CHEMICAL FREE Pest Control

As temperatures start to rise and we enter the spring months, pest control will start to be a concern once again for many people. While the warmer temperatures in Florida tend to keep bugs active all year long, we do see a change as the heat and the rain drives them inside our homes. Ants, roaches, spiders, even rats will once again be looking for a dry place and can cause damage and general inconvenience as they make their way inside.

The pest control business is an important part of life in Florida but it is also a very toxic endeavor. While there are plenty of times you will need to call in the big guns, so to speak, there are ways you can lessen the use of harsh pest sprays and chemicals in the home and yard so you are exposed to as few carcinogens or endocrine disruptors as possible. Our sunny Florida home is already on the top of the most toxic list (thanks to the golf courses and the chemicals needed to keep yards looking their best in our harsher climate and sandy conditions) so minimizing chemicals is a great way to care for your home and the environment.

There are many ways to combat bugs and pests naturally in the home. Here are five strategies you can try:

1. Keep your home clean: Bugs and pests are often attracted to dirty and cluttered spaces. By regularly cleaning and decluttering your home, you can make it less appealing to these unwanted visitors. This includes washing dishes, vacuuming regularly, and storing food in airtight containers.

2. Use natural pest repellents: There are many natural substances that can effectively repel pests. For example, you can use peppermint oil to repel ants, mice, and spiders. Other natural pest repellents include citronella, lavender, and lemongrass. These can be used in the form of essential oils or dried herbs placed around your home.

3. Plant pest-repelling plants: Some plants naturally repel pests. For example, marigolds are known to repel mosquitoes and flies. Basil and bay leaves can repel moths and roaches. You can plant these herbs and flowers in pots around your home or in your garden.

4. Use physical barriers: Another way to keep pests out of your home is to use physical barriers. This can include screens on windows and doors, sealing cracks and crevices where pests can enter, and using weather stripping to prevent gaps in windows and doors.

5. Utilize traps: If you already have a pest problem, you can use traps to help control it. There are many types of traps available, including glue traps, bait traps, and mechanical traps. Be sure to place traps in areas where pests are likely to be found, and check them regularly to dispose of any pests that have been caught.

Overall, combating pests naturally in the home requires a combination of good housekeeping practices, the use of natural repellents and barriers, and traps as needed. By following these strategies, you can help keep your home pest-free without resorting to harsh chemicals.