Try growing these herbs in around the edges of your house to deter pests:

• Mint
• Basil
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Lemongrass

Love pets? Cats are natural mice deterrents. An outside cat is an effective way to send rodents running. Already have an inside cat? Consider letting him/her outside every so often. Of course, if you're building a new home or adding on, that is the perfect time to put in a little extra proactive pest control. An airtight home is naturally more pest-proof than an older home with holes, cracks, and outdated fixtures.

Already Have Pest Problems? Take Action Right Away

The moment you find that first sign of pests inside your home is the moment you need to take action. The earlier you tackle the problem, the easier it'll be to rid your home of the intruders. Once in, they may breed and create an even bigger problem.

If the problem is already too big or you don't have the time or energy to act right away, call a professional. When you make the call, but sure to ask about their non-toxic options. 

If you have bed bugs in your mattress, you can either find a professional mattress cleaning service or dispose of the old mattress. Several organizations help make safe mattress disposal easy.

Environmentally Aware Pest Control Companies

There is an increasing number of pest control companies that are specialists in minimizing dependence on chemical pesticides to rid your home of pest problems. LEED Certified Buildings rely on these companies to resolve pest issues safely. For example, Heart's Pest Management company, in Southern California, offers green pest control methods that are compliant with LEED-certified buildings. 

Store-bought Non-Toxic Pest Control Sprays and Powders

Diatomaceous Earth

This fine powder, made from fossilized algae, is the ultimate non-toxic pest management solution. It can be sprinkled on windowsills, carpets, furniture, and even directly on pests.

Don't Bug Me Spray

Don't Bug Me Spray is made from chrysanthemum flowers and won't harm humans, pets, or the environment. Just spray it wherever the pests are getting in.

Orange Guard

Orange Guard is made from orange peels. This liquid solution spray is great for the pantry, on countertops, windowsills, and even pet bedding.

Mouse Magic

Mouse Magic is a ready-made essential oil spray. It contains peppermint and spearmint oil and will work on all types of pests; mice included.

EcoRaider

EcoRaider offers a large variety of products for pests ranging from bed bugs to cockroaches and ants. Their Roach Killer and Repellant made from geraniol, cedar extract, and sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be derived from coconut or palm oils.

DIY Non-Toxic Pest Control Sprays and Powders

Vinegar Spray

Mix 2 cups of water with 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake and then spray wherever pests are a problem.

Essential Oil Spray

This spray can be sprayed anywhere inside the house, and it will make your house smell good, too! Mix 2 cups of water with 50 drops of essential oil like peppermint, spearmint, basil, lavender, or lemon. Feel free to mix oils to create a unique scent like basil lavender or lemon basil.

Garlic Spray

Mix 2 cups of water with 2-4 cloves of crushed garlic or garlic oil in a spray bottle and apply where needed.

Soap Spray

Mix 2 cups of water and ¼ cup of soap flakes from a bar of regular hand soap. Spray liberally on windowsills, door frames, and wherever pests are getting in.

Magic Powder

Mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar in a bag. Seal and shake. Lightly sprinkle the powder on windowsills and countertops where pests persist. Be sure to clean it up when the problem subsides. 

Non-Toxic Pest Control Strategies for Ants, Fleas, Bedbugs & Cockroaches

Once you've tackled the source, be it from cracks, pets, or messes, be sure to clean around the area where the pests were found thoroughly. They may have spread out onto carpeting, curtains, furniture, and other fabrics nearby. Anything infested with bugs should be cleaned or removed to fix the pest problem completely. Finally, apply a spray or powder (like those mentioned above) to deter them from coming back.

Non-Toxic Pest Control Strategies for Flies, Wasps & Moths

In the warmer months, flies, wasps, and moths often find their way inside our homes. If these flying pests bother you, your first line of defense is to secure your window screens and avoid leaving doors open. 

Next, find out what they're attracted to. Fruit flies are aptly named for their love of ripe, sweet fruit, and fruit-topped desserts. Be sure any produce or sweets left out are covered or sealed. Or better yet, move them to the refrigerator. You'll also want to check that your garbage, compost, and recycling bins are all sealed tightly. 

Regardless of how neat and clean your house is, flies, wasps, and moths may find your home more attractive than the great outdoors. Luckily, there are several non-toxic products (store-bought and homemade) that can help.

Store-Bought Traps for Flies, Wasps, and Moths

• Fly swatters are a tried and true solution for tackling flying pests at the moment. Bonus: they can be purchased for under $1!
• The Monterey Indoor Fly Trap is a sticky "L" shaped paper that can be attached to window and door frames.
• Natural Catch Fruit Fly Traps are low maintenance, non-toxic vinegar-based traps that can be placed anywhere in your home.

Easy DIY Traps for Flies, Wasps, and Moths

• Eucalyptus Oil can be dabbed on cloth strips or cotton balls. It can be left on windowsills, countertops, and along your baseboards to repel flying pests naturally.
• A lemon halved and studded with cloves is a fly trap that works great and smells even better.
• Citronella candles can be burnt inside the house, allowing smoke to waft around and deter flying pests.
• Citrus peels can be saved from snacks and cooking, placed in a cloth bag, and left on windowsills or countertops.
• A venus flytrap is an attractive houseplant that naturally traps flies.
• DIY flypaper takes just a few hours to make. Bring 1 cup of corn syrup and 1 cup of water to a boil. Soak strips of a brown paper bag or cardboard in the solution for 4+ hours. Let them dry and then hang them up to catch those flying pests naturally. 

Non-Toxic Pest Control Strategies for Spiders

Some spiders can be incredibly beneficial in trapping other pests, but many people are afraid of these 8-legged insects. To remove them, find their entry point and seal it. Any spiders that are already inside can be quickly and safely moved outside on a piece of paper. 

You can buy a ready-made crawling trap like the Terro Insect & Spider Trap. Or you could use any of the non-toxic sprays mentioned above. Some research indicates that lemon, peppermint, and chestnut repel some species of spiders, so do your research and try these options as a last resort.

Non-Toxic Pest Control Strategies for Mice and Rats

Mice and rats are probably your least favorite pest to deal with as they can be quite large and fast. Again, the first thing to do is to seal up those entry points. Next, either hire a professional exterminator or try these at-home solutions.

Store-Bought Mousetraps

• Snap traps are tried and true and will trap and kill your rodent guests with just a little bit like a piece of cheese or a dab of peanut butter.
• Sticky boards can be placed in problem areas to freeze rodents as they scurry about, but this trap might be considered inhumane as the mouse is stuck in place while still alive.
• Catch and release traps are more humane as they capture the mouse or rat so you can safely set him free outside.
• The Ultrasonic Pest Chaser produces a sound that humans and pets can't hear, but mice certainly can.

Easy DIY Mouse and Rat Deterrents

• Corncob bags can be made at home by combining three cubs of corncob bedding with 1 oz of balsam fir oil in a cloth bag. Then leave them near the mouse entry point(s) to naturally deter mice and rats from entering.
• Kitty litter is an excellent, natural deterrent whether or not you have a cat. 
• Onions and garlic are strong odors that rodents don't like. Proudly display yours in pretty baskets or braid and hang in your kitchen to ward off potential rodents.

Non-Toxic Pest Control Is Possible

Whether you live in the country or the city, pests can always find a way into your home. Keeping a clean home is the number one way to deter pests from making a home of your house. If you do come across pests, try any of these non-toxic options to remove them without harming your loved ones.