You don’t have to use chemicals to get rid of pests in your home, garden or even to protect your family while camping. Using non-chemical choices is better for the environment and better for you, and they are very effective. In fact, in some cases, these solutions are more effective than the more dangerous chemical solutions.
Pull Weeds Often
The best way to get rid of weeds in your yard is simply to pull them up when you see them. The best time to do it is after you’ve watered or after a good rain. If you have a lot of weeds you can also pour hot boiling water on them. It will kill whatever it touches, though, so only do this when you have a large concentration of weeds to get rid of.
Get Rid of Weak Plants
When any plant succumbs to bugs, the best thing to do is to remove the weak plants, keeping only the stronger, more resistant plants.
Build Soil Organically
Having healthy soil is one of your best defenses against pests in your garden. Build up your soil for the type of plants you’re growing using natural means such as manure and plant matter.
Keep Foliage Dry
Water the soil of plants in your garden, not the leaves. A good way to do this is to build an irrigation system that allows you to water the garden without getting all the leaves of the plants wet.
Clean Up
Keeping plants clean with a little natural soap and water mixture is also helpful to keep down mold and pests. Ensure that you look up the types of plants that work well with soap and water mixtures.
Keep a Clean Home
Your best defense against pests in the home is truly keeping your home free of the things that pests like. Use sealed plastic and glass containers for food so that pests don’t smell the food, to keep them from being attracted to your home.
Make a Borax Mixture
Mix together 8 parts borax, 4 parts flour, 1 part Crisco, powdered sugar, and just enough water to make it into a ball of dough. Separate into small balls the size of a grape. Place balls in places that bugs like to go. Once in a while, you can freshen up the balls with water or replace them with new ones as needed. Bugs eat the substance and it will kill them.
Catnip
Believe it or not, bugs do not like catnip. What’s great is that catnip will not harm humans or pets but it will repel bugs. Wrap catnip in mesh or cloth satchels and place around the home.
Traps
Using traps specially made for the type of pest you have, catching them and discarding them is a way to help lower the breeding of pests.
Cover Entry Points
This works especially good for mice and rats. Cover all the places of potential entry like under sinks, water heaters, pipes, and flooring.
Cedar Oil
Not only can you use cedar on your wood to bring back the fresh look and smell, you can also use it to help ward off moths. Using wood chunks, covered in cedar oil, in satchels hung in your closet will keep your clothing safe.
Brewer’s Yeast
If you are often bitten by mosquitos when you go outside, you and your pets can ingest brewer’s yeast to repel them.
Garlic
Eating lots of garlic will also help ward off pests. If you don’t like to eat garlic you can take garlic supplements, as can your pets.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Set a trap with apple cider vinegar in a dish to catch gnats. Rinse your dog’s coat with half water, half apple cider vinegar mixture to help ward off pests as well as treat bites.
Citronella Candles
You can buy these at any store that sells outdoor supplies or camping gear. These candles give out an odor that wards off pests, especially mosquitos.
Garlic Juice
Mix half garlic juice with half water and spray directly on the skin to protect yourself and children from pests.
The more you learn about natural ways to protect your home and environment from pests, the more you’ll realize that you don’t need chemicals or to put yourself in danger with harsh chemicals.
