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These products
contain a range of poisons, which may cause serious damage to people, pets
and wildlife. They can also cause other problems, such as destruction of
beneficial insects, development of pest resistance, and environmental
contamination.
Common sense and a little extra care around the house and garden can reduce
or eliminate pests and weeds. For example, keep a clean garden by removing
dead leaves, debris, wood and weeds; remove and destroy infected plants; use
barriers and traps once you can identify specific pests; and encourage
beneficial organisms like ladybugs, praying mantis, etc.
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PRODUCT ALTERNATIVES |
| Household
Plant Pesticides |
Apply soapy
water to leaves, rinse. |
| Garden
Pesticide |
Use
biological controls, such as ladybugs for aphid control; 1/4 cup cayenne
pepper in 1 pint water to spray on garden plants. |
| Herbicides
|
Hand-pull
weeds or mulch generously; cover garden with plastic in fall to prevent
weed seed germination; cultivate with a hoe. |
| Rodent
Bait |
Get a cat;
sprinkle chopped bay leaves and cucumber skins around cracks and
crevices; use a trap. |
| Insect
Repellent |
Put up
screens; wear protective clothing; drink brewers yeast (if you are not
allergic to it); some commercial bath oils; plant pansies around
occupied areas or use lavender oil on your skin. |
|
Fertilizers |
Use peat moss
or compost; use organic fertilizers containing blood or fish meal (high
in nitrogen) or bone meal (high in phosphorus). |
| Moth Balls |
Cedar chips;
dried lavender.
|
| Roaches
|
Smear grease
or Vaseline around inside the rim of jar containing a banana. Make a
ramp with a tongue depressor. Pests are attracted by food; but are
trapped and die. |
| Snails &
Bugs |
Put out
shallow pan containing beer in infested area; overturn clay pots to lure
snails from heat, capture and collect them, then stomp on them.
|
| Ant
Control |
Pour a line
of cream of tartar, red chili pepper, paprika, or dried peppermint where
ants enter house
|
| Flea &
Tick Repellent |
Feed pets
brewers yeast, vitamin B and Garlic tablets; sprinkle fennel, rue and
rosemary near pet's resting area to repel fleas. |
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