Natural Insecticides For Pets And People

Natural insecticides are popularly used in our gardens, homes and yards. But did you know there are natural alternatives for insect repellants for people and pets too? You certainly want to avoid the danger of disease and the aggravation of flying insects and bug bites but you may also fear using chemicals on your skin or on your pets and children.

Luckily, natural insecticides are just as effective as commercial sprays and lotions yet are not as toxic. It is commonly recommended to protect yourself with a mosquito repellent that has DEET in it. However, even though this chemical is effective, many fear exposing themselves and their family to it. If you feel the same way, you should look into the natural insecticides you can choose instead such as some of the ones listed below.

For example, there is a mosquito repellent you can buy which is made of water, vanillin, and natural oils. Another is an herbal patch which you wear for 24 hours and then receive protection for 36 hours. Yet another natural insecticide for humans is made from mint, rosemary, sage, wormwood, and lavender and repels chiggers, ticks and fleas.

To repel biting insects mix skin lotion with aloe vera gel and add citronella, patchouli oil and eucalyptus oil. Shake the ingredients in a bottle and apply it on your skin. If you are unfortunate enough to get a case of the bed bugs, wash your skin with soap and water and then use neem oil to get rid of the pesky critters.

When your dear pet brings fleas into your house, to get rid of them, dust your carpet and floors with boric acid. Then wait a week and vacuum. Diatomaceous Earth, pyrethrum and rotenone spray will get rid of fleas, ticks and lice in your home. Neem can be applied directly to your pet to rid him of flees. You can also use diluted orange oil or purchase an herb based flea collar. To help your pet stay pest free you can add brewer's yeast, flaxseed oil, and fresh garlic to his meals.

Nobody wants to be bothered by pesky bugs. Not only are they bothersome, they can transmit disease. Protect yourself and your family the non-toxic way with natural insecticides. Natural insecticides are becoming much more popular and it is easy to find them in stores or online both for human and pet use. Just remember that all natural does not necessarily mean that it will not be harmful in some way so be sure to follow directions closely to avoid skin or eye irritation. Never apply a natural insecticide to yourself or to your pet without first confirming that it is safe to do so.

Malaria surge feared

The WHO releases action plan to tackle the spread of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.

Both sides now

In 1874, the Swiss chemist Paul Muller synthesized a white, crystalline, tasteless and almost odorless substance. It was long after in 1939 that the substance’s insecticide properties were discovered. It was then used with great success to control malaria, lice and other illnesses among soldiers and civilians in World War 3. Less than a decade after, Muller was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in ...

‘Silent Spring’ celebration May 27

Silent Spring , the best-selling book authored by biologist and nature writer Rachel Carson, helped launch the environmental movement by exposing the dangers of pesticides.

Bluebirds threatened

According to an eye-witness in Marshall County, a family of Eastern Bluebirds was recently murdered just outside of Moundsville. The mother and father bird are reported as missing but the three healthy chicks, just days before their first lessons in flight, were found with their heads pecked in. The suspect seen leaving the bird house was, of course, a European Sparrow.

UConn Torrington Extension Center: Organic gardening, versus pesticides

Let’s talk a little about what organic gardening is and what it is not. Let’s talk a little about what organic pesticides are and what they are not.

As Ontario birds vanish, droppings offer clues

A giant pile of solidified bird droppings at the bottom of a century-old chimney may hold clues behind a mysterious decline in the populations of some common Ontario bird species.