A Nontoxic Approach to Managing Pests
The Orange County Water District recommends that residents consider using the following nontoxic pesticide and herbicide substitutes.
Nontoxic Pesticides:
* Ants: Squeeze a lemon across the point of entry and leave the peel.
* Cockroaches: Plug all small cracks along baseboards in the kitchen and around pipes. Add a light dust of borax around these areas.
* Flies: Sunny windows are a fly’s most common entry point, so close windows before the sun hits them.
* Fruit flies: Pour a small amount of beer into a wide-mouth jar. Cut the corner out of a plastic bag and attach the bag to the jar with a rubber band. Flies will be trapped.
* Houseplant pests: Use soap and water, and be sure to rinse the plants with fresh water afterward.
* Moths: Keep vulnerable clothes dry and well-aired. Camphor, the major nontoxic ingredient of mothballs, can be used.
* Silverfish: Make traps with a mixture of one part molasses to two parts vinegar. Place near cracks and holes where pests live.
* Ticks/fleas: Wash pets with soap and warm water, dry thoroughly and use this rinse: Add half a cup of fresh or dried rosemary to a quart of boiling water. Steep 20 minutes, strain and allow to cool. Spray or sponge evenly onto your pet and allow to air dry.
Pesticide-Free Gardening
* Build healthy soil. Soil containing enough organic matter and the right nutrients will grow strong plants.
* Grow plants that love your region. Native plants that are suited to the environment will be stronger and healthier, and will use less water.
* Create a garden with diversity. Put a combination of plants in your yard to create a balanced ecosystem.
* Get acquainted with some insects. Insects are a natural part of your garden. By learning to identify insects, you can determine whether an insect is beneficial or a pest.
* Manage problems with nontoxic solutions. If you need to begin controlling an insect or disease problem, choose the least toxic method possible. Handpicking insects always reduces their numbers. Many nontoxic alternatives for eliminating bugs are available at local garden centers.
* Rethink your lawn. Plant drought-tolerant and hardy plants. Local water officials can provide information on low-water-usage plants. Information: (714) 378-3221.
* Finally, if you have old or leftover pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers, don’t dump them in the sewer system or in the garbage. Drop them off at one of Orange County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers. Information: (714) 834-6752.
