3 Tried and True Methods of Killing Insects

We have reached that time of year when we thank God that the onslaughts of summer stinging, biting and swarming insects have ceased their stinging, biting and swarming. Phewwwwww….

Oh wait, here come the fall insects! Ants, Lice, Mites, Fleas, Asian Beetles, Boxelder Bugs, Bedbugs, Earwigs, Millipedes, Centipedes, Cluster Flies, Silverfish, Cockroaches, Worms, Squash Bugs and Stink Bugs…. to name a few. Yuck!

A Flea… It gives me the willies every time I see it!

No, we are not out of the woods. They are in wait to storm our castles and wage war for our territory. Some of these invaders; bite, sting, stink, eat, destroy, spread disease and some just invade in droves.

Never fear!   And take heart; there are all-natural solutions which do not poison your family while killing these invaders – dead, dead and yes, dead.

1. Diatomaceous Earth: is brilliant stuff! D.E. (as many call it) is small diatoms or crushed up sea shells. D.E. has microscopic, jagged edges that make cuts on the shell or body of an insect that crawl over it or slide through. These cuts cause the insects to seep water through their exterior protective coating which, in turn, dehydrates and kills. Diatomaceous Earth (use food grade only) is perfectly safe for people and animals to eat. You have consumed it for most of your life. It is used in many prepared foods. Apply it by dusting the D.E. powder with a sifter or fine mesh strainer onto the infected areas, creating a thin layer. Doorways, gardens, pet fur etc. Wear a face mask and goggles when you are applying the D.E. as it is essentially glass and inhaling it into your lungs or subjecting your eyes to glass particles is never a good thing. Keep this in mind if you are treating your pets or animals with D.E. and take precautions. Diatomaceous Earth can be purchased at farm supply stores, online or at nurseries.

2. Pure Neem Oil: Modern research has shown that Pure Neem Seed Oil is non-toxic to people and animals and is a very effective insecticide, fungicide, antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral agent. It is an insecticide that will kill over 400 species of insects at all lifecycles such as eggs, larva and full grown insects. While it can harm beneficial insects, it does not kill earthworms, unlike D.E. One other thing to note is that Pure Neem Oil is a contraceptive when taken internally. Pure Neem Oil can be purchased at farm supply stores, online or at nurseries.

3. Essential Oils: Using diffusing reeds and or mixing up a spray of witch hazel, carrier oil such as sunflower or extra virgin olive oil and essential oils can repel insects from taking hold and clinging to that which you hold dear. The most effective essential oils are: Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Clove, Citronella, Sandalwood, Lavender, Rose Geranium, Peppermint, Cedarwood, Tea Tree, Thyme and yes I am sorry to say Patchouli (I cannot stand this scent, but there you go).