Sometime in the beginning of the industrial age, pest control took a big turn. Chemical byproducts with suspicious origins began to be used against fleas, ticks, flies, cockroaches, etc. While these mass-marketed sprays and insecticides seemed effective, few people understood the poor side effects for humans. Today we’re more aware that pesticides made from artificial substances are poisonous to humans and animals. There’s now a surge in popularity for natural or eco-friendly products.
Humankind has known for thousands of years that some plants are great pest deterrents. The following are some examples of plant-based products that are considered eco-friendly:
Lemon Grass
Lemongrass (and its byproducts) are superstars in the fight against bugs. Used throughout the world, lemongrass is capable of keeping critters such as mosquitos, ants, fleas, and cockroaches away. You can even plant lemon grass in the garden or in pots inside the house to keep bugs at bay. Lemongrass oil is used as the main ingredient in several pesticides.
Basil
Not only a popular ingredient for Italian cuisine, basil has another use: It keeps away mosquitoes and houseflies. You can grow it in on your property and keep a pot of it in the kitchen or windowsill. To make an insect repellent from basil, boil a few ounces of water and add basil leaves and stems. Let the mixture steep and cool for a couple of hours, add some isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol, strain, and put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray it in the air, especially in the kitchen and living room area.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
Plants and their byproducts can manage the occasional insect flying by, but natural home remedies won’t handle infestation. This is when you need professional bug busters who have in-depth knowledge to remove and relocate pests using eco-friendly products.
If you would like to discuss how to safely keep bugs out of your house and garden, contact us at (416) 487-4179 and let Pro-Pest will happily discuss options!
