As consumers have become increasingly aware of the impact their choices have on the environment, eco-friendly Pest Control Overland Park has grown in popularity. These methods use natural ingredients and less harmful substances to combat pests like ants, beetles, and rodents while maintaining the balance of local ecosystems.
Cinnamon, for example, deters a wide range of insects by masking the scents that attract them. Other environmentally friendly products include essential oils, diatomaceous earth, and sticky traps.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is one of the most versatile pest control solutions you can use in your garden. As a natural insecticide, it kills soft-bodied pests (like aphids, caterpillars, and mites) on contact. It also serves as a deterrent, keeping many insects from coming near your plants in the first place. In addition to being a pesticide, neem oil is a natural fungicide, treating and preventing fungal diseases like powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and scab.
The active ingredient in neem oil is called Azadirachtin. This substance is extracted from neem seeds and other parts of the tree and then used to disrupt an insect’s hormones that control breeding and growth. This compound is the main ingredient in most ready-to-use neem oil sprays that can be purchased at your local garden center.
When applied as a spray, neem oil is effective on most indoor and outdoor plants, including vegetables and roses. You can apply it to all areas of the plant, including leaves and stems, as well as around the roots. You can even use it as a soil drench, pouring the neem oil directly on the ground to treat nematodes and fungus gnat larvae.
You’ll want to use neem oil sparingly, applying it only when necessary. Too much can be absorbed by the plant and damage it. Also, neem oil can be irritating to human skin and eyes, so it’s best to avoid direct contact with the product. You’ll also want to wash your hands after applying it and take care not to inhale or ingest the oil.
If you do decide to apply neem oil, it’s important to choose a high-quality product. Look for products that are organic and don’t contain any unwanted solvents or petrochemicals. You should also avoid using neem oil during extreme temperatures, as it can stress plants. You can also use it in conjunction with other pest control methods, such as baits and traps. Whether you’re using neem oil as a spray or drench, you should reapply it every seven days until you see the results you’re looking for.
Essential Oils
If you clean your home regularly, set traps, seal cracks in the walls, and still find yourself dealing with pest infestations then it may be time to try something new. Essential oils are a natural way to repel pests without using toxic chemicals. They’re extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, or bark of a plant and contain all aspects of that plant’s smell and chemical properties. They’ve been used in aromatherapy and have become popularized by DIY beauty products, but they can also be incredibly effective at repelling insects.
Studies have found that certain essential oil compounds can be effective against urban pests including ants, termites, and cockroaches. These compounds can be less toxic than synthetic insecticides and can be used with fewer environmental concerns. Some universities recently published a review of the effectiveness of essential oils as an alternative to synthetic insecticides. They found that many essential oil compounds exhibit repellent or insecticidal activity against urban pests including ants, termites, roaches, and fleas.
The researchers discovered that some of the most effective compounds include eugenol (found in clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon), carvacrol (found in oregano, basil, and mint), and trans-cinnamaldehyde (found in cinnamon). Compared to current fumigants, these natural alternatives are safer for people, pets, and the environment.
Thyme is another effective plant-based pest control. The thymol in this powerful essential oil has fungicidal properties that help to prevent mold growth and prevent spore germination. It’s also an endocrine disruptor, which means it interferes with the hormones of pests, inhibiting their egg-laying and shortening their lifespans.
To get the most bang for your buck, use a combination of oils to target specific pests in your home. For ants and spiders, peppermint, lavender, and citronella are great options. You can also try a blend of these along with rosemary, garlic oil, and cedarwood to get rid of centipedes in the garden. A dilution of these can be sprayed around doors, and windows, small cracks in the walls, and heat vents to repel these pests.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance that has many uses, including in agriculture, water filtration, and pest control. It is a soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be ground into a fine powder or granules. It is used in a wide range of household and gardening products because of its anti-static properties and ability to absorb and hold moisture. It is safe for humans, pets, and plants if used as directed. However, if inhaled in large quantities or for long periods, it can be harmful to respiratory health. This is especially true for people who work in the mining, processing, or spreading of DE.
It works by scratching the exterior of insects, causing them to dehydrate. This is why it is a great alternative to chemical pesticides that can be dangerous for pets and children. It is also effective at deterring rodents and other pests because it smells unpleasant to them. Sprinkle a thin layer of DE along the edges of your garden or around your home to keep them away.
DE can be a great way to get rid of bed bugs, fleas, ants, weevils, and other pests that like to invade our homes. It can be mixed with a bit of citrus or peppermint oil to make a natural insecticide. This can be sprayed or dusted around the perimeter of your home and near any entry points where pests may enter, such as doors, windows, and vents. It can also be sprayed inside of your cabinets where pests can hide, or around the baseboards.
There are two types of DE available, food-grade and pool-grade. The food grade is uncalcined and has a very fine particle size with a low level of crystalline silica. The pool grade is calcined and has a much higher level of crystalline silica. The food grade is typically recommended for use in pest control because it is less hazardous to handle and breathe.
Be sure to wear a dust mask and eye protection when using it indoors to avoid breathing in the dust. It can also be very messy and requires frequent application. It is best to use it in conjunction with other methods of pest control, such as removing any items that can attract them and making your home as unwelcoming as possible.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps, also known as glue traps or pheromone traps, are simple to use and can be very effective in controlling pests. They work by attracting insects and rodents with their specific color and then trapping them on the adhesive surface. These traps are ideal for use around homes, gardens, and greenhouses as they do not require any chemicals to be set. The traps are also very easy to clean and safe for use around children, pets, livestock, and other sensitive wildlife.
Unlike other traps that may target specific pests, sticky traps will capture all insects in their path, including beneficial insects like honeybees, spiders, and ladybugs. Because of this, they should only be used as a supplement to other traps and should never be placed near plants that need pollination or in any way disturbed. Sticky traps should also be used with caution outdoors because they can also catch and kill beneficial wildlife such as lizards, snakes, and squirrels.
The most common type of sticky trap is a bright yellow card, usually 3 x 5 inches or larger, that is covered on both sides with sticky material. Several types of sticky trap materials are available, and most are reusable after being washed in soapy water. Trap catches can be a useful monitoring tool in conjunction with visual inspection of plants, and comparisons of different traps on the same day can help determine relative insect abundance in the field.
For a greener home, there are also pheromone traps that use a special shade of green to attract insects such as thrips and aphids on vegetables and fruit crops, and hoppers and grasshoppers in legumes and citrus. The traps are also reusable after being washed in soapy waters and can be placed on the soil surface to intercept crawling pests.
Another advantage of using sticky traps is that they are a good option for organic gardeners and farmers. Because they do not contain any poisons, the traps can be used safely in food production areas and in greenhouses where chemicals are either prohibited or discouraged.