It is unquestionably true that most homeowners will eventually face a problem in or around their home regarding a pest of some sort. Some issues can be devastating due to the damages that they cause. However, the environmental enthusiast is aware of ways to take care of these pests in an eco-friendly way. Here are four original ideas they typically use:
Get Other Predators to Help
Inviting natural predators such as wild birds can help to minimize the number of insects found around your home. An easy way to encourage them into your yard is by providing a bird bath or feeder. An excellent way to attract hummingbirds is to plant sunflowers, daffodils, tulips, and other plants to entice them. Keep in mind that some insects can be helpful to get rid of other pests. For instance, ground beetle larvae eat slugs, ladybugs eat mites and aphids, and green lacewings eat a select amount of pest insects.
Use a Natural Plant Repellant
If you have pests such as cockroaches, fleas, mosquitoes, or ants, use cedar oil to minimize their existence. Cedar oil is an effective non-toxic repellent that is safe enough to use on your pet’s skin. Simply put cedar oil in a spray container, dilute it with water, and then apply it to areas where you frequently see your pest.
Bug repellent candles contain citronella oil, which helps to fend off flies and mosquitoes. Other oils that have become popular to control over populated ticks are eucalyptus and lemon eucalyptus. To protect you from ticks mix eucalyptus oil with water and put it in a spray bottle. Then, use the spray mixture on your skin and clothes for protection.
Do Regular Inspections and Upkeep
Regularly inspect the outside foundation of your house for any entry points that will give an open invitation to rodents. Remember, mice can fit through a hole that is approximately a quarter of an inch in size. If there are any openings found during your search, fix them immediately to prevent any intruders from entering your home.
To eliminate hiding places for rodents, in general, you should keep your grass mowed, hedges trimmed, and weeds down around the house.
Leaving old equipment or junk cars in the yard can give a sheltered home from the elements for rodents. To prevent this, have them removed as soon as possible. Rodents can obviously do much damage to your home as well as cause other issues. Keep in mind, if left to roam your house they can transmit any disease to you without your knowledge.
Place Toads in Your Yard
Okay, you probably think that this is a crazy over the head idea. In any case, toads eat many of these pests every day to stay alive. Some pests that are part of the toad’s diet are slugs, cutworms, gypsy moth larvae, and many different types of beetles.
To keep a toad interested in staying in your yard provide a cool, dark spot for them to hide from the hot sun rays. Take an old plastic container, cut a small hole in the side, and then place it under a bush. In the plastic container place a small refillable bowl of water for the toad’s enjoyment and thirst. It is important to refill it daily or at least every other day.
As remarkable as these ideas are, they do need thoroughness and a number of applications. For the most part, homeowners can handle their own pest issues. However, when it becomes an infestation, it is best to call in a professional service such as those that offer pest control in Charlotte, NC or wherever you may live.