Pests like ants, termites, and rodents can turn your home and garden into a nightmare. That’s why it is so important to take preventative measures to protect your health, property, and peace of mind.
There are many natural ways to keep pests away from your home and garden. Garlic, cayenne pepper, nasturtiums, and marigolds are just a few of the common methods people use to keep pests away.
1. They Aren’t Effective
Many people assume that organic pest control products are safe and effective, but they are not. They use natural ingredients, such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth, to prevent and kill pests that damage plants and crops. But these ingredients aren’t as strong as traditional pesticides. They don’t kill pests as fast, and they aren’t as effective at controlling infestations of serious insects like cockroaches or termites.
Chemical pest control sprays harm the environment by disrupting the food chain and killing beneficial insects and animals. They also contain toxic chemicals that leach into the ground and run off into waterways and ecosystems where they poison organisms. Inorganic pesticides don’t break down in the environment, so they continue to build up and pose a threat to organisms that aren’t exposed directly to them.
In contrast, organic pest control products break down in the environment. They don’t leave toxins behind that can be ingested or absorbed by humans, pets or wildlife. They also don’t cause as much damage to the soil and ecosystem, as they decompose easily and pose less of a threat to organisms in the surrounding area, says Toxic Respond UK.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to get rid of pests, consider hiring a professional pest control company instead of trying to do it yourself with over-the-counter natural pest control products. Most over-the-counter natural pesticides aren’t regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency or reviewed for safety, so you could be putting your family at risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals. Additionally, natural pest control products often require heavier applications than synthetic ones. For example, pyrethrum, a natural insecticide derived from the flowers of chrysanthemums, is more toxic than its synthetic counterpart, boric acid.
The key to a healthy garden is prevention. To do that, you need to follow integrated pest management (IPM). Unlike standard bug sprays, IPM uses a combination of techniques to stop bugs before they become a problem. This approach is more sustainable and environmentally friendly, minimizing your impact on Virginia, Maryland and DC’s ecosystems while protecting the health of your family and your pets.
2. They Aren’t Safe
Most people associate natural pest control products with less harm to the environment and fewer risks to human health than synthetic chemical pesticides. However, what many people don’t realize is that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it is safe. In fact, some natural products can be as toxic to humans and the environment as their synthetic counterparts.
Many natural products, such as soaps and oils, kill insects on contact and are able to dissolve or dehydrate the skin of most pests. However, these ingredients typically don’t work well against a full-blown infestation. In addition, they often require a substantial amount of time to work and may not be effective in all climates.
Other natural pest control options include fungi, algae and bacteria that introduce poisonous substances into the body of a pest, either paralyzing them or killing them. Biological pesticides are another option, and these can be effective against some pests when mixed with other methods.
Natural pest control products also have the added benefit of being easier on the environment than synthetic chemicals. They aren’t as harmful to plants, and they have lower odors that dissipate more quickly. Additionally, they tend to be less irritating for people with allergies and respiratory issues, making them a good choice for homes with children or pets.
There are some folks who seek out natural pest control products because they are worried about the acute toxicity of synthetic chemicals. They are afraid that chemical pesticides will make them sick or burn their skin, and they don’t want that to happen to them or their family members. However, ingesting any type of pesticide can be dangerous, and whether it is natural or synthetic, it is important to always read labels and follow directions carefully.
Many people also believe that buying organic produce and other “natural” products will reduce their exposure to pesticides. The truth is that many fruits and vegetables that are labeled organic have been sprayed with a wide range of pesticides before reaching the store shelves. And even some of the best “natural” pest control products can be harmful if they aren’t used properly.
3. They Aren’t Effective Long-Term
There are a few reasons why most natural pest control products don’t work well at controlling insects over the long haul. One is that the non-toxic chemicals used in organic pesticides are less potent than their synthetic counterparts, which means they don’t kill pests as quickly and require a greater number of applications to get the job done. This can be especially true when it comes to organic pyrethrins and chrysanthemum extracts, which are both relatively weak insecticides.
Another problem is that many of the ingredients used in natural pest control products are not as safe as people and pets think. Pyrethrum, for example, is a popular ingredient in home and garden products that are marketed as “green,” but which actually contain the same chemical compounds as synthetic pesticides do. This is why it’s important to research a company or product before you buy, and to be wary of any claims that aren’t fully backed up by research.
A third reason is that some natural pest control products simply don’t work well at all against certain pests. For example, natural bug sprays that use essential oils usually target specific insect species rather than a broad range of pests. This can be helpful because it reduces the risk of harming beneficial pollinators or other organisms in your garden. However, this often means that these products aren’t as effective against large infestations of pests in your yard or home.
One of the best ways to avoid this pitfall is to make sure that you’re using an effective integrated pest management strategy in your garden or home. This will help you choose the most appropriate organic or other pest control products and ensure that they’re as effective as possible against your specific pests. This may require learning new skills, such as using a wide variety of preventative techniques like caulking cracks and other entry points to your home and washing ant trails with soapy water to erase their scent and confuse them.
Overall, there are a few pros to choosing eco-friendly and natural pest control methods over traditional chemical controls. These include:
4. They Aren’t Effective at All
Natural pest control is often a great choice when dealing with pests around the home or garden. Natural pesticides are not only safer for the environment and family, but they also can be more effective than many people think. However, there are some myths surrounding these products that should be busted.
1. Natural does not mean non-toxic
A common misconception is that all natural pesticides are safe and non-toxic. In fact, while most organic pest control products are less toxic than their synthetic counterparts, they still can be hazardous to humans and animals if not used properly. These chemicals can be harmful through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin.
In addition, the toxicity levels of organic pest control chemicals vary widely. Some, such as neem oil and diatomaceous earth, are extremely low in toxicity and therefore very safe. Others, such as pyrethrins and chrysanthemum extracts, are much more potent and require higher usage amounts to be effective. In addition, they can still be detrimental to the environment if not used correctly.
2. Most are not registered as pesticides
While some natural pest control methods, such as blockage of entrances and exits or spraying of eucalyptus and peppermint oils, can be very effective at repelling pests, they are not always effective against full-on infestations. Using these products will only deter the pests for a short time, and they will eventually move to another location.
3. Many are 25(b) exempt
While EPA registered chemical pesticides must go through rigorous testing, a large number of natural, organic, and biopesticide products do not. These are known as 25(b) exempt products, and include ingredients such as neem oil and pyrethrins. While these chemicals are typically safe for use in homes, they are not considered to be very effective against pests and are largely unregulated.
If you’re looking for an effective, long-term solution to your pest problems, you should consider hiring a professional exterminator to handle the problem for you. These services will be able to get rid of the pests quickly and safely, without the worry of toxic chemicals infiltrating your home and causing health problems for your family.
