# Pest Control Gone Eco-Friendly: What are the the Benefits?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-eco-friendly-methods-of-pest-control/
- Published: 2022-07-22T09:53:19-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Let’s talk pest control gone eco-friendly not using oil. As any homeowner knows,
pests can be a serious problem. Not only can they [damage](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/6-signs-that-show-you-have-a-pest-infestation/)
your home and belongings, but they can also pose a health risk to you and your family.
Traditional of [pest](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/11/october-offers-opportunities-to-shower-yourself-with-savings/)
control often involve the use of toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

However, there are a number of eco-friendly methods of pest control that are just
as effective but [much safer](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/7-compelling-reasons-to-use-eco-friendly-pest-control-techniques/)
for the planet.

For example, one common method is to use traps that lure [insects](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/7-household-tips-for-pesky-insects/)
into a container from which they cannot escape. This method not only eliminates 
the need for harmful [pesticides](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/09/how-companion-planting-works-better-than-pesticides/)
but also causes no harm to the insects themselves.

## Pest Control Gone Eco-Friendly

In addition, many eco-friendly [pest control](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/eco-friendly-businesses-companies-effective-marketing-strategies/)
methods are actually more effective than their traditional counterparts. For instance,
using cedar oil to repel mosquitoes is significantly more effective than using DEET,
a chemical found in many insect repellents. As more and more people become aware
of the dangers of traditional pest control methods, eco-friendly alternatives are
becoming increasingly popular.

![Pest control](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/
cdc-WeLCoxy88N4-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=89&ssl=1)

## 5 Eco-Friendly Pest Control Methods for the Home

Summer is in full swing, and that means [pests](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/how-to-naturally-repel-garden-pests/)
are out in full force. Here are some eco-friendly pest control tips to help keep
them at bay.

### 1. Use Essential Oils

For centuries, people have used essential oils for a variety of purposes, including
natural pest control. Essential [oils are extracted from plants and contain](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/shell-fails-to-contain-north-sea-spill/)
a potent blend of chemicals that can repel or kill pests. 

When used correctly, essential oils can be an effective and safe [way to get rid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/11/cleanliness-four-environmentally-friendly-ways-to-get-rid-of-junk-for-good/)
of pests. Some of the most popular essential oils for pest control include peppermint
oil, lemongrass oil, and eucalyptus oil. Essential oils can be used in a number 
of ways, including spraying them directly on pests, diffusing them into the air,
or applying them to surfaces where pests are likely to travel. 

When using essential oils for pest control, it is important to exercise caution 
and follow the directions on the label carefully. Used correctly, essential oils
can provide a safe and effective way to get rid of pests.

### 2. Put Out a Bowl of Vinegar for Pest Contol

If you’re looking for a safe, [all-natural way to get rid of pests](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/eco-friendly-ways-to-keep-wildlife-and-pests-out-of-your-home/),
vinegar might be the answer. Vinegar is a strong acetic acid that can kill many 
types of bacteria, including those that cause [food](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/keep-down-the-cost-of-cooling-infographic/)
poisoning. It can also be used to control mold and mildew growth. 

Vinegar is also effective against many types of insects, including ants, roaches,
and moths. To use vinegar as a pest control measure, simply put out a bowl of vinegar
and water in areas where you’ve seen pests. The vinegar will kill the pests on contact
and also help to repel future infestations.

### 3. Use Sticky Traps or Homemade Soap Traps

Sticky traps and homemade soap traps are two effective and non-toxic ways to get
rid of pests. Sticky traps work by attracting [bugs](https://reliantpest.com/5-types-of-tiny-bugs-found-in-your-homes-darkest-corners/)
with a sweet scent, and then trapping them on the adhesive surface. Soap traps, 
on the other hand, work by drowning the insects in a [solution of water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/10/pfas-water-treatment-a-game-changing-solution/)
and soap. Both of these methods are effective at controlling a variety of common
household pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.

### 4. Cleanliness is Key

One of the best [ways to prevent](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/neighborhood-sewage-pollution-5-ways-to-prevent/)
pests from taking up residence in your home is to practice good cleanliness. Pests
are attracted to food scraps, so it’s important to keep your floors and counters
clean. In addition, you should empty your trash cans regularly and seal up any cracks
or holes where pests might enter. By taking these simple steps, you can help to 
keep your home pest-free.

### 5. Check for Gaps and Cracks

One of the best ways to keep pests out is to make sure that there are no gaps or
cracks for them to enter through in the [first place](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/green-gone-gross-ways-not-to-give-back/).
Take a walk around your home and look for any cracks in the foundation or openings
around doors and windows. If you find any, seal them up with caulk or another type
of sealant. You should also check screens and doors to make sure that they are tight-
fitting and free of holes. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your
home pest-free.

## Final Thoughts

While some pests can be controlled with eco-friendly methods, it is important to
consult a [pest management specialist](https://reliantpest.com/) if the infestation
is too large. Have you tried any of these pest control [tips in your home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/03/kombucha-tea-love-this-drink/)?

## Author Bio

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/unnamed.jpg?
resize=225%2C300&quality=89&ssl=1)

Amber Bushman has been in the pest control industry for 18 years now…13 of them 
have been with [Reliant Pest Management](https://reliantpest.com/). She is a licensed,
certified commercial applicator in the state of Texas. Amber’s background is mostly
in office management and administration, but she enjoys going out in the field from
time to time and serving customers by protecting their homes. Amber loves people
and bugs, and pest management has them both!

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)