Pests like cockroaches, rats and fleas carry germs and cause allergies. They damage homes and personal items and contaminate food.
Many people worry about how safe pest control is for their pets and children. It’s important to remember that modern pest control treatments are targeted, low-toxicity and carefully applied to avoid contact with children or animals. Visit Pest Control Fort Pierce to learn more.
Natural repellents
Insect repellents can be an effective way to keep pests away, especially in the hot and humid Tampa Bay climate. Homemade natural insect repellents can be made from items found in the pantry and around the house. Most of these recipes use essential oils and other natural ingredients to repel insects. They may not be as long-lasting as DEET or other EPA-registered insect repellents, but they can still help keep bugs away for hours at a time.
Many natural and alternative bug repellents are made from plant-based ingredients such as citronella, geranium, peppermint, soybean or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These ingredients can be a great choice if your family isn’t worried about getting a serious mosquito-borne illness, such as Lyme disease. However, they only work on a short-term basis and can cause skin irritation.
Some of these products also contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets or children. For example, geranium plants are toxic to dogs, and oils made from them can be ingested by cats or dogs. The ASPCA recommends avoiding plant-based products on pets, particularly those that aren’t specifically formulated for them.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends choosing an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. You can find these EPA-registered insect repellents in sprays, lotions and sticks.
DEET has been used since 1946 and is a safe and effective repellent for humans. It has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it is safe, and the CDC reports only a small number of cases where DEET caused adverse reactions in people. However, some animals are sensitive to DEET, so it’s important to find pet-safe products if you plan on using it.
If you are unsure of what repellents are safe to use, talk to your vet for advice. Most veterinarians have access to a wide range of natural and alternative bug repellents that they can recommend for your specific animal and situation. They can also give you tips on keeping your yard and home pest-free. For instance, they can tell you to remove any standing water that could serve as a mosquito breeding ground.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder that has the ability to dehydrate and kill insects, including fleas. It is also effective in keeping pests away from plants because it prevents them from absorbing water from the leaves and stems.
It is a natural alternative to toxic chemicals that can harm pets and humans when used properly. However, be aware that not all DE is food-grade, cautions entomologist and certified organic grower Shannon Harlow-Ellis. Only food-grade DE is safe to be ingested, while pool-grade DE that is used in filters has been heat-treated and may cause respiratory issues when inhaled.
DE is made up of fossilized algae called diatoms, which are tiny single-celled organisms that live in freshwater and marine sediments. They are responsible for about half of the world’s photosynthesis.
When DE comes into contact with an insect, it pierces through the protective waxy coating on the insects’ exoskeletons, known as their cuticle. This allows the DE to absorb the oils and fats inside the cuticle, which eventually causes the insect to dehydrate and die.
Because it is so fine, DE can be applied to crevices and cracks in walls, floors and furniture where pests like to hide. It can also be sprinkled around the base of outdoor plants to help prevent pests from gaining access. DE is not as effective when it gets wet, so reapply frequently.
In addition to using DE, you can make your own natural repellents by mixing essential oils with water. Peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and other oils are effective at repelling pests such as ants, spiders and mosquitoes. Simply dilute a few drops of the oil with water and apply it to the areas where pests like to hang out.
When applying DE, be sure to wear dust masks and avoid breathing in the powder. Although it is safe for pets and children when inhaled in small amounts, the fine powder can irritate their respiratory systems. When using DE, also be sure to check the label on the product you purchase for complete usage instructions. The best way to use DE around your home is to pour a thin layer on the surface of the area you wish to treat.
Sticky traps
A sticky trap is a sheet or board covered in sticky material that ensnares insects and rodents. These traps are often used to monitor pest populations and control them, especially in the garden, greenhouse or home. They are also useful for trapping certain predatory species like birds, lizards, snakes and spiders. However, despite their intended purpose, these traps are indiscriminate and catch many other unintended animals as well. Unlucky animals that become entangled in these traps usually die from injuries, starvation or dehydration over several days. If you encounter an animal stuck in a glue trap, place a small amount of cooking oil or baby oil in between the glue and the animal. Gently work the animal free and carefully slide tissue or paper underneath to prevent it from becoming re-stuck. If you cannot immediately release the animal, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal shelter for guidance.
There are a variety of different colours of sticky traps available, each targeting specific insect pests. For example, yellow sticky traps are commonly used in nurseries to capture thrips and other leaf-feeding pests. These traps are often used in conjunction with pheromone lures to increase their effectiveness. In addition, red sticky traps are commonly used to target fruit fly populations in orchards and vineyards, while white traps are effective against carrot flies (Chamaepsila rosae), which damage carrots and parsnips.
Sticky traps can be purchased at most hardware stores and some do-it-yourself pest control shops. They are usually a bit more expensive than light-duty cardboard sticky traps, but may have a higher success rate for capturing rodents.
Regardless of which type of pest control product you choose, it is important to take all the necessary precautions to minimize the risks to pets and children. For example, it is recommended to remove pets and their toys from any areas that are being treated with pesticides before applying them, as well as their food and water bowls. Afterward, ensure pets remain out of the treated area for the amount of time specified on the label or until any sprayed pesticide has completely dried.
Electronic pest repellers
Ultrasonic pest repellers are a popular DIY option for reducing household pests. They are designed to be plugged into electrical outlets or batteries operated and placed around the home. Manufacturers claim that the high-frequency sounds emitted by the device deters and kills pests while remaining completely safe for people, pets, and plants.
These devices are often touted as a non-toxic, safe alternative to traditional traps and poisons, and they have gained popularity among pet owners looking for humane rodent control methods. However, there is very little evidence that ultrasonic pest repellers actually work. While they may temporarily discourage some insects and rodents, they are unlikely to be effective in the long term and cannot address chronic pest problems.
Ultrasound waves are not well absorbed by solid objects, which means that the sounds emitted by these devices can only travel in one direction and are limited to the space directly surrounding the device. They can also be blocked by walls, curtains, and furniture, making them less than effective at keeping pests away from the home. Moreover, the sounds produced by ultrasonic pest repellers are not unique to any particular species of pest and can be heard by cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals that share the same environment as the devices. In fact, the sounds can be distressing to these pets and cause them to seek refuge in areas where they are not exposed to the noise.
It is also important to note that the sound frequencies produced by ultrasonic pest repellers can be picked up by some types of hearing aids and can disrupt phone calls and other electronic devices in the home. Additionally, the sounds produced can be extremely irritating to humans and can trigger headaches. In short, these devices are not as effective or safe as they have been marketed.
Sticky traps are a better and safer option for pest control than electronic devices. These traps lure pests with scents or pheromones and then trap them on a sticky surface. They are also easy to dispose of and do not require the use of chemicals or poisons, making them a good choice for families with children and pets.