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The Dangers Of Pesticides And Eco-Friendly Pest Control Alternatives

eco-environmentPest infestation is a huge problem in almost every household. Living with pests is very uncomfortable and dangerous. Pests, such as roaches, rodents, mosquitoes, and flies, are carriers of bacteria and germs which can cause diseases. These diseases might even be life threatening if it is not properly addressed. With this in mind, proper precautions must be done to deter and eradicate these pests.

This is where the need for pest control comes into play. Proper pest management can keep your home safe, clean, and free from unwanted critters. Unfortunately, not all pest control solutions are safe. There are certain solutions, such as chemical pesticides, that can cause more harm than good. Thankfully, you can choose natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly methods that are safe for your health and for the environment.

The Dangers Of Chemical Pesticides

Pesticides contain chemicals that can easily kill pests. They may contain insecticides for insect eradication, herbicides to control the weed, and rodenticides which are used for rodent control. These chemicals are widely available in hardware stores or supermarkets; thus, homeowners can easily purchase one. For this reason, it might be tempting to use pesticides, especially if you are facing pest problems at home. But before you reach for the chemical pesticide, you must first know about its dangers.

Household pesticides are toxic and they can also affect the environment through the following situations:

  • The pesticide residues might find their way into the water source, such as pond, river, or ocean through runoff.
  • These chemicals also have a negative effect on the groundwater when it moves through the soil. There are many people who use groundwater as their drinking water. If the water is contaminated with pesticides it might become unsanitary and can cause health problems for the people who drink it.
  • After using the household pesticide, it will eventually turn into gas or vapour, allowing it to move through the air and spread to different areas. This can be harmful for wildlife and for other people as well.

Aside from its negative effects toward the environment, pesticides also affect humans. In fact, countless studies have discovered that long exposures to the chemicals from these substances can lead to health problems, such as: Cancer, ADHD, and birth defects. It can also potentially harm the nervous system as well as the reproductive, respiratory, and endocrine system.

Eco-Friendly Pest Control Methods

Now that you are aware of the dangers of using household pesticides, you need to consider healthier options. The following are a few of the non-toxic, eco-friendly pest control solutions that can effectively deter and eradicate pests from your home.

Mint: This is a very effective insect repellent that you can use inside your home and outside your garden. You can place a few mint tea bags in areas where you usually find insects and bugs. You can also place them in your cupboards, pantries, or other kitchen nooks and crannies. Mint is perfect for ants, weevils, and lice.

Vinegar: This is also an excellent pest control method that can effectively get rid of fleas and roaches. You can create a mixture of vinegar and water, and spray it around your house. If you do not like the smell of vinegar, you can always use lemon juice instead.

Citrus: The scent of citrus is very aromatic. In addition, it contains certain chemicals that can repel pests. You can boil orange peels in water to create a solution against fleas. You can also use this solution on your carpets, furniture, and other upholstery. Another tips is to use lemon juice and spray it on the most likely entryways of ants and roaches.

Diatomaceous Earth: This is a powder that is very safe to use and proven to be very effective against ants, roaches, and fleas. You only need to sprinkle it in hard-to-reach areas, around corners, or behind your furniture and appliances.

Borax Powder: This is a mineral salt which can effectively eradicate roaches and other insects. You can create bait which comprise of borax powder and sugar. The sugar will attract the insects while the borax will kill them.

These are just a few of the pest control alternatives you can use at home or in your garden. If your pest problems are way beyond control, you can always seek the professional services of a pest control company. There are companies offering green pest control solutions which are safe and non-toxic.

Kris Bennette is an environmentalist. In this article, she discusses the dangers of pesticides and offers safe and eco-friendly pest control alternatives. She also occasionally writes for rovepestcontrolreviews.com.

One Comment

  1. Despite available information and statistics regarding the harmful ingredients used in pesticides and insecticides, 59 percent of homes still use these chemicals on a regular basis. Commercially used chemicals that have been classified as carcinogens are still used in and around office buildings, in public parks and on non-organic food supplies to combat pests and infestations. These chemicals are implemented because they work; they are easy to use and are generally cost-effective. However, the environmental dangers, effects on humans and animals and the diseases associated with these products may not be worth the risk.

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