Updated on October 9, 2024
Nobody likes uninvited guests, especially the six- or eight-legged variety. While chemical pesticides may seem like an easy solution, they come with hidden risks. Many conventional pesticides contain harmful ingredients that linger in your home, exposing your family to serious health issues—such as cancer, neurological damage and hormone disruption. They also persist in the environment, contaminating soil, water and wildlife, leading to long-term ecological harm. Insects are becoming increasingly resistant to these chemicals, which only makes matters worse, requiring stronger and more dangerous solutions over time.
Fortunately, affordable and non-toxic pest control options exist that won’t jeopardize your health, wallet or the environment. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 eco-friendly pest solutions that will keep your home a no-go zone for pests while protecting the planet.
The hidden costs of chemical solutions
- Health risks: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many conventional pesticides contain potentially toxic ingredients that aren’t classified as “minimum risk,” exposing your family—as aforementioned—to major health issues. These chemicals can pose significant hazards—even with short-term exposure. Rachel Carson, in her influential book Silent Spring, warned against the excessive use of pesticides: “A Who’s Who of pesticides is therefore of concern to us all. If we are going to live so intimately with these chemicals, eating and drinking them, taking them into the very marrow of our bones—we had better know something about their nature and their power." These risks underscore why non-toxic alternatives are the safer choice for everyone.
- Pesticide resistance: Pests like cockroaches can quickly develop resistance to pesticides, making chemical solutions less effective over time. This leads to increased costs and the need for stronger, potentially more dangerous chemicals. For instance, German cockroaches are notorious for rapid resistance. A few survivors with genetic advantages can produce hundreds of resistant offspring within a few generations. Continuous exposure to the same pesticide not only strengthens this resistance but also triggers behavioral changes, making these pests even harder to eliminate.
- Environmental contamination: Pesticides linger in soil and water, contaminating ecosystems and harming wildlife. Over time, these chemicals build up in animals, damaging their health and reproductive systems, and affecting biodiversity. This bioaccumulation of toxins in animals, such as deer and birds of prey, can lead to nervous, immune and reproductive system failure, causing birth defects or the inability to reproduce, further destabilizing ecosystems.
- Long-term costs: Although chemical pesticides may seem cheap initially, the long-term health risks, environmental damage and rising resistance lead to higher costs in both pest management and potential healthcare expenses.
These hidden costs make chemical solutions less appealing when considering affordable pest solutions that are also responsible. Non-toxic alternatives provide safer, more sustainable options for protecting your home and family without jeopardizing health or the environment.
The advantages of eco-friendly options
Eco-friendly pest control solutions are better for the planet and can be cost-effective. Many non-toxic options are based on ingredients you might already have in your home, like peppermint oil, clove oil or vinegar, which are known for their pest-repelling properties.
And it’s not just about what you're keeping out of your home—it's also about what you're bringing into it. With non-toxic solutions, you don't have to worry about harmful residues on floors or surfaces, making them much safer for children who may crawl around and touch everything.
Top 10 affordable, non-toxic solutions
1. Mechanical traps
Mechanical traps—like our Pantry Moth Traps, Sweet Surrender Fruit Fly Trap and Clothing Moth Traps—offer a safe, eco-friendly and non-toxic solution to pest control. These traps are designed to capture pests effectively without the use of harmful chemicals, making them both reusable and long-lasting.
- Pheromone-based lures: Our moth traps use pheromones to attract and trap moths, ensuring targeted, chemical-free control.
- Placement versatility: These traps can be discreetly placed in various locations around the house, offering flexibility for continuous pest control.
- Long-lasting protection: Our moth traps come in 6-packs, effective for up to 3 years from the date of manufacture and 3 months once opened, providing extended protection.
2. Essential oil sprays
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint and citrus can be powerful natural pest repellents. Simply mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle, and you have an effective, pleasant-smelling solution.
- DIY bug repellent: For an exact recipe, you can refer to Wellness Mama for an essential oil based natural bug repellent that’s easy to make.
If you prefer a ready-made option, consider our 24 oz bottle of Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray. Formulated with clove and cinnamon essential oils, it’s a non-toxic, family-safe spray that combines affordability with proven effectiveness to keep pests at bay.
3. Food-based lures
You’ve probably heard the saying “catch more flies with honey,” and it turns out that sugary substances can be effective pest traps. By placing a bowl of sweet liquid in a problem area, you can lure pests into getting stuck.
Food-based lures are affordable, simple and effective solutions, ideal for anyone looking to use ingredients they already have at home. For instance, if you’re dealing with a fruit fly infestation, you can create a simple trap using common kitchen items.
- DIY fruit fly trap: Mix apple cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap in a jar. Cover the jar with plastic wrap, poking small holes for access. The vinegar scent attracts the flies, while the soap breaks the surface tension, trapping them inside.
For those preferring a pre-made solution, consider our Fruit Fly Trap. The plant-based attractant is specially formulated to lure fruit flies more effectively than DIY traps, and the reusable container reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly option.
4. Silica-based dusts
For those of you familiar with our Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder, you'll understand why silica-based dusts are high on our list of affordable pest solutions. These fine particles can penetrate the exoskeleton of insects, effectively dehydrating them without using harmful chemicals.
Silica dusts are cost-effective because a small amount goes a long way. They can be easily applied in cracks and crevices where bugs tend to hide, in addition to being used to strengthen plants. Silica offers a lasting solution that won't break the bank.
5. Natural herb pesticides
Plants like chrysanthemum, neem, basil, lavender and citronella grass are rich in natural insecticidal properties.
You have the option to either plant these wonderful herbs in your garden as a natural bug barrier or use their extracts to make a homemade spray.
- DIY chrysanthemum spray: If you’re intrigued by the idea of creating your own chrysanthemum spray, you can find an easy recipe from the Farmers' Almanac.
These herbs not only repel insects but also serve other purposes, making them an excellent investment for the mindful homeowner. For example, basil can flavor your meals, while lavender provides a calming scent for your home. Easy to grow and affordable, these plants offer a practical and versatile solution for pest control and beyond.
6. Citrus extracts
Citrus peels are excellent for repelling various pests like ants and spiders. Simply shred the peels and place them in problem areas or make a spray by steeping them in hot water for an affordable and aromatic pest control solution.
- DIY citrus spray: Peel the oranges (and enjoy the fruit), place the peels in a quart jar and cover them with white vinegar. Let the peels soak for two weeks, strain the liquid and pour it into a spray bottle. This mixture works well for cleaning surfaces and repelling ants.
If you prefer a ready-made solution, our Fruit Fly Trap incorporates citrus as an ingredient, providing effective, non-toxic pest control.
7. Soap and water mixtures
A simple mixture of dish soap and water works well against small, soft-bodied insects such as aphids, thrips, spider mites and mealybugs. This affordable and accessible solution can be easily made with items already in your kitchen.
- DIY soap spray: Mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap with one quart of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well and apply directly onto infested plants or surfaces. Make sure to spray the undersides of leaves where pests often hide. Test a small area first to ensure no plant damage occurs.
For a more targeted solution to combat spider mites or aphids, consider using Dust to Dust. This plant-safe formula contains peppermint and rosemary essential oils along with silica, naturally disrupting pests' nervous systems while promoting plant health.
These two options—reusing that almost-empty bottle of dish soap under your sink or opting for Dust to Dust—are both affordable and effective for pest control. They offer immediate results while remaining eco-friendly and safe for your plants.
8. Vinegar solutions
Vinegar is a versatile household item that proves its value beyond the kitchen. When it comes to repelling pests like ants, its strong odor disrupts the scent trails they use to navigate, making it an efficient deterrent. In addition, vinegar’s antiseptic qualities make it an excellent choice for cleaning surfaces where pests might congregate, giving you a two-in-one solution for a cleaner, pest-free home.
Here are a few ways to use it effectively:
- DIY ant repellent: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto ant trails and into any visible cracks where ants may be entering your home.
- DIY surface cleaner: Create a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Add a few drops of essential oil—like lavender or lemon—for fragrance. Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth. This works well on countertops, sinks and other surfaces where you've noticed pests.
- DIY weed killer: Use undiluted white vinegar. Pour it into a spray bottle and generously spray on the weeds you want to eliminate, being careful to avoid other plants.
Remember, when using vinegar as a weed killer or an ant repellent, it's best to apply on a sunny day for more effective results. Also, always spot-test any solution on a small area first to ensure it doesn't harm your surfaces or plants.
For those who prefer a ready-to-use option that's elegantly formulated, consider our Fruit Fly Trap Refill Liquid, which includes vinegar among its ingredients. It's designed to attract and eradicate fruit flies more efficiently than homemade solutions, offering a swift, sophisticated remedy for pesky invaders.
9. Cedarwood blocks
Cedarwood blocks like Dr. Killigan's Cedar Planks can be placed in drawers, closets and other storage areas to repel web-spinning moths, case-making moths and other clothing moths.
Cedarwood blocks naturally repel moths and control moisture in enclosed spaces, protecting wool, fur and other fabrics from mold and mildew. This dual-action approach offers four-season protection for wool, fur, leather and other keratin-rich fabrics, preventing mold and mildew by reducing humidity.
Our Cedar Planks, made from pure eastern red cedar sourced from renewable U.S. forests, are an eco-conscious choice. Along with their pest-repelling properties, they add a pleasant aroma to your storage spaces, making them an excellent addition to any mindful homeowner's pest control toolkit.
10. Borax and sugar traps
Last but not least, a simple mixture of borax and sugar can be an extremely effective ant killer. The sugar attracts the ants, while the borax eliminates them.
- DIY ant trap: Add one cup of sugar, one-half cup water and one tablespoon of borax to a mason jar. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. (It's fine if the sugar doesn't fully dissolve). Place the mixture in areas where you've seen ants—use it as a surface sprinkle, soak cotton balls or fill a bottle cap for easy placement. Note: Keep this mixture away from pets and children as borax can be harmful if ingested.
Borax and sugar traps are economical and also easily customizable. You can adjust the ratio of sugar to borax depending on the specific ant species you're dealing with, as some might be more attracted to a sweeter or less sweet solution.
If you're interested in an off-the-shelf solution that's equally effective, consider Six Feet Under. This non-toxic formula is designed to eliminate ants on contact, while being safe for your family and pets.
Conclusion: Making the eco-conscious choice
There you have it, my friends—your guide to the top 10 non-toxic, affordable pest solutions for keeping pests at bay. Making an eco-conscious choice does not mean sacrificing quality or effectiveness.
Thank you for choosing to be mindful in your approach to keeping your home pest-free. With Dr. Killigan's range of products and tips, you're opting not just for affordable pest control but also for safety, environmental responsibility and peace of mind.
