, why not go for it? And it’s got practical purposes, too — you can use the basil, onions, and so on in your cooking, and the flowers make for a beautiful view!
3. Use Peels and Leftovers to Your Advantage
When I was small, my parents would put orange peels on the heater for the nice smell. It was much later that I learned this practice also doubled as a DIY pest control option. The smell of citrus is strong (as we just discussed) and lots of pests seem to dislike it. So some believe that leaving citrus peels on your windowsills will deter various intruders from approaching. This also is said to work well with banana peels.
Oh, and speaking of your windowsill, some people advise sprinkling a little potent seasoning on your window ledge to deter pests from entering into your home. Strong spices like cinnamon and paprika are said to work particularly well, so you might want to give that a try also.
Do These Green Methods Work?
Yes and no. Obviously, they will be less efficient than chemical alternatives, but also less damaging to the environment, so there are pros and cons to both sides. In the end, we’d say these eco-friendly alternatives are well worth a try. You can always revert to some more traditional pest control methods if you feel the need, or call a professional wildlife removal company if the problem persists.
If you have to call a professional, look for a company that uses eco-friendly cleaning and pest control products. More and more companies are using baits and sprays that are pesticide-free, and that will be an immediate step up for your home and your yard. It might also be a good idea to equip your home with such products, if available, and if you have frequent pest issues.
Feature image: Zdeněk Macháček; Image 1: Natalie
