Quickfacts: So-called “pests” are unwanted guests in many homes. Some “pests” can be unsanitary, wreak havoc on human dwellings (termites come to mind), dangerous, and plain annoying. For controlling pests, it is important to do research. Chemical treatment methods have been the norm. However, some of these methods have been found toxic and harmful to human health and the environment. Fortunately, by being more informed and by considering available natural pest control methods, one can reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals and the impact on their family’s health and the environment.
Homeowners are usually not happy to discover that a “pest” has moved-in. Contrary to what one may think at the time of a pest “invasion,” “pests” do have roles in natural ecosystems (e.g., providing nutrients or food for other organisms). Nonetheless, many so-called pests can be unsanitary, wreak havoc on human dwellings (termites come to mind), dangerous, and be just plain annoying. For controlling pests, it is important to do research. In some circumstances the method one use can cause more harm than the original pest problem! While the norm for so long, some chemical methods to control pests have been found toxic and harmful to human health and the environment. Fortunately, there are natural pest control solutions available – some of them may already be in one’s kitchen cabinet! In sum, by being more informed, using simple solutions, and by considering available natural pest control methods, one can reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals and the impact on their family’s health and the environment.
Using Less Chemicals for Pest Control
Conventional pesticides contain toxic ingredients that can affect the nervous system, cause skin and eye irritation, affect hormones and the endocrine system, and cause cancer. Limiting use and exposure to chemicals is especially important when considering children’s health. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), “children may have disproportionately heavy exposures to environmental contaminants because they drink more water, breathe more air, and eat more food per pound or kilogram of body weight than adults; further, children may be more vulnerable to some environmental contaminants depending on the stage of development during which exposure occurs.”
USEPA’s Citizen Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety discusses the many advantages of non-chemical pest control methods. Compared to chemical treatments, “non-chemical methods are generally effective for longer periods of time. They are less likely to create hardy pest populations that develop the ability to resist pesticides. Also, many non-chemical pest controls can be used with fewer safeguards, because they are generally thought to pose virtually no hazards to human health or the environment.”
An alterative pest control option, called Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is healthier for families and helps keep chemicals from getting into the environment as well. IPM is a process involving common sense and sound solutions for treating and controlling pests and advocates for using the least toxic methods for removing pests first and then moving to the more toxic chemicals only if needed. According to USEPA, IPM programs “use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.”
Specifically, there are natural pest control options available – some solutions are likely already in your kitchen pantry or cabinet! Homeowners should seriously consider natural pest control deterrents such as catnip, hedge apple, garlic, and bay leaves. Clove oil is becoming popular as an “eco” pest control product. As another example, options to deter ants are citrus-based solutions, garlic, cucumber, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Diatomaceous earth (an all-natural product made from tiny fossilized water plants) is also a great product that, while being deadly to insects, is harmless to humans. For more natural solutions to pest control, check out Grist’s “Guide to Non-Toxic Pest Control.”
In addition, taking measures to prevent pests from moving-in can be very effective. Remove what attracts the pests in the first place (e.g., clean up any crumbs or sticky spots and reduce any residual moisture) and prevent pests by keeping kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas clean. When building or doing renovations, prevent pests with barriers and close holes or cracks to prevent pest entry.
Finally, when choosing any pest control method, be sure to factor in the presence of young children. For instance, toddlers tend to put anything and everything into their mouths, so baits or trap systems may not be suitable.
What to Do When Seeking Professional Pest Control Help
Many people will consult a pest control company when an infestation occurs in their home. There are some important questions to ask and tips to keep in mind when consulting an expert or company, especially considering your family’s health and the environment (adapted from the University of Missouri Extension and the University of Kentucky).
Tips for seeking a commercial pest management professional:
• Do not base your selection solely on advertising or name recognition.
• Select a company based on reputation, quality of service, and reliability.
• Talk with representatives of at least three companies (see below for suggested questions).
• Speak to other people who have hired each company.
• Contact your state department of agriculture and pest control bureau, or county or local agricultural extension for more information, company names, and tips.
• Do a quick background check on the companies you select by contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau.
Questions to ask a pest management company:
• How long have you been in business at your present location?
• How many years experience does the person performing the treatment have?
• Can I have a list of references?
• Do you have proof of licensing by the state? May I have a copy?
• Do you have proof of insurance? May I have a copy?
• Are you a member of a professional pest management association? Which one and for how long?
• Have you been designated a Quality Pro Green Company by the National Pest Management Association? (Companies in this program employ IPM.)
• If you must use chemicals for treatment, may I have a copy of the label for the chemical you are planning to use?
• What is your greener approach to pest management? Do you market your own chemical mix? (Be careful about claims by companies who may tout their own chemicals as having a “zero” USEPA Health hazard Rating; however, a zero rating means “minimal impacts” and not “no” impacts on human health and the environment.)
Tips for hiring a pest management company:
• Each company should perform a thorough inspection beforehand and provide a description of the work to be done, chemicals to be used (if any at all), details of any guarantees and estimated costs (which vary considerably among companies).
• Avoid unusually high or unusually low estimates.
• Study all the information you receive.
• Does the entire house need to be treated — or can they just treat specific areas where the pests are?
• How long will the treatments last?
• Will the chemicals harm my family or pets?
• Is there any follow-up treatment or recommendations?
By considering natural and non-chemical pest control options and carefully reviewing management companies, homeowners can make informed decisions about pest control that may help reduce impacts to their family’s health and the environment.
Related Real Mama Articles
Toxic Chemical and Pesticide Use in Schools: It’s Sickening . . . Literally
From your Kitchen to your Garden: Natural Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals for Controlling Pests in the Garden
Information used in this article was found at the following sources, which you can visit if you want to find out more about this topic:
http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide/ (website for United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Citizen Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety,” last accessed October 16, 2009)
http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G7420 (University of Missouri Extension, “Subterranean Termites,” by Richard M. Houseman, Department of Entomology, G7420, revised September 2004)
http://www.ca.uky.edu/ENTOMOLOGY/entfacts/ef604.asp (University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Department of Entomology, “Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners,” by Mike Potter, Extension Entomologist)
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htm (United States Environmental Protection Agency, Integrated Pest Management Principles, last accessed October 16, 2009)
http://cfpub.epa.gov/eroe/index.cfm?fuseaction=list.listBySubTopic&lv=list.listByChapter&ch=49&s=208 (United States Environmental Protection Agency, Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, last accessed October 16, 2009)
http://www.npmagreenpro.org/ (National Pest Management Association, Quality Green Pro Company information and standards, last accessed October 16, 2009)
http://www.you-can-save-the-world.com/organic-pest-control/pest-control.php (Reduce Your Impact on the Environment, “How Green Pest Control Can Help Manage Your Pest Problem Without Harming Your Health – Choose A Safe Pest Exterminator,” 2009)
http://www.pestinformation.com/nontoxic-pest-control.htm (Nontoxic Pest Control for Your Home and Garden)
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-07-09-guide-non-toxic-pest-control (Grist, “A Guide to Non-Toxic Pest Control, list of natural solutions to pest control)
http://www.nrdc.org/health/pesticides/gpests.asp (Natural Resources Defense Council, “Safe Ways to Control Pests Around Your Home”)
Additional Resources & Links:
http://www.pestworld.org/ (Website for the National Pest Management Association)
http://www.whatisipm.org/ (“What is IPM,” an educational website affiliated with the National Pest Management Association to educate homeowners about Integrated Pest Management)
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/index.htm (United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Pesticides: Controlling Pests,” information for residents; housing managers; agriculture, lawn, gardening; and landscaping; and schools and childcare)
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef644.htm (“Consumer Update: Termite Baits,” by Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Issued: 4/99 Revised: 4/99)
Tags: environmental stewardship, natural pest control, natural solutions, professional help
