Guide to Natural Pest Control

Eco-Friendly Pest Control: Your Guide to Natural Solutions

Guide to Natural Pest Control

Pest problems are on the rise across Australia, with a 10% increase in pest control callouts over the past 3 years according to IBISWorld data. As they become resistant to traditional chemical pesticides and awareness grows around their health and environmental impacts, Australians are looking for safe and eco-friendly ways to control them at home.

This guide will explore natural DIY techniques to tackle your pest issues without harmful chemicals.

What is Natural Pest Control?

It uses natural ingredients and preventative measures to remove pests. Instead of using synthetic pesticide sprays, natural methods employ organic substances like healthy plants, minerals and microbes to drive away or kill them. It provides a safe, non-toxic alternative to protect your home without exposing your family and pets to harsh chemicals found in many traditional pesticides.

Why is Organic Pest Control Important?

Environmental Impact of Pesticides

Common chemical pesticides have been linked to harming bees, beneficial insects, fish and other wildlife. Runoff from outdoor spraying contaminates waterways, and many widely used pesticide like organophosphates and carbamates have been banned in many countries due to environmental and health concerns. Using natural pest control methods limits your impact on the planet by avoiding these dangerous compounds.

Health Risks of Pesticides

Exposure to traditional pesticides have been associated with:

  • Neurological problems
  • Cancer
  • Asthma
  • Reproductive issues
  • Liver and kidney damage

Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Using natural control eliminates this exposure, promoting better health for your family.

10 Natural Pest Control Remedies

There are many homemade pest remedies you likely have in your pantry already. Here are some of the most effective options:

1. Garlic

The strong odour of garlic repels insects like mosquitos and ants. Place cloves around areas unwanted guests frequent or make a garlic spray to treat affected plants.

2. Coffee

Like garlic, ants and slugs hate the smell of coffee. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your garden and home perimeter. The abrasive texture also deters crawling insects.

3. Cucumber

The biochemical compound cucurbitacin found in cucumbers harms insects like aphids and spider mites. Use leftover cucumber parts in your garden as a natural pesticide.

4. Neem Oil

Extracted from the neem tree, this oil smothers soft-bodied insects, spider mites and fungus problems. Mix with water and spray on affected plants.

5. Cinnamon

Sprinkling cinnamon deters ants with its spicy scent and fungal growth with its anti-microbial properties. Dust on plants or around your home.

6. Sweet Basil

Planting basil amongst your vegetables helps repel mosquitos, flies and aphids which dislike its strong smell. Bonus: you can use the harvest for your cooking!

7. Citrus Peels

Ants hate citrus smells like lemon, lime and orange. Scatter peels in problem areas, or make a citrus spray to deter garden pests like whitefly. The oil d-limonene in peels also kills ants.

8. Eucalyptus Oil

This antibacterial, antifungal oil fights mold, bacteria and other microbes. Mix with water to make an effective surface spray, or with rubbing alcohol for an insect-repelling floor cleaner.

9. Peppermint Oil

Kill spiders, ants, mosquitos and more with pure peppermint oil or dried leaves. Mix with water to make a natural bug spray, or bundle leaves as an infestation deterrent.

10. Natural Predators

In your yard or garden, attracting predatory insects is an easy biological pest control method. These good bugs feed on common garden pests, helping keep their numbers in check:

  • Ladybugs – Devour aphids, scale, thrips, mites, and other small insects
  • Lacewings – Voracious aphid predators
  • Bird feeder – Feast on insects, grubs, slugs, snails and more
  • Bats – A single bat eats thousands of flying insects nightly
  • Spiders – Prey on all types of pest
  • Toads and frogs – Consume slugs, snails, insects and other small invertebrates
  • Snakes – Feed on rodents and other small mammals

You can buy live ladybugs, lacewings or preying mantis egg cases to release. But also make your yard inviting to those already present in nature. Supply water sources like ponds, offer protected shelter locations, avoid harmful pesticides, and plant flowers that attract beneficial insects with pollen and nectar.

Other Natural Pest Control Tips You Can Do

Other Natural Pest Control Tips You Can Do

Beyond using natural pesticidal ingredients, good housekeeping and maintenance make a big difference against unwanted pests. Here are extra ways to discourage bugs without toxic chemicals:

  • Store fruit and vegetables properly and dispose of overripe produce to deny pests a food source
  • Fix leaky plumbing and eliminate standing water where mosquitos can breed
  • Keep kitchen and bathrooms clean on a regular basis – crumbs, grease and hair are cockroach and silverfish magnets
  • Sprinkle cornmeal along floors and window sills to kill ants
  • Set out mint tea bags near trash cans or drains to deter fruit flies and silverfish
  • Pour leftover beer into shallow dishes to trap and drown slugs and snails
  • Place lavender sachets in drawers and closets since moths dislike the scent
  • Make traps with apple cider vinegar, dish soap and water to catch flies

Conclusion

Controlling insect pests with natural products and prevention is a green way to protect your home or business.

Natural pest control works with nature rather than against it to create a safe, chemical-free living space for you, your family and helpful pollinators like bees.

Employ these organic methods and vigilant housekeeping to banish common household pests the natural way.