Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease; in the 1980 and 1990s, termite and pest control professionals used Propoxur to eliminate bedbugs Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease; in the 1980 and 1990s, termite and pest control professionals used Propoxur to eliminate bedbugs. But this chemical, while effective, may also be dangerous for children breathing it in. It is also toxic to birds, aquatic species, and honeybees. Because of the negative effects of this and other chemicals, the demand for green pest control has grown tremendously in recent years. Are green methods as effective as chemicals? And how can you be greener at home and in your yard?

One of the first questions that people have about environmentally-friendly pest control is, “Does it work?” The answer is both yes, and sometimes. Some green products and pesticides are not as effective as chemicals. This is why we are seeing a resurgence in bedbugs, for instance. The EPA banned Propoxur, and green remedies were not able to eradicate the problem as effectively. This doesn’t mean that they don’t work or aren’t the best choice in any number of situations. In fact, green pest removal is an excellent and effective method of removal or elimination.

The best Brevard County pest control service companies will offer a blend of solutions. Green products are used first. If the infestation is stubborn or resistant to these methods, a more friendly, “low impact” chemical is used. This combination provides the best of both worlds, greatly reducing environmental impact while keeping pests out of your home.

There are also steps you can take to make sure your home and yard are as healthy and green as possible:

• If you notice fleas in your home, sprinkle salt on the affected area and leave for a few hours. Then, vacuum up the salt – and the fleas.

• Check your produce garden for pests. Aphids can be dealt with simply by spraying your plants with a hose; cabbage worm eggs can be taken care of by dropping the light green larvae into a cup of soapy waters. Many gardeners also treat their plants with soapy water.

• Dig a small hole and bury a cup or jar of beer. This will attract and kill slugs.

• Treat bedbug infestations with steam and heat.

• Keep mosquitoes at bay by eliminating standing or stagnant water from your yard.

• Trim shrubbery, plants, and trees at least 6 to 8 inches from your home.

• Remove unnecessary wood. While decorative, they are also great homes for a variety of pests.

• To get rid of roaches, put boric acid where they frequent. The boric acid has half the toxicity of table salt, but it is deadly for roaches. You can also bait ants with boric acid.

• Seal up cracks and holes in your home.

• Make sure food, pet food, compost, and trash are sealed tightly to discourage rodents and pests

Natural green pest control can work very effectively, and when infestations are too much for you to handle on your own, Slug-A-Bug offers effective environmentally friendly pest control services.