Home can be a dangerous place if you’re not
careful. That can of Raid comes in handy when a roach runs across your
kitchen counter. Ant traps got rid of those messy carpenter ants in a flash.
We buy these pesticides at our local grocery stores because they are
convenient and inexpensive. But they’re still poisons and if used
incorrectly, they can be hazardous.
Insecticide misuse is common and often has significant consequences.
Children, who are prone to eating or breathing in pesticides, are
particularly at risk. According to the American Association of Poison
Control Center's annual study, over sixty thousand incidents of
insecticide-related poisonings were reported nationwide in 2002.
Approximately half of the poisonings concerned children under 6 years old.
Pesticides can hurt pets, too. ASPCA data shows that thousands of pets a
year are poisoned when they consume or are accidentally sprayed with
insecticides. Highly toxic organophosphate pesticides have been largely
phased out of home use, but pyrethrin, a common ingredient in ant and roach
killers, can still cause vomiting, staggering, and muscle tremors in dogs
and cats if swallowed.
Chemical bug-killers can be harmful. But you don’t have to use them to keep
bugs away. Natural pesticides and pest-deterrents offer a worry-free
alternative to their chemical counterparts. Their ingredients are non-toxic,
inexpensive and widely available. In fact, you probably already have the
makings of some natural pesticides in your kitchen or garden. Replace your
chemical insecticides with the following recipes to safely get rid of
roaches, ants, and other household pests.
Get Rid of
Roaches
Chop up bay leaves and cucumber skins and
leave them in places roaches like to hang out, like under cabinets and
behind the refrigerator. Change the mixture every few days to keep it fresh
and the bugs will stay away.
Make your own roach traps. Mix up equal
parts baking soda, sugar, and water, and pour into cut-down Dixie cups. When
roaches eat this mix, a chemical reaction in their gut will cause them to
explode. Replace once a month for maximum efficacy.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a cat,
consider leaving palm-sized sachets of dried catnip around. Catnip is a
natural roach repellent and smells better than roach spray.
Banish Ants
If you can find out where the ants have
entered your home, set out a line of red chili pepper powder or cream of
tartar. Ants avoid these substances and they will not cross them to enter
your home.
Cucumber can also deter some species of ants. Set out a dish of cucumber
peels or slices in areas where the ants tend to congregate and watch them
flee.
Set out bags of mint tea or a small dish of
dried mint and cloves in places where ants gather. These herbs act as
natural ant deterrents.
If you find a fire anthill in your yard,
boil a pot of water with a few cloves of garlic. Pour the hot mixture over
the anthill to kill the queens and prevent any survivors from rebuilding.
Make Flies Flee
A few drops of eucalyptus oil on a strip of
paper or a scrap of cloth will keep flies away. Bags of mint tea or sachets
of crushed dried mint placed in areas where flies are especially active will
also chase the bugs away.
Alternatively, grow basil. A potted plant
will keep flies away from your home, and a row of basil will keep the bugs
out of your garden. If you’re heading out for a picnic, pick a few sprigs
and strew them on your picnic table. You and your food will stay fly-free.
Moths No More
Conventional mothballs work by emitting
poisonous vapors that may be especially harmful to children. Instead of
using chemicals, keep moths away and packed-away clothes fresh with sachets
of lavender or cedar chips. As with mothballs, keep the sachets and clothes
in a sealed container so the scent can build up and kill the moths. Not only
will you avoid toxic fumes, but you’ll feel better. Aromatherapy experts
believe that lavender’s aroma has calming properties.
Another easy way to prevent moths from
destroying your clothes: Run your duds through the dryer. The high heat will
kill the moth larvae before they can munch holes in your sweaters and suits.
If you don’t already have the ingredients for your non-toxic pest killer or
repellent, you can find them at your local grocery or garden store. Look for
cedar chips and catnip at pet stores and lavender and eucalyptus oil at any
health food store or online aromatherapy retailer. Use these recipes to keep
the bugs at bay and your pets and family safe.
Andrea Sharfin
is a freelance writer based out of New York City. She enjoys
rock-climbing and travel. See more of her work or contact her through
www.mediabistro.com/AndreaSharfin.
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