11 Super Safe and Effective Non-Toxic Pest Control Methods

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Hey there, THC readers! Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to safe and effective non toxic pest control methods? The THC team has got you covered!

Today, we will be breaking down some natural solutions for ridding your home of pests, like using essential oils, DIY traps, natural bug-repellant sprays, and helpful preventative measures.

Best Non-Toxic Pest Control Methods, in a nutshell…

What Are The Harmful Health Effects of Chemical Pesticides?
The Best Store-Bought Natural Pesticides
What Are Some Preventative Measures for Long-Term Pest Control?
Best DIY Non-Toxic Pest Control Methods
When To Seek Professional Help

Have you ever been enjoying a cozy evening at home when suddenly, a sneaky little roach scurries across the floor? Or maybe an army of ants has unexpectedly taken over your kitchen.

You reach for that can of bug spray, ready to unleash chemical warfare on these annoying little intruders. But hold on a minute! Put down that can of toxic bug spray. Did you know that the contents of that can could be doing more harm than good?

That’s right! Many common household pesticides are loaded with toxic chemicals that can really mess with your health and the environment. From skin irritation and respiratory problems to potential links to serious illnesses. The risks associated with a lot of pesticides are not to be taken lightly.

If you are tired of sharing your home with uninvited creepy crawlies but shudder at the thought of using harsh chemicals around your loved ones, where do you turn? Fear not! There are a lot of ways to keep pests in check without compromising your and your family’s health.

You’ve come to the right place because we’re eager to share all of our tricks for safe and effective non toxic pest control methods. Everything from essential oils, to DIY traps, non toxic pest control products, and good old-fashioned housekeeping tips.

Get ready to discover a whole new world of natural pest control!

What Are The Harmful Health Effects of Chemical Pesticides?

Several chemicals commonly found in household bug sprays, powders, and pesticides can pose significant risks to your health. Here are some notorious culprits to look out for:

Pyrethroids: These synthetic versions of natural pyrethrins found in chrysanthemum flowers are often touted as less toxic than other options. But don’t be fooled! They can still cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and headaches with high exposure. Look for permethrin, cyfluthrin, and deltamethrin on product labels.

Organophosphates: These sneaky chemicals can disrupt the nervous system, causing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches, and muscle weakness. In severe cases, they can even lead to respiratory failure and death! Examples include malathion, dichlorvos, and chlorpyrifos.

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide): You likely have heard of this controversial ingredient. While it’s effective at deterring mosquitoes and other biting insects, some studies suggest potential links between high DEET exposure and neurological issues like headaches, dizziness, and tremors. You’ll especially want to avoid this ingredient if you’re pregnant, as there is growing research raising concerns about the impact of DEET exposure on fetal development.

Neonicotinoids: These newer insecticides are not only suspected of harming beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators but are also likely to pose risks to human health. Similar to their effect on insects, neonicotinoids affect the human nervous system and disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and related health issues.

Even if you’re not directly handling or applying these chemicals, pesticide use still comes with hidden dangers. Residues from sprayed pesticides can linger on surfaces and in the air. This can lead to chronic low-level exposure that can negatively impact your health over time.

These sneaky pesticides can also contribute to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home, potentially causing respiratory problems and headaches. If you’re living in a poorly ventilated space, the risks are even higher.

If all of this isn’t enough to dissuade you from using chemical pesticides, you might also want to know that overusing pesticides indoors can backfire big time. Pests can develop resistance, making them harder to control in the future. It’s like creating a breed of super-bugs that are totally unaffected by bug repellants!

Who Is Most At Risk?

Children, with their developing bodies and tendency to put things in their mouths, are particularly vulnerable.

Pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems should also avoid using these chemical pesticides. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to potential birth defects and developmental issues.

So, What’s The Solution?

Always check the label of any product you use and follow the instructions carefully, including wearing appropriate protective gear is recommended.

Better yet, opt for non chemical pest control methods whenever possible. This way, you can minimize your exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and create a safer environment for your family and pets.

Our 11 Favorite Store-Bought Natural Pesticides

Looking for a ready-made natural pest control spray for home? These organic pest control products are made from natural, non-synthetic ingredients and offer a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to toxic pesticides.

These products are made from ingredients derived from plants, minerals, or other naturally occurring materials and work by using biological controls such as scents, tastes, and natural oils combined with safer, green chemicals to stop pests in their tracks.

1. Wondercide

Shop Wondercide Direct

Buy On Amazon

Say goodbye to pesky ants, roaches, fleas, and ticks with Cedarwood Indoor Pest Control.

This super effective, non toxic pest control spray is infused with natural cedarwood essential oil, leaving your home smelling fresh while kicking pests to the curb.

It’s a triple threat, killing, repelling, and preventing a whole host of household pests, including flies, moths, earwigs, and spiders.

This spray doesn’t contain any artificial colors or synthetic fragrances – just pure, unadulterated essential oils doing what they do best.

Plus, when used as directed, it’s safe for pets and humans alike. No more worrying about harsh chemicals or toxic residues!

Price

$36.99

Active ingredients

Cedarwood Oil

location/shipping

United States

2. Premo Guard

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Premo Guard’s All Purpose Pest Control Spray is your one-and-done choice for natural, effective pest control.

This enzyme-based formula is all about steering clear of harsh chemicals without sacrificing effectiveness.

Not just an insect repellant, this spray kills insects on contact. And no more juggling multiple sprays for different pests.

This all-purpose spray gives you quick relief from insect pests, including ants, roaches, spiders, bed bugs, and mites.

It’s our top all-around best pest control spray for homes.

Price

$29.97

active ingredients

Clove Oil, Cottonseed Oil

location/shipping

United States

3. Cedarcide

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Cedarcide is formulated with 10% cedar oil and hydrated silica, ensuring a powerful punch against pesky critters without any of the scary chemicals found in traditional pest control products.

This spray is great for families with little ones and furry friends. You can spray it directly on your skin, clothing, pets, and around your home without worrying about toxic ingredients harming your loved ones.

And get this – it doesn’t just repel insects. It kills them dead in all stages of life. From fleas and ticks to mosquitoes, bed bugs, and mites.

Cedarcide is made in small batches to ensure quality and sustainability.

One of the best eco-friendly pest control methods, it is the perfect choice for anyone looking to keep pests at bay without harming the environment.

Price

$46.50 (on sale for $42.00)

active ingredients

Cedar Oil, Hydrated Silica

location/shipping

United States

4. Green Gro

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Made with a trifecta of plant-based superstars: rosemary oil, clove oil, and lemongrass oil, this Green Gro Home Pest Control Spray is effective against a whole host of pests, including ants, roaches, spiders, and flies.

Safe for everyone in your family – both the two-legged and four-legged variety.

You can use this spray around your children and pets without worrying about harsh chemicals.

We love the pleasant, natural aroma that makes your home smell like a spa retreat. We think you’re going to love it too!

Price

$18.99

Active Ingredients

Cedarwood Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Rosemary Oil, Clove Oil, Lemongrass Oil

location/shipping

United States

What Are Some Preventative Measures for Long-Term Pest Control?

Keep It Clean: Proper sanitation and food storage methods are the foundation of natural pest control in your home. They essentially create an environment unattractive and unsuitable for pests, making your home a less appealing target.

Reduce Food Sources: Food crumbs, spills, and grease left behind attract pests like ants, roaches, and mice. Store pet food in sealed containers. Keep fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator or designated baskets, discarding overripe produce promptly.

Eliminate Hiding Places: Pests thrive in cluttered spaces that provide them with shelter and breeding grounds. Reduce clutter in pantries, cabinets, and under sinks. Store boxes and other items in sealed containers if possible.

Seal Entry Points: Small cracks and gaps around pipes, windows, and doors allow pests to enter. Seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Fix Leaks: Moisture attracts many pests, including roaches and silverfish. Address leaky faucets, pipes, and condensation issues as quickly as possible.

By implementing these practices, you’ll reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Natural methods become more effective when pests have fewer reasons to be attracted to your home in the first place.

5. Safer Brand

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Safer Brand Home Pest Control Spray harnesses the power of natural essential oils like clove oil, lemongrass oil, and thyme oil to create a potent bug-busting formula that’s safe for your home and everyone in it.

But don’t let the natural ingredients fool you – Safer Brand means business when it comes to getting rid of bugs!

This quick-acting spray can kill 100% of ants, flies, and roaches within just 3 minutes. And, it targets a wide range of common household pests, including spiders, silverfish, fleas, and more.

It has a mild, non-offensive odor that dries without leaving a sticky residue, making it suitable to use all over your home.

Price

$13.99

active ingredients

Clove Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Thyme Oil

location/shipping

United States

6. Eco Defense

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Eco Defense’s USDA Biobased Pest Control Spray is the natural choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

Their spray is formulated with plant-derived goodness and boasts a USDA biobased certification. When used as directed, it’s safe to use around children and pets.

Taking on all sorts of household villains like ants, roaches, spiders, and other creepy crawlies, this fast-acting and long-lasting formula not only eliminates pests but continues to keep them away.

It has a mild, refreshing aroma that’ll make your home smell like a garden retreat! Certainly not your standard bug spray.

Price

$19.95

Active ingredients

Cedarwood Oil, Cinnamon Oil

location/shipping

United States

7. Grandpa Gus

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We can’t say enough about how well this spray eliminates ants, roaches, and spiders on contact.

And unlike many traditional pest control sprays that leave your home smelling like a chemical factory, Grandpa Gus’s Ant, Roach, and Spider Killer Spray has a light, fresh, citrusy scent that’ll make you forget you’re even using a bug spray.

Harnessing the power of plant-based ingredients like geraniol and lemongrass oil makes it the perfect option for anyone who wants to avoid the harsh chemicals found in many pesticides.

We especially love that you don’t have to worry about any greasy residue or stains on your surfaces. This non-staining formula is suitable for use all around your home, even your furniture.

Price

$18.99

active ingredients

Geraniol Oil, Lemongrass Oil

location/shipping

United States

8. EcoLogic

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If you’re tired of sharing your home with uninvited guests like ants, roaches, and spiders, you’ve got to try EcoLogic’s Ant & Roach Killer.

Formulated with plant-derived essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon, and clove, this bug spray doesn’t contain any questionable chemicals.

It tackles various creepy crawlies, including ants, roaches, crickets, and spiders.

And get this: it not only kills pests on contact but also disrupts their pheromone trails, helping to prevent future infestations. It’s like having a moat all around your home, keeping intruders out.

We appreciate that this spray is effective to use both indoors and outdoors, making it a good choice for taking preventative measures to keep bugs from entering your home.

Price

$19.99

active ingredients

Cornmint Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Clove Oil

location/shipping

United States

9. Mighty Mint

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Ugh! Is anything worse than seeing a cockroach running across your kitchen floor?! If this has happened to you, add this bug spray to your cart immediately.

Mighty Mint Cockroach Repellent Natural Peppermint Oil Spray is going to be your secret weapon against these “indestructible” bugs.

Relying on the power of peppermint oil, don’t let the refreshing scent and natural ingredients fool you. This spray will kill roaches immediately upon contact. It also helps eliminate established infestations and keeps them from coming back.

If you have a major infestation, you can use this spray alongside other methods like baits and traps for a multi-pronged approach. Cockroaches have no escape!

Price

$18.98

main ingredients

Peppermint Oil, Gerinol

location/shipping

United States

When Should I Seek Professional Help?

Here are some signs that indicate you may need to seek professional help for pest control rather than relying on DIY methods:

Large Numbers of Pests: If you see a significant number of pests, especially indoors, it suggests a well-established infestation that might be difficult to control on your own.

Signs of Breeding: Evidence like nests, eggs, or droppings in multiple locations indicates a breeding population requiring professional intervention for effective control.

Difficult to Identify Pests: If you’re unsure about the type of pest you’re dealing with, a professional can help identify it and recommend the most appropriate treatment method.

No Improvement After Consistent Effort: If you’ve tried several DIY methods for a reasonable amount of time and haven’t seen any improvement, it’s time to call in the professionals.

10. Simple Source

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Looking for a safe and effective way to protect your furry friends from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos?

SimpleSource Flea & Tick Home & Pet Spray is the plant-powered solution you’ve been looking for!

This incredible spray is formulated with natural ingredients like lemongrass and cedarwood oil, giving you peace of mind while keeping your fur babies happy.

SimpleSource isn’t just effective – it’s also completely safe for use on both dogs and cats.

While it’s always a good idea to check with your vet before trying any new product, SimpleSource’s commitment to natural ingredients makes it a great choice for pet owners looking for a safer alternative to harsh chemicals.

Price

$19.99

active ingredients

Lemongrass Oil, Cedarwood Oil

location/shipping

United States

11. Rooted

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Attention all plant parents! Are you tired of gnats and fungal diseases wreaking havoc on your precious plants?

Rooted Organic Pest Control is one of our favorite natural pest control methods for plants! This multi-purpose, organic pest control is made with 100% pure cold-pressed neem oil and is ready to tackle a whole host of common pests and diseases.

This fantastic bundle comes with a 2 oz reusable glass bottle of non chemical pest control for plants and a 16 oz spray bottle. Just add a few drops of the neem oil into the spray bottle, and you’re ready to go.

Plus, it’s 100% organic, meaning it’s safe to use around your precious plants without any icky toxic chemicals.

Price

$30.00 (on sale for $25.00)

active ingredients

100% Cold Pressed Neem Oil

location/shipping

United States

Best DIY Non-Toxic Pest Control Methods

Essential Oils

If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of unwanted pests, essential oils can be your secret weapon! These potent plant extracts are known for their pest-repelling properties and can be used safely and effectively in your home.

Eucalyptus Lemon and Catnip Oil are good for keeping mosquitoes and ticks away. In fact, one study found catnip oil to be even more effective than DEET!

Geranium and Basil Oil are your best bet against wasps, ticks, lice, gnats, flies, and mosquitoes.

Cedarwood, Peppermint, Lavender, Spearmint, Patchouli, Thyme, and Hyssop Oil cover a wide range of pests, from aphids and lice to slugs, spiders, mice, moths, gnats, and beetles. Cedarwood is particularly great for controlling aphids, lice, and slugs.

Neem Oil acts as a natural pesticide and insect repellent for mosquitoes and various biting insects when applied to the skin. Tea Tree Oil is known for suppressing the growth of parasites like fleas, leeches, lice, and ticks.

How to Use Essential Oils As Natural Pest Control Methods

Got roaches? Mix eucalyptus or tea tree oil with water and spray affected areas.

Are ants bugging you? Mix water with spearmint, peppermint, or lemon oil and spray in food preparation areas.

Are flies driving you crazy? Place drops of rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, or basil oil on a sponge in a jar. Are mosquitoes ruining your outdoor fun? Spray a mixture of citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, and tea tree oil around the area.

With these essential oil tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be saying goodbye to pests and hello to a healthier, happier home!

Safety Tips:

Ensure you are using therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Also, be sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or in a spray mixture to avoid skin irritation.
If you have young children or curious pets, we recommend avoiding using essential oils as pest control methods around the house since they can trigger unexpected allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
Consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

DIY Traps

For catching fruit flies, you can create a trap using dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and hot water.

Mix a little dish soap with apple cider vinegar in a glass, filling it one-third of the way.
Then, add hot water to create a layer of bubbles on top.
This mixture attracts fruit flies, and the soap decreases the water’s surface tension, trapping them.

For an effective homemade ant trap, mix Borax with powdered sugar and place the solution near ant entry points.

The sugar attracts the ants, while the Borax acts as a toxin.
Ensure regular replacement of the mixture to maintain effectiveness and keep it out of reach of pets and children for safety.

Other Household Ingredients To Try

Baking Soda for Various Garden Pests: Baking soda isn’t just for baking! This versatile ingredient is a powerhouse when it comes to pest control in your garden. It’s like kryptonite for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Just whip up a simple mixture of baking soda, cooking oil, and water, and spray it on your plants. It’ll take care of those pesky pests without harming the good guys like beneficial insects. Talk about a win-win!

Diatomaceous Earth for Cockroaches: Say goodbye to creepy crawly roaches with diatomaceous earth (DE)! This non-toxic powder is like a roach’s worst nightmare. It damages their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and bid farewell to this world.

Coffee Grounds for Repelling Various Critters: Your morning cup of joe can do more than just wake you up – it can also keep pests at bay! Used coffee grounds have a strong smell that various critters find offensive.

Sprinkle those grounds in areas where pests are likely to enter, and they’ll think twice about setting foot in your home. Plus, you’re putting those leftover coffee grounds to good use instead of tossing them in the trash.

A Great Alternative, But Not An Instant Fix

We’ll admit that eco friendly pest control products don’t always provide an instant fix like chemical sprays and require more vigilant application. And not all natural methods work for every pest. It’s important to do your homework and choose the right approach for your specific invader.

But more often than not, they get to the root of the problem. Plus, pests are less likely to develop resistance to natural methods compared to constantly evolving chemical options.

What Safety Precautions Do I Need To Consider When Using A Non Toxic Pest Control For Home?

While generally considered less harsh than chemical pesticides, natural methods can still be harmful if not used correctly.

Essential Oils: Though some essential oils may repel pests, they can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems, especially for children, pets, and individuals with sensitivities.

Diatomaceous Earth: While considered safe for humans and pets when used as directed, inhaling concentrated dust can irritate airways.

Borax: While effective against certain pests, it can be toxic if ingested and should never be used around children or pets.

Combining different natural methods or using them alongside other cleaning products can lead to unforeseen interactions or reactions. This is especially important to consider if you have children, pets, or respiratory sensitivities in your household.

Following safety instructions carefully minimizes these risks.

This was your full guide to safely rid your home of insects and other pests.

We hope that now you’re feeling confident that there are a lot of safe and easy ways to keep your home pest-free that don’t require exposing your home and your family to dangerous chemicals.

By embracing safe and effective alternatives like essential oils, DIY traps, and preventative measures, you can create a pest-free home where you can breathe easily. Plus, by using eco-friendly pest control products and implementing simple housekeeping practices, you can prevent pest infestations before they start.

So, what’s the next? Start incorporating some of these natural pest control methods into your home maintenance routine. Whether you choose to experiment with essential oil blends, set up DIY traps, or simply keep your home clean and clutter-free, every effort counts!