by Donna M. Houston

Created on: July 19, 2008   Last Updated: January 06, 2011

"A Better Way"

Have you ever thought of the inter-connectedness of the word 'health'? Consider the flow of meaning from personal to environmental to fiscal. A savvy consumer reads labels, checks chemical content, and compares energy star ratings before they buy. From groceries to appliances to automobiles they look for deals that will nourish their bodies and protect our planet without breaking the bank. Going green not only lessens your carbon footprint, fewer additives and preservatives benefit your body, and it's cheaper. It's win-win-win with a triple-play jackpot of conscience-driven consumerism.

Pest control is an area where we often feel forced to compromise for the sake of convenience and effectiveness though. We might not like the chemicals, but they work. There are some suggestions for non-toxic pest control that may allow you to stick to your principles and still rid your home of pests.

You know what cleanliness is next to (hint: it's not bugs or rodents), so start with a clean house, especially the kitchen and bathrooms.
Make sure there are no open food or water sources. (Dripping faucets and soaking dishes count.)
Vacuum non-traffic areas of carpet, e.g. under sofas/beds.
Vacuum mattresses and pillows regularly.
Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot (55 degrees centigrade or higher) water.
Shampoo and comb your pets regularly.
Keep the house un-cluttered. (Fewer hiding places)

For a targeted approach try these remedies:
Ants:
Place cucumber peels or slices in areas of activity.
A small line of cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or coffee grounds, or a piece of string soaked in lemon juice or citrus oil and placed at the point of entry will keep ants from crossing.

Cockroaches:
Make catnip sachets and leave in strategic places, or simmer in water for a spray and apply to baseboards, etc
1 or 2 slices of beer-soaked bread put into an empty 1lb coffee can and left out where roaches congregate can be an effective deterrent.

Fleas:
Pour 1 cup boiling water over a scored and sliced lemon. Let soak overnight before sponging on pet.
Add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to animal's water daily.

When warm weather expands your living space to include the great outdoors try these solutions:

Mosquitoes:
Plant Marigolds and Thai lemon grass.
Mix 1 part garlic juice to 5 parts water for a natural spray. Soak strips of cotton cloth in the mixture and hang for a localized repellent.

Flies:
Hang cheesecloth squares filled with bay leaves, cloves and eucalyptus in windows.
Fill plastic bags with water and hang in doorways and around patios.

To rid your home of mice place dried peppermint leaves behind/under stove and refrigerator.

Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, chalky dust that can be used both indoors and out to control many household and garden pests. Made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, hard-shelled algae, the small, sharp particles are harmful only to the exoskeletons of insects. A mechanical, not chemical killer, it clings to their bodies as they walk or crawl over it, cutting the waxy coating and causing them to dry out. The insect dehydrates within 48 hours.

Treading lightly is the best way to avoid leaving an imprint so keep your green-tinted glasses on and let your imagination show you some simpler solutions to pest control. Your health, pets, environment, and wallet will all reap the rewards.

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