by Shirley Love

Created on: September 19, 2009

The use of chemicals for pest control is one of our biggest problems. Chemicals have poisoned our water, our food, and the air we breathe. It is time to clean up our act and clean up our planet. Non-toxic pest control is one of the answers.

Many insects and spiders are beneficial to man and his crops. They pollinate our plants, and feed on other insects that are harmful.

So while many species are our helpmates, I prefer not to share my home with them.

They are safe as long as they stay in their own realms. If a ladybug, a cricket or grasshopper happens to gain entry to my home, I merely catch them and carry them outside. I will not, however, tolerate flies, fleas, gnats, roaches, ants, or spiders, within my living space.

I will try to block their entrance in some humane way by sealing window and door frames, repairing tears in the screens, and keeping my house as clean as possible from food scraps that attract them inside.

For those undesirable claim jumpers who do manage to get inside and bug me (pun intended) I have a few non-toxic methods of removing them from my domain.

1. Hedgeapples aka Osage Orange, Boi D'Arc, and Mactura pomifera. The fruit of the osage orange tree has been used in households for many years as a repellent to insects and spiders. It is effective as long as it remains green which can be two to three months in a cool area. Brown spots may develop after that period, and once the green has disappeared, discard the apple.

Unfortunately, the hedgeapple is not native to all areas of the nation and although it works very well to rid the house of roaches and spiders, you may have to order them on-line.

2. Diatomaceous Earth aka fossil shell flour. It consists of fossilized remains of hard-shelled algae. It is non-toxic and completely safe to the environment. It is a fine powder that can be spread along ant and slug trails. The abrasive powder breaks down the exoskeleton of other insects such as roaches and flies and causes them to dehydrate.
Be sure you use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth which is totally organic and safe.

3. Mint, Whole Cloves, and Cayenne pepper are effective for ridding your home of ants. Place around the window sills and door jambs for best results.

4. Corn Meal. Spread around the ant dens or along the area where they have been seen inside the house. They will carry the meal back to their dens where it is consumed. The pests ingest it but cannot digest it.

5. Fly Paper. These can very quickly become unsightly, but they are effective. You can make them by smearing a thin layer of honey or molasses on paper strips which serves to attract flies and gnats. They are totally non-toxic.

6. Petroleum Jelly traps. Using a small plastic container or cup, place some sugar or syrup in the bottom and smear the inside of the tops with petroleum jelly. Ants can crawl in, but the petroleum jelly keeps them from crawling out again.

7. Dish Soap. Using a small bowl, fill half-way with water and add a few drops of lemon dish soap. Placed beneath a nightlight, this is effective for luring gnats to their death.

8. Water-filled Baggie. I realize this sounds ridiculous, but believe me it does work. Partially fill a zip-lock bag with water and place a few copper pennies inside. Hang this in doorways or on the patio and watch the flies go in the opposite direction. I have no scientific explanation, but it does the trick.

I realize there are people who will find fault with my outlook on insects and spiders, but I prefer a home that is clean and pest free. Since I try not to use chemicals, I am doing my part to help keep this planet green. I hope others will follow suit.

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