With concerns about the health of the environment on the rise, people and companies alike are starting to take steps to leave less of a footprint. Some solutions are simple, like recycling and using less plastic. When it comes to pest control, however, the solution hasn’t always been so clear cut. In recent years, professional pest control companies as well as products manufactured for the home consumer, have been making strides to be greener. What are some of the ways we’ve lessened our impact while creating less toxicity? Here are some of the most trending solutions.

Safer Insecticides?

For over a decade, companies have been striving to make pesticide solutions that are gentler to our environment. Research has been done on ways to harness fungus as a means of attacking pesky insects on farmer’s fields. This solution would remove the need for modern chemicals and create a safer role. Insecticides, by and large, are still a necessary part of the process, especially when it comes to global food supplies. For home users, one way to reduce the impact of chemicals in the ecosystem is to use treatments that specifically target one species, instead of a product designed to cast a wide net on killing. Specified treatments that target only the affected areas reduce the number of harmful chemicals put into your yard.

Essential Treatments

Essential oil use has increased dramatically over the last decade. It comes as no surprise then, that individuals and companies alike are turning to essential oil-based formulas as a method for pest control. Peppermint is often noted to be highly effective on spiders and roaches, while eucalyptus is thought to repel pests due to its strong smell. Some pesticide companies even offer green sprays made primarily with garlic oil as a natural deterrent. Garlic is also often advocated by gardeners as a good plant to have in your garden for its repellent properties.

Best Offense is a Good Defense

There’s a lot of buzz in the pest control industry around Integrated Pest Management. This system to pest control puts the environment at the forefront and looks at ways to prevent and eliminate pests before chemicals are needed. This process can include blocking entries that the pests may have into your home, as well as planting or trimming vegetation that can help deter pests. Other good steps involve sealing garbage cans and removing standing water. When these steps are taken, many times, the need to use insecticides is reduced. When chemicals are needed, they are then deployed in a limited manner and used only where and when needed. This approach keeps as many chemicals out of the environment as possible while still taking effective steps to combat any potential problem.

Final Thoughts

Pest control can be a tricky business. Experience has allowed us to gain a greater understanding of the products that we use and the impact they have on the surrounding ecosystem. Research into safer products is turning up innovative solutions, while natural preventions and defensive strategies allow us to prevent a problem before it arises. Continuing to develop greater understanding and research into these elements is sure to turn up greener solutions to a healthy, pest-free lifestyle and a safe planet.