Organic Pest Control Makes for a Happy Yard

Nobody likes the idea of spraying harsh chemicals around their home and lawn. On the other hand, no one likes a yard full of pests and annoying insects, either. Luckily, there are ways to have the perfect yard without a lot of pesticides or toxic substances.

Mostly, those are called organic pest control.

Organic pest control has many applications, but it is mainly used in gardens and homes and provides a safe and harmless way to get rid of those pesky intruders. There are different types of organic pest control: biological, chemical-free and the kind that comes from a little bit of hard work.

The first step towards an organically bug-free home is to take physical steps to prevent insects. Out of sight, out of mind is a common mantra for many homeowners, but unfortunately insects love to thrive in those out-of-sight places like hedges, tall grass and gutters. Here are a few easy steps to making your home less pest-friendly.

• Trim hedges regularly. Stinging insects like mosquitoes hide in the shade of shrubs during the day.
• Keep a clean lawn. Cutting your grass removes the home for many bugs and pests.
• Contact your local pest control company for a thorough gutter cleaning. Gutters make the perfect home for ants, roaches, mosquitoes and more, so they should be cleaned regularly.

Biological pest control deals with introducing plants or other insects that are natural enemies of the pests and using them to rid the pests themselves. It is basically all about understanding the pest and its natural enemies and then implementing them in your garden. For instance, you can introduce ladybugs to your garden to keep aphids from snacking on your plants.

Another method of organic pest control is through chemical-free products. These products vary greatly and can be used outside and also indoors. Chemical free pest control is just as it sounds and includes using many household items like vinegars, honey, soapy water, coffee grounds, charcoal etc. to get rid of the pests.

When it comes to pest control, an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of any cure. Prevention is also extremely important when talking about organic pest control. With some simple steps, you can forgo major pest control all together. Here are a few things that are essential to the prevention of pests:

• Seal leaks and cover food items that may attract flies or other insects
• Keep things clean and remove food debris from work surfaces and floors
• Always remove standing water, which provides a happy home for many pests
• Plant companion plants. Certain plants naturally repel insects and pests that bother other plants. For example, planting basil near tomatoes repels mosquitos, while marigolds repel pests and thwart nematodes.

Why Go Organic?

So, what are the benefits of organic pest control? Besides being safe to use around your home, you reduce the environmental impact of your pest control while also reducing the cost to your wallet. While not every pest infestation can be handled organically, there are plenty of safe ways that you can keep your yard free of pests and be friendly to the environment at the same time.