I'm happy to welcome guest blogger, Katie Wiler, author of "NATURAL HOMEMADE PEST REPELLENTS: Quick and Easy Solutions That Are Safe, Organic and Non-Toxic." Katie is sharing some of her expertise with us on how to get rid of nasty pests without resorting to chemicals.
Many of what most people consider pests or undesirable insects or vermin are actually beneficial animals and all contribute to the diversity and web of life on Earth. Each creature has its place in the Whole.
In general my philosophy follows the ‘kinship with all life’ ideal which is more in the line of; “repel them; don’t kill them,” when at all possible. Sometimes I find myself rescuing the wayward bug that has found its way into my home and gently placing it outside where it belongs. It’s far better to use natural preventative repellents whenever possible rather than toxic pesticides which can make things worse. When you use toxic chemicals this non-selective, mass killing with synthetic pesticides also kills off the beneficial insects, only exacerbating the problem. Also, toxic run-off in our neighborhoods, communities, rivers, lakes and streams does an incredible amount of damage to the environment!
Only about three percent of insects are considered harmful to our plants. The rest are actually beneficial or neutral in our gardens! For the most part, every living creature deserves to have a chance at living its life unmolested and as Nature intended. It’s just that we’d like to say; “I appreciate your existence and respect your right to be here, but please don’t come into my home or garden.”
You don’t want the bugs and pests in or around your home, but you don’t want the toxicity of harsh chemicals or pesticides either. So what can you do that is safe for you, your children, your pets, your home, and the environment to get rid of those unwanted critters?
Every year in the United States, over 1 billion pounds of pesticides are used on American family homes, lawns and gardens… even more than farmers use!
Worldwide, 5.6 billion pounds of pesticides are used every year! The run-off from this overuse of pesticides is hurting us and contaminating our food supply, our water, and our rivers, lakes and streams. In fact, most of the toxic poisonings from commercial pesticides are coming from single-family homes!
We can make it safer for our families, our homes, our gardens, wildlife, and the environment by giving it some thought and choosing ‘a different way’ that is healthier and more natural.
Fortunately today, with a more enlightened way of thinking about living on the Earth and how we share the planet with other living creatures (who all have their place in the Whole), we have many wonderful homemade solutions from herbal lore, as well as simple, inexpensive, grocery, and home store products we can use to repel the insects and animals we’d like to keep out of our homes and gardens.
Luckily, there are numerous and varied alternatives to the harsh, commercial chemical products on the market… and they are generally much cheaper too!
Did you know – some little known facts?
1. Spiders have feeding sensors in their feet that help them search for food and they really hate the taste of things like citrus oils, orange oil or lemon oil.
2. It’s better to use yellow outdoor lights instead of white lights since bugs of all kinds are less attracted to yellow than white light.
3. Citronella candles can repel mosquitoes; however they are ineffective in open areas.
4. Planting marigolds in your garden naturally repels mosquitoes because of their smell.
5. Thai Lemon Grass – Thai lemon grass is an especially effective repellent in your garden against mosquitoes, but any type of Lemon Grass will do.
6. Keep grain or pantry moths and weevils out of your flour, pasta and grains by placing a stick of cinnamon or bay leaf in the jar with your staples. Moths hate the strong smelling spices and the spices will not affect the taste of your food.
7. Sprinkling coffee grounds around your plant beds will deter ants.
With some careful consideration of the more non-toxic ways of dealing with unwanted critters in your home and garden, now you can arm yourself with effective DIY solutions that are much safer.
You’ll not only save a lot of money but will feel good about keeping your family and pets safe while ridding yourself of the unwanted pests that “bug” you. Don’t let the pesky, little invaders spoil the enjoyment of your home and outdoors spaces.
Learn new, healthier, more effective ways of dealing with them so you can spend more time enjoying your home and environment.
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Kate Wiler is the author of best-selling Amazon e-book, "NATURAL HOMEMADE PEST REPELLENTS: Quick and Easy Solutions That Are Safe, Organic and Non-Toxic" where you can find more information on natural pest control.
Very informative
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