Hardly a home can say convincingly that they have warded off the last trace of insect pests. Pesticides can tackle these creatures that have made home in your cupboard or on the counter or the carpet but they can have a vicious effect on the residents, too. Let us take up the safest and most effective ways to perform pest control and send these little creatures packing.
Fleas
Fleas may have gained access to your pet’s skin through your visitor’s pet. Citrus is the safest way to handle fleas. Pour boiling water on lemon that is already kept sliced and soak overnight before using the potent mixture to wipe clear your four-legged friend’s skin. Cedar shampoo and brewer’s yeast can come equally handy.
Mosquitoes
The best way to evade mosquitoes is to seal any point through which they can enter your immediate environment; nothing better than disallowing any source where water can stand or be sessile. If you have organised a barbeque in the backyard, sprinkle traces of rosemary or sage on the coals to evade mosquito attack. Garlic and water in the ratio 5:1 can also be sprayed on exposed body parts to de-track mosquitoes.
Dust mites
Vacuum mattresses and pillows are a remarkable ‘antidote’ to dust mites. In addition, when you wash beddings, always ensure the temperature of water is above 55 degree Celsius. Tannic acid can neutralise the effect of dust mites and animal dander to a large extent. You may do well to cover the heating ducts with a filter efficient enough to disallow dust mites over 10 microns in size.
There is no denying that you won’t win the war against the last insect pest on earth but following the above strategies you will keep a majority of them at bay; and this for sure is a comforting thought.
What methods do you use to control insect pests at home?