BOSTON — The red-tailed hawk from the New England Wildlife Center known as Falco returned to Beacon Hill on Monday as animal rights advocates promoted legislation to curtail the use of rodenticides that can be harmful across the food chain.
Falco clung onto the gloved hand of Zak Mertz, the center’s CEO, at the State House steps while surrounded by supporters who wore owl ear headbands and held posters that read, “Rat poison is raptor poison,” “Don’t poison our food” and “Say no to rat poison!!!”
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Backyards are a source of relaxation, family gatherings, and daily contact with nature. But when insects, rodents, or other pests take over, that peaceful environment can quickly turn into a constant battle.
The key to a healthy, low-stress garden is prevention. It’s about creating a space where plants thrive, soil is balanced, and conditions are less attractive to unwanted visitors. This approach doesn’t mean stripping your garden of character – it means designing and maintaining it so that beauty and function work together to reduce pest pressure naturally.
Start with soil health
Healthy plants resist pests more effectively than stressed ones, and soil is the foundation of their resilience. Testing your soil helps you understand its pH, nutrient levels, and structure. Once you have a baseline, you can add compost, organic matter, or natural fertilisers to improve the balance.
Two key areas to focus on for soil health are:
Aeration and drainage: Compacted soil traps water, creating the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and other pests. Aerating the soil and ensuring proper drainage can prevent these problems before they start.
Mulching: A natural mulch layer moderates soil temperature, locks in moisture, and reduces weed growth. Choose shredded bark, straw, or composted leaves instead of synthetic mulch to encourage earthworms and beneficial microbes.
Healthy soil doesn’t just feed your plants. It sets the stage for an entire garden ecosystem where pests are less likely to gain the upper hand.
Choose plants wisely
The type of vegetation you bring into your garden influences pest activity. Some plants act as magnets for insects, while others naturally repel them. By selecting the right mix, you create a balanced environment that supports pollinators but discourages destructive species.
Native plants: Adapted to local climates, native plants generally require fewer chemical treatments. They support beneficial insects, birds, and small mammals that help keep pest populations in check.
Herbs and fragrant plants: Lavender, basil, mint, and rosemary do more than add flavour to your cooking. Their strong scents make them less appealing to pests like mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
Trap plants: Some plants, like nasturtiums, can be intentionally planted to attract aphids and draw them away from vegetables or ornamental plants.
Strategic planting gives you a natural form of pest control while keeping your garden looking good.
Manage water sources carefully
Standing water is one of the fastest ways to attract pests, especially mosquitoes. A healthy backyard incorporates water thoughtfully without allowing stagnation.
Follow these tips to keep water sources in good condition:
Inspect containers regularly: Buckets, flowerpots, and even toys left outdoors can collect rainwater. Empty and clean them regularly.
Maintain birdbaths and fountains: Circulating pumps keep water moving, making it harder for insects to breed. Changing the water every few days can further reduce risks.
Water effectively: Overwatering grass and plants creates damp soil conditions that attract slugs, snails, and fungus. A drip irrigation system provides consistent moisture while minimising excess.
By being intentional with water, you preserve the habitat for birds and pollinators without opening the door to pest infestations.
Encourage natural predators
Instead of reaching for chemical sprays, think of your garden as a small ecosystem that benefits from predators who help control pests. Inviting these allies is one of the most effective long-term solutions when it comes to garden pest control.
Birds: Install feeders, nesting boxes, or native shrubs to attract species that feed on insects.
Bats: Just one bat can consume hundreds of insects in one night. Bat houses mounted on tall poles or structures provide safe roosting places.
Beneficial insects: Ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies are voracious consumers of aphids and caterpillars. You can buy them commercially or create conditions where they naturally thrive by avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides and planting flowering perennials.
When predators feel at home in your garden, they create balance without disrupting your lifestyle.
Keep grass and turf in check
Lawns are often overlooked in pest management strategies, but grass health plays a major role in overall garden wellness. Poorly maintained turf invites ants, grubs, and fungal diseases.
Mow regularly, but not too short: Cutting grass too low can stress the roots, making the lawn more vulnerable. A moderate height will shade the soil, discouraging weeds and pests.
Use natural fertilisers: Chemical fertilisers may encourage rapid growth but they can weaken grass root systems over time. Compost or slow-release organic fertiliser blends support steady, healthy grass.
Artificial turf options: In areas of your backyard prone to heavy pest activity, such as shaded, damp corners, consider installing patches of artificial turf. If installed thoughtfully it can eliminate soil and root issues in problem zones while blending seamlessly with natural grass .
Balanced turf care creates a solid foundation that helps to limit pest-friendly habitats in the garden.
Reduce hiding spots
Clutter and neglected areas of the garden are safe havens for rodents, ticks, and insects. Regular cleanup will mean that pests don’t have a chance to settle in.
Stack firewood away from the house: Keep it elevated and dry to deter termites and rodents.
Prune shrubs and trees: Overgrown branches create shade and dampness while providing bridges for pests to move closer to your home.
Tidy up storage spaces: Sheds, garages, and unused corners of the yard should be kept clean and sealed to prevent nesting.
When hiding spots are minimised, pests are forced to move on to more suitable environments.
Compost without attracting pests
Composting enriches soil and reduces household waste, but it must be managed properly. An open or poorly maintained compost bin can lure flies, rats, and other pests.
Balance greens and browns: Kitchen scraps (greens) should be layered with dry leaves or shredded paper (browns) to speed decomposition and limit odour.
Cover food waste: Bury scraps within the pile or cover with soil to discourage scavengers.
Choose a sealed bin: Closed systems with locking lids keep pests out while still producing rich compost for gardens.
When done correctly, composting is an asset to garden health, not a liability.
Use barriers and physical controls
Sometimes the simplest measures are the most effective. Physical barriers prevent pests from reaching plants without impacting on the local ecosystem. These can include:
Netting and row covers: Lightweight fabric keeps insects off vegetables and young plants while allowing sunlight and rain through. Make sure you choose bird-safe netting.
Raised garden beds: Elevating soil reduces access for crawling insects and small animals.
Fencing: A well-maintained fence discourages larger intruders such as rabbits.
These tactics add protection while blending into the natural design of your outdoor space.
Monitor and act early
The earlier you spot a pest problem, the easier it is to deal with. Make a habit of walking through your garden and inspecting plants, soil, and structures. Look for leaf damage, discolouration, or unusual activity.
Catch issues early: Hand-picking a few caterpillars from a plant is far easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation.
Document patterns: Keeping notes on seasonal pest appearances will help you anticipate future problems.
Rotate crops in vegetable beds: Avoid planting the same species in the same place year after year, as this encourages pests linked to specific plants.
Responsible use of treatments
There may be times when pest treatments are necessary, but the way they are used determines their impact on both the environment and long-term pest control.
Organic solutions: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and diatomaceous earth target specific pests without harming pollinators.
Spot treatment only: Instead of spraying an entire area, focus on affected plants.
Professional help: If infestations grow beyond your control, you could consult a pest control expert who can apply treatments safely and strategically.
Building long-term resilience
Maintaining a healthy backyard isn’t about one-time fixes. It’s about creating conditions that consistently favour garden health, diversity, and balance. With soil care, plant selection, water management, natural predators, and smart maintenance, you can enjoy a garden that resists pests naturally.
Over time, these habits will strengthen your garden’s ecosystem, making it easier to manage year after year. By focusing on prevention, you can create an outdoor retreat that looks good, feels good, and keeps pest problems at bay.
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks to dogs, cats, and even humans, such as Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis. While many pet parents love the idea of natural solutions instead of harsh chemicals, it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations of these methods for flea & tick prevention. Let’s look at what essential oils can repel pests and what else is needed for a comprehensive approach to eliminate the threat.
Essential Oils Repel Fleas and Ticks
Many natural remedies like essential oils work as natural insect repellants. In other words, they repel bugs, but they don’t kill them. These essential oils are often included in sprays, shampoos, and collars. Some of the most common essential oils used to combat fleas and ticks include:
Cedarwood
Lemongrass
Neem
Lavender
Rose geranium
Eucalyptus
Peppermint*
*See below for an important note about essential oil safety concerns for cats.
Limitations of Essential Oils
While essential oils have their place in flea and tick prevention, they are not foolproof because of their efficacy, how long they work, potential toxicity, and ability to repel – but not kill – fleas and ticks.
Inconsistent Treatment
Unlike pesticide treatments, essential oil products may not have standardized dosages or proven efficacy. This makes their results unpredictable. In fact, the effectiveness of natural remedies can vary widely based on:
Concentration
Formulation
Quality
Environmental conditions
Lifestyle (for example, a dog who swims a lot versus an indoor cat)
Short Duration of Protection
Essential oils tend to evaporate quickly and may require frequent reapplication—sometimes multiple times a day—to maintain their repellent effect. Not only is this impractical for many pet parents, but it can also mean inconsistent protection.
Safety Concerns
Some essential oils, including eucalyptus, peppermint, and rose geranium, can be toxic to animals, especially cats. Essential oils must always be diluted for use with animals and never applied directly to the skin. Always consult a veterinarian before using any essential oil product.
Why a Pesticide Is Still Necessary
Effective flea and tick protection requires a pesticide that kills fleas and ticks. Pesticides can be used in conjunction with essential oils and other botanicals. Pesticide-based flea and tick solutions are specifically designed to kill and repel pests reliably. They help protect dogs and cats from parasite-borne diseases and are:
Effective at targeting fleas and ticks as well as eggs and larvae
Long-lasting and reliable
Rigorously tested for safety and efficacy
Before using any flea and tick product on your pet, talk to a veterinarian to choose the right one. Always read the label carefully and follow all the instructions.
Try This Effective ADAMSTM Botanical Flea and Tick Spray
ADAMS™ Botanicals Flea & Tick Pet & Home Spray is the best of both worlds for pet parents who want to help protect dogs and cats from pests with a gentle yet effective solution. It uses a plant-based pesticide (derived from botanicals) that is EPA-approved, meaning it has been tested for efficacy and evaluated for safety, and providing effective protection. Just spray it on your dog, cat, and household pet areas to protect against unwanted pests. It’s powerful enough to kill fleas and ticks but gentle enough for daily use and leaves your pet smelling fresh.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
A pest control company that was accused of putting people and pets at risk in D.C. has agreed to pay the District nearly $140,000 in civil penalties and cleanup costs.
A Maryland-based pest control company that was accused of putting people and pets at risk in D.C. has agreed to pay the District nearly $140,000 in civil penalties and cleanup costs.
“Each pesticide has a label, and you have to apply pesticides in accordance with that label,” said D.C. Assistant Attorney General Wesley Rosenfeld.
Kenmore Pest Control & Termite Services was accused of ignoring safety regulations and laying down hazardous chemicals in areas that were easily accessible to children and animals. The company was also accused of allowing unlicensed employees to apply pesticides.
“Kenmore did not apply pesticides on several occasions in accordance with its label, which led to a risk to health and the environment,” Rosenfeld said.
WTOP reached out to the company for comment but did not receive a response.
According to the settlement, Kenmore agreed to pay out $125,000 in civil penalties and $12,000 to cover D.C.’s costs to clean up any environmental contamination.
The company was accused of improperly applying pesticides around two apartment complexes, including the Mayfair Mansion Apartments in Northeast and Columbia Heights Village in Northwest.
At Columbia Heights Village, the situation led to a dog being poisoned.
“On one occasion, a resident’s dog consumed the pesticide,” Rosenfeld said. “Our investigation showed that the dog was harmed and that the resident had incurred veterinary expenses.”
The dog is fine now, Rosenfeld added, but the owner did have to take the dog to the vet to have its stomach pumped.
At Mayfair Mansion Apartments, D.C. had to bring in crews for a substantial project to clean up the contaminated area.
“They dug up the soil and put it into barrels, which were then transported to the appropriate disposal facilities,” Rosenfeld said.
As part of the settlement, the company must ensure that all of its employees have the proper licenses with the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment.
Current employees “are barred from applying pesticides until they receive eight hours of continuing education training in pest management,” according to the settlement.
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D.C. Health’s two-day Rodent Control Academy teaches participants how rodents behave and best practices for managing them.
Standing in a park across the street from Western Market in Northwest D.C., John Caffo and Jac Winters scrutinized a series of holes next to the concrete sidewalk.
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At DC’s Rodent Control Academy, tips for managing infestations
All of the evidence, they concluded, pointed to rat activity. On one side, there’s a wide gap between the ground and the edge of the sidewalk. Nearby, there’s a round hole.
After taking notes, Caffo and Winters continued to make their way around the park and another nearby, writing down any characteristics that may attract rodent activity: trash cans, litter and water sources, among others.
The “field trip” near George Washington University’s campus, an exercise with the goal of inspecting rodent infestations, came on the second day of D.C. Health’s two-day Rodent Control Academy. The event, first convened in 2006, teaches participants how rodents behave and best practices for managing them.
Caffo’s been learning about rodents for years, he said. Winters, a property manager, wanted to learn as much as he could about rats, to make sure they don’t end up in his buildings.
“They’re smart,” Winters said. “They’re going to find their way in one way or the other, but it’s my job to make sure they don’t get into our building.”
The seminar is put on by D.C. Health’s Rodent and Vector Control Team and Urban Rodentologist Bobby Corrigan.
Corrigan said the District is “afflicted with rats” the same way Philadelphia and New York City are.
The rodents are smart, he said, and know which areas have the best food. Traps or poison are only marginally helpful, according to Corrigan, who said the majority of solutions are tied to environmental management, such as taking out the trash and using the trash can correctly.
“It’s an animal that can get into a lot of trouble quickly,” Corrigan said. “It can get into ceilings and chewing wires, causing electrical shorts, and if not, worse, even building fires. It’s an animal that can carry bugs on his body that jump off the rats and go to people. … We have to fight back with some really intelligent pathways ourselves.”
One way to do that, Corrigan said, is understanding the way they behave. It’s one reason Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Lynda Laughlin signed up for the academy. She represents an area in Adams Morgan that’s filled with businesses and restaurants.
She stressed the value of buying the right type of equipment, and “don’t do it cheap. Take a little bit of time to invest and fix the holes in your doorway,” Laughlin said.
Those taking part in D.C.’s Rodent Control Academy inspect a park for signs of infestation. (WTOP/Scott Gelman)
But, the syllabus for the seminar called humans’ challenges with rodents “a forever war,” she said, so, “It’s just about if we can keep at bay the growing population, because they’re never gonna go away.”
Maxine Linthicum Davis, one of Amtrak’s senior health specialists for the southeast region, said she attended to try and “get ahead of the game.” She’s expecting some of the guidance to be helpful as Union Station gets revamped.
At a different park near 21st and I Streets, she leaned over a fence to take a picture of a hole hidden between bushes. Now that she’s observed rat tendencies, she’s planning to tell her colleagues the company needs rodent-proof door sweeps for gaps under doors.
“Sometimes I see things just like, ‘Wow, that’s pretty incredible,’ how they can go underneath the platform and end up from one side to the opposite side of the block type of deal. It’s pretty incredible,” Caffo said.
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Although rollie pollies (also called pill bugs or potato bugs) usually eat decaying and decomposing plant matter, occasionally, pill bug numbers are high, and they can wreak havoc on a garden (and your favorite strawberries!). This post shares my favorite natural pill bug control methods.
To my great frustration, rollie pollies have destroyed countless seedlings in my garden. As an organic gardener, I’m unwilling to use pesticides to control pill bug numbers when they get out of balance, so I’ve had to get creative. These are my time-tested and favorite ways to keep pill bugs from killing my seeds and seedlings.
Best Organic Pill Bug Control Methods For the Home Gardener
1. Don’t give rollie pollies in the garden what they want
Pill bugs love strawberries.
Pill bugs prefer damp and dark hiding places. Try not to make life comfortable for them.
Remove wet leaves, fallen fruit, and dead plant matter from your garden. Try not to overwater your garden, as rollie pollies are also attracted to moisture.
This step can be helpful, but if you still have problems, keep reading through the rest of the ways to keep pill bugs from destroying your garden.
2. Set traps to get rid of rollie pollies in your garden
If an area of your garden has an overabundance of pill bugs, setting traps is an effective way to bring the numbers back in balance.Check traps daily, and remove and either discard or transplant the pill bugs to other areas of your yard.
EFFECTIVE WAYS TO TRAP PILL BUGS INCLUDE:
Citrus or fruit traps as a natural pill bug control method
Cut the fruit in half and place it face down in the affected area. The pill bugs will be drawn to the fruit. Check traps in the morning, and dig down a bit to collect the rollie pollies. Fruit can often be used for 2-3 days in a row.
Beer or yeast traps as a natural pill bug control method
Rollie pollies collected from yeast trap
Set a shallow container (such as a pie plate) with the rim flush to the ground; fill with beer or 1-2 Tb yeast dissolved in water. The rollie pollies will be drawn to the beer or yeast, fall in, and drown.
3. Make paper tube, newspaper, or duct tape collars how to get rid of rollie pollies in your garden
Sick of losing my seedlings to rollie pollie damage, I wrapped the stems in duct tape (sticky side out) and it worked! The seedlings are thriving with no pest damage to the stems. This technique is quick, simple, and effective. I’ve also used newspaper and toilet paper rolls as collars effectively.
Duct tape collar as a natural pill bug control method
Duct tape collar to prevent pill bug damage to plants
Wrap a small piece of duct tape (sticky side out) around the stem of a seedling. Bury one-half of the taped stem in the ground, leaving some of the tape above ground as well. Remove the tape when the stem grows larger to keep the tape from suffocating the stem.
Newspaper collar as a natural pill bug control method
Tear a couple-inch strip of newspaper and carefully wrap it around the seedling stem, burying some if possible. As the seedling grows, the paper will fall off — no need to remove it.
Paper collar to prevent pill bug damage to plants
Toilet paper tube collar as a natural pill bug control method
Slide the tube over the seedling and into the soil. It’s best to have the collar buried an inch or two below the soil.
Toilet paper tube collar to prevent pill bug damage to plants
I’ve had mixed success with this type of collar. Sometimes it works. Other times the pill bugs get inside the collar.
4. Overplant to overwhelm the rollie pollies in the garden
Certain crops are best started in the garden from seed,which makes using collar methods ineffective – the seedlings are often eaten before there is anything above ground to protect. When this happens, I usually try overplanting.
For example, instead of planting 1-2 seeds, I plant 3-4 seeds. In my experience, at least one of the seeds is overlooked or somehow protected by the other seedlings and not eaten by the rollie pollies — success!
If more than one seedling survives, thin additional seedlings by cutting at the soil level rather than pulling. (Pulling may disturb the roots of remaining seedlings.)
5. Use Slug & Snail Bait, Diatomaceous earth (DE), or Nematodes to combat pill bugs in the home garden
Using slug & snail bait to combat pill bug overpopulation:
Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait is OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) Listed. This bait is very effective in areas where rollie pollies are an issue. Use according to package directions. After planting beans twice, none came up. I sprinkled a small amount of this after replanting the third time and had beans emerge within days, undamaged.
Using diatomaceous earth (DE) to combat pill bug overpopulation:
Diatomaceous earth (DE) can be an effective means of controlling pill bug populations around your plants. DE is safe to handle (for animals and pets, too) but not to inhale – wear a mask while using.
DE, or diatomaceous earth, works to kill pill bugs by dehydrating them. Diatomaceous earth is made up of tiny fossilized aquatic organisms called diatoms. When pill bugs come into contact with DE, the sharp edges of the diatoms cut through the bug’s exoskeleton and absorb the moisture, causing the bug to dehydrate and die.
DE is commonly used in organic pest control because it is non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment. However, to ensure effective and safe usage, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label when using DE.
To use DE for pill bug control, apply a thin layer around their frequented areas, wear gloves and a mask, avoid windy conditions, and re-apply after rain. Apply in the late afternoon when the bugs are active and follow the product label for safe and effective results.
Using nematodes to combat pill bug overpopulation:
Nematodes are microscopic organisms that are often used as a natural method of controlling pests in gardens.
Specifically, the Steinernema carpocapsae nematode is effective at targeting and killing pill bugs. These nematodes are applied to the soil in the garden and penetrate the skin of the pill bug. Once inside, they release a bacteria that quickly kills the pill bug.
Using nematodes for pest control is considered a safe and environmentally friendly option as they only attack specific pests and do not harm beneficial insects or soil quality. However, it’s important to follow the application instructions carefully to ensure the nematodes are introduced properly.
Additionally, nematodes may not be as effective if the soil is too dry or too hot, so it’s important to monitor the environmental conditions in your garden to determine the best time to use this method.
Which natural pill bug control methods should you try in your home garden?
I’ve found the best way to bring pill bug numbers back into balance is by combining these methods. Effective methods for combating pill bug damage in a home garden include reducing favorable environmental conditions, creating physical barriers, using predators, manually removing the bugs, and using natural repellents.
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If you notice a moth in your closet, you might not give it much thought. But if you spot holes in your wool garments it’s time to take action!
Realising you have a moth situation on your hands, you will probably be wondering where they came from, how to get rid of them, and how to save the rest of your clothes from their hungry caterpillar larvae. This handy guide will teach you all about controlling moth infestations in your home.
Types of moths
Before you can win the battle against moths, it helps to know your enemy. There are a few different moth species that like to take up residence in homes and wreak havoc.
Clothes moths, as their name suggests, like to munch on fabrics. The two most common species are:
Common Clothes Moth. These moths have golden brown wings and are about 1/3 inch long. The larvae are the ones that cause damage to wool, furs, carpeting, and other natural fabrics as they munch with their tiny jaws. They leave behind messy webs and dark specks of excrement known as “frass.”
Case Bearing Clothes Moth. The larvae of these moths make themselves snug little sleeping bags out of your clothes fibres. They drag these protective cases around as they feed.
Pantry moths invade your food storage areas and can contaminate dried goods with their larvae and messy webs. Watch out for:
Indian Meal Moth. Identifiable by their reddish brown wings, these moths love to eat grains, cereals, nuts, dried fruits and more. Indian meal moths lay lots of eggs that hatch into tiny wormy larvae.
Flour Moths. Flour moths, as you might have guessed, feed on flour and other baking ingredients. They leave behind webbing and excrement in infested food products.
Other household moths
White-Shouldered House Moths. These moths don’t eat fabric but instead feed on dried food sources and organic debris like lint, hair, and dust bunnies.
Now that you know your moth adversaries, let’s take a look at the tell-tale signs so you can identify infestations.
Signs of moth infestations
Make sure you keep an eye out for these common indicators that moths have invaded your home:
Your clothes and other natural fabric items will be riddled with tiny holes. Upon closer inspection, you may find larvae, specks of frass, light webbing and cocoons where moths have been breeding. Ugh! If you spot these signs, you likely have clothes moths snacking on your garments. At this point it’s time to consider expert help and professional moth treatment.
Check any dried food goods for larvae crawling around packages or containers, webbing accumulating in containers or on food, and clumps of larvae excrement. If you find contaminated foods, immediately throw them out in a sealed container so more moths aren’t attracted. Give your pantry a thorough cleaning to get rid of any eggs or larvae.
Look out also for moths flying out of vents when you turn on heating or cooling, and swarms of moths in dark, secluded house areas. Seeing large numbers of household moths usually means you need to do a thorough cleaning of potential nesting sites in your home.
Now that you know what to look for when it comes to moth invaders, time to cover why these pesky insects can be harmful. This will give you some extra motivation to get your home moth-free.
Dangers and health hazards
While moths themselves don’t directly spread disease or pose serious health threats, they can cause other issues if left unchecked.
Some people may experience allergic reactions from touching moth larvae or adults. Reactions can include rashes, hives, blisters and facial swelling. If you suffer any concerning reactions after contact with moths, talk to your doctor. They can provide medication to help manage symptoms that could impact your family.
Moth larvae can cause costly damage as they chew through wool, furs, carpeting, and other prized textiles. Pantry moths can also contaminate a shocking amount of dried goods that ultimately need to be thrown out.
The mess created by moth larvae poses a fire hazard. One study showed that just 1/10th of an ounce of frass dust can fuel a damaging fire. This is just another great reason to get infestations under control.
Hopefully now you understand why sharing your home with moths isn’t ideal, especially if you are focused on raising a healthy family. Now get into some moth control methods to moth-proof your house.
Moth prevention tips
Prevention is way better than cure when it comes to handling moth predicaments. Here’s how to proactively guard against infestations:
Clothing
Get into the habit of washing or dry cleaning wool and other natural fabric items before storing them away after wearing. The perspiration and oils on worn garments attracts moths.
Place washed items directly into airtight containers or garment bags before putting them back into your closets. This deprives moths of the chance to lay eggs on them.
Periodically take clothing out of storage to air and check for any worrisome signs like larvae or holes. Catching an infestation early makes controlling it much easier.
Repellants
Hang moth-repellent sachets containing cedar, lavender, rosemary or other herbs in your closets and storage areas. These strong fragrances naturally deter moths.
Use cedar blocks, chips or moth-repellent paper in strategic areas where clothing is stored.
Food products
Inspect packages before purchasing dried goods. Check for any webbing, larvae or eggs to make sure products aren’t pre-infested.
Place incoming high-risk products like flour, rice and bird seed into airtight glass, metal or plastic containers. This removes access to the nutrient-rich foods moths seek.
Clean up any spilled grains, cereals or baking ingredients right away – don’t give moths an open food buffet!
Take inventory of your pantry stocks and use up already opened dried goods. Moths often gain access when packages have been open for a while.
Cleaning
Use vacuum attachments to thoroughly and frequently get rid of lint, pet fur, soil and hair inside heat ducts, attics and dark sheltered locations in the home.
Check around and under appliances for forgotten pet food or accumulated organic debris. Make sure to clean everywhere including places that are often forgotten.
Wash rugs, blankets, pet bedding and other textiles prone to collecting hair or dander regularly to discourage nesting sites.
Inspect for mildew spots, moisture or leaks that can breed mould or mildew that moths enjoy snacking on.
Getting rid of an existing moth infestation
When moths have already begun breeding and feeding in your home, stronger measures will be needed to gain control. Here are some ways to tackle existing infestations:
Moth eggs and larvae cannot survive extremes of hot or cold. Washing and drying clothes or other items at the highest heat settings will kill them. For more delicate items, sealing them in bags and popping them in the freezer for a few weeks destroys all life stages.
Traps infused with moth hormones are extremely effective at capturing roving adult moths. These crafty traps lure them in but prevent escape. Use traps anywhere you have observed moths flying about. Attracting the adults prevents mating and further reproduction.
Certain plant-derived insecticidal products are approved for safe use against fabric pests like moths. These usually contain compounds found in chrysanthemums. Always carefully read and precisely follow label directions with any control products to avoid damage to your belongings and health risks. It’s a good idea to you call in an expert exterminator for the best results when using insecticides.
Preventing future infestations
Keep vigilant with these moth control methods to avoid new infestations down the line:
Continue using cedar, essential oils, pheromone traps and vacant space management. Make these moth deterrence strategies part of your regular household routine.
Periodically check clothing, carpets and stored foodstuffs for signs like larvae, nests or faecal specks. Catching an infestation in initial stages makes clearing it out much easier.
Follow sanitation advice such as strong vacuum suction of cracks and crevices, eliminating moisture problems, and removing pet hair and dander. Remember, tidy homes don’t attract moths.
Conclusion
As you’ve now learned, moths may appear harmless, but require some major pest management considerations once they start targetting your home. While moth larvae happily munch their way through clothes, carpets and foodstuffs, causing damage, allergic reactions or fire risks, control is very achievable.
Armed with knowledge of the main moth troublemakers, what attracts them and how to deter their interest, you can now stay one step ahead. Applying preventative and monitoring steps combined with timely professional extermination at the first sign of infestation will undoubtedly protect your belongings and sanity! With a little diligence, you can defend your home from moth invasion for good.
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Sure, mice might be cute in cartoons, but in real life, they chew wires, turn pantries into buffets, and can pose some serious health threats. Not as cute anymore, right? But fear not — we’ve got the lowdown on the eight best mouse repellents that go way beyond the old-school traps (because, after all, those are pretty harsh). Think natural alternatives like peppermint oil and ultrasonic tunes — no, not the latest hits, but sounds that’ll make mice wish they’d hang out elsewhere. This guide spills the tea on those not-so-ordinary solutions that mess with the mice’s senses, making your place their last choice to call home. So, say goodbye to the downsides of sharing space with these little critters. Get ready to take back control, kick back, and enjoy a mouse-free, stress-free living zone both in and outside of your house with these creative solutions. Like the saying goes “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here!”
How much would it take to let hundreds of bugs roam around your home for a month?
A North Carolina-based pest control resource company, The Pest Informer, is looking for a household that will let them release 100 American cockroaches inside to test the effectiveness of a pest control technique.
In return for your participation, the company is offering to pay one homeowner $2,500.
While The Pest Informer didn’t give additional details about the specific cockroach treatment they would be trying for the experiment, the company assured candidates that the treatment used would be family and pet-safe.
However, the company said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency questioned the environmental impact of the study, which is why they are choosing to conduct the study in one household at a time.
The experiment will be conducted over 30 days, and if the roaches aren’t eliminated by the end of the study The Pest Informer said it would then implement traditional roach removal practices at no charge.
During the 30 days, participants must not use any other cockroach treatments.
U.S. residents who wish to be considered must fill out an online application by December 31, according to USA Today, and can expect to hear back in early 2024.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Nixalite of America Inc. is offering tips and products to keep unwanted pests from ruining the holiday weekend’s festivities.
East Moline, IL, May 26, 2016 (Newswire.com)
– As people across the country enjoy the outdoors for Memorial Day, Nixalite of America Inc. is offering tips and products to help its customers stay pest-free.
TIPS ON STAYING PEST-FREE These easy steps will ensure your Memorial Day weekend is pest-free:
Nixalite offers a wide range of products that will help keep pests away this Memorial Day weekend.
- Keep all food/drink containers and trash cans tightly sealed
– Mow yards and trim vegetation
– Wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants will keep mosquitoes from biting
– Remove any standing water from bird baths, gutters, etc. so that mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed
– Search for wasp, bee, and yellow jacket nests before festivities begin
– Avoid drinking beer (Studies show that mosquitoes are more attracted to those drinking beer!)
HOW NIXALITE CAN HELP YOU BE PEST-FREE Nixalite offers a wide range of products that will help keep pests away this Memorial Day weekend:
Liquid and Granular Repellents Nixalite of America Inc’s pest repellent products repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other flying insects. These products are easy to use and are safe for people, pets, and plants.
Copper Blocker Access Control Nixalite’s Copper Blocker keeps small birds, bats, rodents, and insects from getting through cracks and other openings of your home. And it’s currently on sale!
Premium Stainless Steel Bird Spikes Insects are the only pests that can ruin your Memorial Day – birds can wreak havoc as well! Nixalite’s Premium Bird Spikes will help deter all types of birds from just about any location.
IGEBA TF-35 Thermal Fogger If you have a large area that is being infested by insects or birds, Nixalite’s IGEBA Thermal Foggers are the perfect solution. This lightweight and portable fogger is capable of applying 11 gallons of solution per hour and is currently on sale!
ABOUT NIXALITE OF AMERICA INC. Nixalite is the leading manufacturer of effective and humane pest bird and wildlife control products. Established in 1950, Nixalite is a third generation family owned firm with over 150 years of combined experience.
For more information, visit https://www.nixalite.com .
