Revolutionizing pest control: The power of 'Killing Them Softly'

Updated on October 4, 2024

In pest control, Dr. Killigan's 'Killing Them Softly' approach is about more than just getting rid of bugs. We promise to care for the environment, your pets and your family's health. We make products that are safe and don't harm the world around us. 

A kinder approach to pest control

At Dr. Killigan's, our pest control solutions reflect our commitment to the planet. Let's explore how we prioritize these values:

• Safe for you, your pets and the environment with long-lasting effectiveness: Our products are designed with your health, the safety of pets and the environment in mind, while providing lasting solutions. Traditional pest control methods can introduce harmful chemicals that disrupt ecosystems, pose risks to wildlife and lead to health issues like allergic reactions or respiratory problems. In contrast, our products use advanced mechanical control techniques—such as fine silica particles and essential oils—that physically impact pests without chemical harm. This approach ensures that pests cannot develop resistance, providing a reliable, non-toxic solution with long-term effectiveness.
  
• Harnessing the power of essential oils: Our products leverage the natural pest-repelling and insecticidal properties of essential oils to provide safer alternatives to conventional pesticides. These oils are essential components of our mechanical control methods, reinforcing the 'Killing Them Softly' philosophy while ensuring your home remains a safe haven: 
• Cinnamon oil (0.03% in Six Feet Under): Acts as a natural insecticide with proven effectiveness against pests like weevils and flour beetles. Studies also highlight its ability to prevent egg-laying and provide multi-layered protection beyond simple deterrence.
  
• Clove oil (0.05% in Six Feet Under): Contains powerful compounds— like eugenol and beta-caryophyllene—which repel and kill pests like mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches,  flies and earwigs.  It is also effective against stored-grain pests and other insects—both indoors and outdoors. 
• Rosemary oil (3% in Dust to Dust): Disrupts insects' nervous and respiratory systems, interfering with their pheromone communication. Proven to cause 100% mortality in pests like rice weevils and spider mites.
• Peppermint oil (3% in Dust to Dust): Known for its ability to repel a wide range of pests, including beetles and stink bugs. Studies show it acts as a natural fumigant and is as effective as DEET for repelling mosquitoes, with high mortality rates in pests like cockroaches.

• Transitioning to non-toxic pest control: Here are actionable steps to help you transition to safer pest control methods for your home.

• Evaluate your current pest control methods: Take stock of the pest control products you currently use. Are they chemical-laden? If so, consider phasing them out.
• Educate yourself on essential oils: Research the pest-repellent properties of essential oils. Our blogs offers a wealth of information on how each oil works and the pests they target.
• Invest in mechanical control devices: Explore non-toxic traps, like The Fly Inn Flying Insect Trap or innovative traps like our Sweet Surrender Fruit Fly Trap.
• Start small: Begin with one area of your home or one type of pest you'd like to manage differently. For example, use peppermint oil to deter ants or set up a non-toxic trap for moths.
• Monitor and adjust: Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Non-toxic pest control may require a bit more observation and adjustment, but the health benefits are worth it.

Toxicity in traditional pest control

Conventional pesticides, such as organophosphates and pyrethrins, pose significant risks to health and the environment. According to the National Library of Medicine, pyrethrins, despite being derived from natural sources, can cause adverse effects through both acute and chronic exposure. Chronic exposure, in particular, may result in long-term health risks, including nervous system disruptions and increased cancer risks. The EPA  further highlights the dangers posed by organophosphates and pyrethroids, ranging from skin irritation to hormonal imbalances.
Our products avoid these risks entirely, offering safe, plant-powered alternatives that target pests without endangering your health, your family, or the planet.

The mechanical control difference

Mechanical control reflects our commitment to safer, targeted pest control that doesn’t compromise ecological balance. While pests are a nuisance when they invade our homes, insects also play critical roles in pollination and natural pest control in the wild. Our products respect this balance—targeting only harmful pests that threaten your home without disrupting beneficial insects that support the environment. This approach embodies our 'Killing Them Softly' philosophy, ensuring we protect homes without endangering nature’s delicate equilibrium.

• Ease of use and safety: The practicality and safety of mechanical control methods make them ideal for home use. From simple tools like fly swatters to precise tools like the Insect Buster Bulb Duster, these solutions offer a practical and non-toxic way to control pests without relying on chemicals.
  
  
• Eco-friendly and sustainable: Mechanical control, as seen in our Cedar Planks—made from pure eastern red cedar from renewable U.S. forests— embodies environmental consciousness. This method presents a thoughtful alternative for pest control without the soil and air contamination caused by chemical methods like mothballs.
  
  
• Sustained efficacy: Mechanical control methods, like our Pantry Moth Traps, offer ongoing effectiveness by physically capturing pantry moths over time. This ensures long-term protection against pests without chemical adaptation risks.

• Dual-action formulas: Our products—like Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray—use a blend of essential oils that work synergistically to incapacitate pests by breaking down their exoskeletons. This method is highly effective, and pests can't develop resistance to it, maximizing efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

Dr. Killigan's solution: Embracing sustainability and safety

Dr. Killigan's embodies the 'Killing Them Softly' philosophy in our product range, blending efficiency with a commitment to environmental and safety standards. Our approach innovates beyond traditional methods by focusing on non-toxic, mechanical techniques, offering safer, more advanced solutions for pest control.

Products like our Sweet Surrender Fruit Fly Trap with Liquid Attractant—formulated without toxins, artificial dyes or harsh ingredients and developed right in our kitchen for yours—exemplify our dedication to creating solutions that are not only effective but also align with our ethical values.

Each product is crafted through rigorous research and development, prioritizing both effectiveness and safety. In summary, our ethos transcends mere pest control—it's a commitment to a healthier, sustainable approach, safeguarding homes and the planet alike.