While you may think of nasty chemicals when you hear the words “pest control,” this does not necessarily need to be true. There are many eco-friendly pest control tips to keep pests away from your home and family through the use of natural repellents.

1. Understand What You Are Dealing With

The more you know about the pest that is trying to take over your house, the better equipped you will be to go about getting rid of them. Because there is not one universal pest control method, it is important to know exactly what you are dealing with so you can then consider the right way to get them out of your house.

2. Make Your Home Pest Proof

In order to keep away from chemical pest control methods, you should try to keep your home as clean as you possibly can. One easy way to do that is to dispose of your garbage in a proper manner.

Keep all your trash as far from your home as you can. In addition, empty them as much as possible to keep bugs away. Another easy method is clean your kitchen countertops several times a day.

Ensure crumbs and spills are cleaned up as soon as they happen to prevent an ant infestation.

3. Deal With Standing Water

Pests are constantly on the lookout for a water source. This is why it is so important to deal with any standing water or leaks that may be lurking on your property or in your home.

4. Keep Up With Maintenance

Any cracks, leaks, or holes around your house should be fixed as soon as possible, as these can all be used as entry points into your home by the pests you are trying to keep out.

5. Use Green Pest Control Products

While professional pest control may be a more effective method, there are many green products are currently available to purchase at most local stores.

Although these methods may cost more money than other products out there, they are worth it. Look for things such as citrus spray or plant-based spray, moth traps for clothing or insecticidal soaps.

6. Cedar Oil

Cedar oil is an essential oil that holds a popular use as an insect spray. The oil is a more eco-friendly option than citronella, and can also be used on many different surfaces throughout the home.

The oil has a wonderful smell and there are no harmful effects known to occur if you get it on your skin. Another use for cedar oil is to flea prevention. It is completely safe to bathe your pets in the oil. The oil is a great deterrent for both bed bugs and spiders.

7. Traps That Will Not Kill

Larger pests such as mice or rats will require a different type of removal method. In these cases, you can purchase traps that will allow the rodent to enter and become trapped without actually killing them.

These do require daily checking. When you find you have caught a furry friend, make sure to release them several miles from your house to ensure they will not return. Many of these traps are currently available for purchase, each a different size for different types of pests.

8. Soap and Water

A popular method of ant removal is to combine a little bit of soap with water. For those with larger problems, pour the solution onto any affected area. Smaller infestations can be handled with a simple spray bottle. You can also checkout more great eco friendly cleaning products at Childrensalon.

9. Using Food

Many green methods of pest removal make use of food. For example, mint leaves can be used to keep flies away. Another suggestion is to keep an herb garden. This serves as both a food source for you and a natural way to keep pests away.

10. Citrus Is Your Friend

Many pests do not enjoy the smell of citrus. As such, they will retreat when they begin to smell it, which could help to keep them away from your home. Placing some citrus oil in a spray bottle with water will work quickly to keep pests away, and can be used anywhere in your home