Do Invasive Pest Treatments Make You Sick?

Mice, ants, roaches, fleas - whether you live in the country, in the city, or in between you're likely to have to deal with at least one of these household pests. Of course, you can bug-bomb your house and spread around some mouse killer... but really all you'll do is create a toxic environment in your house. If every living, breathing thing dies when it comes in contact with a chemical, this cannot be good for you or for the environment!

Here are some simple ways to deal with household pests. You'll need a few supplies:
- Borax (found in the laundry aisle at your grocery store)
- Baking Soda
- Caulk and caulk gun
- Plain (no soap) steel wool
- Peppermint Castille Soap (Dr. Bronner's is excellent)
- Essential Oils: Pennyroyal, Cinnamon, Orange, Peppermint
- Spray Bottle

SAFETY NOTE: Although these ingredients are "safe", they still must be used with caution. Keep pets and children away from any areas with borax on it. Many essential oils are toxic if taken internally. Only do so under the express direction of a medical professional who is extremely knowledgeable about herbs and essential oils. Use caution when applying directly to the skin - many essential oils are skin irritants unless used properly. Pennyroyal should never be applied directly to your pet for flea control.

Your first step should be to eliminate access to your home.A mouse can go anywhere his nose will fit. They've got an uncanny ability to squeak (no pun intended) through the tiniest of holes. Ants and roaches can come through holes so small they can hardly be seen. These holes are just like an open door with a welcome sign. To eradicate pests, you must eradicate holes. This will involve crawling around on the floor and poking your head all the way into the backs of cupboards. You'll also need to get behind all of your appliances. Plug small holes with caulk. If it's in an area totally inaccessible to pets and small children, dust the caulk with a little Borax. For larger holes and around drain pipes, pour borax directly in the hole. Plug carefully with steel wool (don't be stingy!) Put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on the steel wool.