Non-Toxic options to get Rid of Bugs

What can we say about the history of pesticides that hasn’t already been said? Some of the greatest environmental damage that occurred over the past century was due to the overuse or misuse of chemical pesticides without any regard for their negative impact on the health of the earth.

The Current State Of Pesticide Usage
One would like to think we as a people are coming around to realize the harmful effects of many of the older brands of pesticides, and while there are definitely still issues in areas such as agricultural settings around the world with regards to the overuse of highly toxic chemicals, there are some easy changes you can make right at home in the upkeep of both your house and your garden to do your part in reducing the consumption of the more toxic varieties of pest control products. Reducing the impact of pesticides on the environment is easier if you know of the great natural alternatives that are available.

The Natural Solution Is Often Better
This may seem like a no-brainer, but often times people will reach for the harshest chemical they can find, thinking it might offer them a better result in the long run. This could not be further from the truth, as not only are some pests becoming resistant to the effects of these chemicals, but also the potential for harmful effects on loved ones and pets can outweigh the short term gains.

What Is The Number One Organic Solution To Pest Issues?

Caption – The individual diatoms that make up diatomaceous earth

The first and by far the most popular solution that we will look at is Diatomaceous Earth. This is a stalwart in the organic pest control world. It is found throughout the world in large quantities and can be applied to pretty much any pest situation. The mechanism by which DE kills pests is quite different from the way that chemical products work against insects. It works by creating microscopic tears in the protective outer shell of the insect, leading to dehydration and death. Because mammals such as humans and pets have a completely different physiology, Diatomaceous Earth is no more dangerous to them than something common like table salt.

Another All-Natural Pest Control Product Worth A Look
Another product that is commonly used for the natural elimination of pests is boric acid. It acts in much the same way that DE does and is similarly non-toxic. Because both of these substances are a fine powder, their effectiveness is proportional to the level of moisture in the area to which they are applied. This means that you must keep them dry to realize the results that you want to. In addition, they are not particularly attractive to the insects, but they can be combined with any number of baits and other attractive substances to draw the bugs in.

Keep Reading and Check out these Articles:

1. Five Traits of a Green Bathroom
2. 7 Green Tips for Chemical-free Pest Control
3. Rodents: Do Not Enter
4. Building a Really Green Backyard
5. The Harmful Effects of Pesticides

2 Responses to “Non-Toxic options to get Rid of Bugs”

1. John says:

   December 1, 2011 at 3:34 pm

   Great article. I’ve been looking for some solutions to my bug problems that are less toxic than normal pesticides.

   Reply
2. Hans Anders says:

   April 2, 2012 at 9:24 am

   I don’t know why bugs were born. Are they really essential and helpful? I think they don’t have anything good to do but to ruin the environment.

   Reply