One of the most effective ways to drive off insects is to start a fire. It may attract a few bugs to the light, but most will stay far away from the smoke. Throwing cedar leaves or citronella into the fire will add a fragrant smell to the flame that will keep insects even farther away. This is particularly useful for gazebo or patio areas, although it doesnt work as well in the home.
No one likes pests and other bugs getting into their home, but at the same time, no one wants harsh and dangerous chemicals sprayed around the area they live in. However, there are eco-friendly pest control options available that are safe to use without putting your family or pets at risk.
Natural Insect Repellants
One of the most effective ways to drive off insects is to start a fire. It may attract a few bugs to the light, but most will stay far away from the smoke. Throwing cedar leaves or citronella into the fire will add a fragrant smell to the flame that will keep insects even farther away. This is particularly useful for gazebo or patio areas, although it doesn’t work as well in the home.
Solar Powered Repellants
These devices are buried in the ground and emit vibrations which cause most critters to run in fear. It’s particularly effect on rabbits, moles, and other ground-based animals that you don’t want in your garden or yard. Because they’re solar powered, it’s a matter of install and forget.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is a type of soil with sharp edges mixed in that will literally shred insects and snails as they pass through it. However, it doesn’t harm larger creatures and is safe for household use. Place a barrier of this around the edge of your home or garden to prevent many smaller insects and creatures from gaining entry where you don’t want them. This will help with termite control as well (read this post for an excellent primer on DIY termite removal).
Trap and Release
If nothing else works, you can set live traps in your garden that will prevent small animals from escaping, but won’t harm them. You can then release them somewhere in the forest away from your garden, or have them relocated to a wildlife sanctuary somewhere. There are plenty of methods that do not involve killing.
Insect Soap
It’s not to bathe the insects with, but the plants – this type of soap kills the insects, particularly aphids, but doesn’t harm the plant or you when it comes time to eat the plant. Spray it directly onto the stem and leaves to get rid of an infestation; it even works on burrowing insects who can dig their way into the plant itself. Insect soap can be particularly useful for termite control if you find the nest.
Birds
While birds can do a small amount of damage to a garden, they actually serve as great protectors by feasting on any insects that invade. If you can find a way to naturally attract birds, such as with a bird feeder or bird house, then your garden will have a dedicated set of guards ready to eat any invaders it may face.
Dogs
Keeping a dog in your garden will prevent moles, rabbits, and other small mammals from attacking the plants out of fear of the larger creature. As an added bonus, you get a friend to play with during the day. Just make sure to train the dog to avoid digging inside the garden.
For those who wish to protect the environment and find quality pest control, there are plenty of eco friendly options available.
Sarah Smith is a small business owner, and is currently learning about environment, using the internet. Aside from working on her own business, she likes to use social media, and read travel books.