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Humane Pest Control Options

Posted on March 2, 2021

Do you find yourself with a pest problem but don’t want to reach for the toxic sprays? Not everyone feels comfortable purchasing and storing harsh chemicals or using traps that may harm a pest. Today, we are going to outline humane pest control options, and ways to address a pest problem. This includes both indoor and outdoor pests and what to do when pest control services are necessary.

What Is Humane Pest Control?

There are several ways to define humane pest control depending on the pest and method used. Essentially, humane pest control is about removing a pest with as little harm as possible. This may include harm to the pest itself, as well as choosing natural methods over manufactured chemicals.

Some people may look to kill a pest as quickly as possible to avoid any suffering. Others might only want a no-kill option. When considering humane pest control, ask yourself what you are looking for and the outcome you’re hoping for.

However, even those with the most compassion towards all living beings must understand that sometimes you must exterminate a pest. For example, if the pest is carrying a dangerous disease or could cause physical harm, extermination might be necessary. With that being said, there are options available to do this while minimizing any suffering.

Humane Methods

Here are some humane pest control options for both your indoor and outdoor spaces. You can either try these out yourself or have a professional examine the problem and implement humane pest control methods.

Smell

There are many scents that certain pests don’t like. This option is a great way to freshen up your home and try out a humane pest control method. Many pests don’t like garlic or other spicy smells. However, we understand you won’t want your house to smell like that. Instead, using essential oils, sprays, or a diffuser around the home should do the trick. Common scents that work include lavender, mint, and lemongrass. Below, we outline a few common pests and what smells they will stay away from.

Mice

Mice, for example, have an excellent sense of smell and will stay away from peppermint. Have this scent around potential points of entry to keep them away.

Spiders

Essential oils are also a great way to prevent spiders in your home. We recommend peppermint, lavender, cinnamon, tea tree, rose, or vinegar to help solve this problem.

Flies

For a fly problem, you have plenty of options. Having a basil plant in the kitchen will help keep them away. Like mice and spiders, flies also dislike the smell of peppermint, lavender, and cinnamon.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos can ruin a nice evening outdoors. Try adding a diffuser to your outdoor space or applying some essential oils. Peppermint and lemongrass are two in particular that mosquitos will avoid. Floral scented perfumes attract mosquitos, so it’s best to avoid this scent before going outside.

Outdoor Pest Control

For pests that are causing problems outdoors, you have a few options. If you’re concerned about your garden, try fencing or adding a net. Fences work well to prevent rabbits from hopping in. On the flip side, inserting it underground will keep burrowing pests like gophers from getting in.

You can purchase or make a taste repellant to spray on plants. Commonly sold sprays do not harm animals, humans, or pets. People typically use them to deter birds, rodents, deer, raccoons, rabbits, or certain bugs from eating away at their garden. While this can be an effective option, you will need to periodically reapply the spray.

A simple way to deter outdoor animals is with the use of sprinklers. Motion-activated sprinklers cause no harm and can be easily adjusted. Animals can eventually become accustomed to it. You should use this one in conjunction with other prevention methods.

Live Traps

Live traps capture the pest without causing injury. This method works well if the pest problem is minimal and you want to avoid killing it. For example, trapping and releasing a larger rodent could work if they have not yet called your yard their home. However, trapping and releasing mice that have already bred will be very tricky. Another thing to note with catch and release is the potential for that same pest to find its way back to your property.

When it comes to these pests, we recommend having a professional come deal with the problem. Traps can be hard to navigate for first-time users. Not only that but using a trap incorrectly can cause physical harm to both you and the pest.

Professional Pest Control Services

The most humane way to control pests is not to let them enter your property to begin with. Take a look at this guide on how to keep pests away. We understand that even when you do everything right, pests can still make an unwanted visit. When you feel the problem has gotten out of control, professionals are here for you. If you are looking for a humane pest control method, let them know. An exterminator will listen to your concerns and note what methods you have already tried. Provide as much information as possible so that they can better work with you.

As a family-owned and locally-operated business, Martin’s Pest Control knows pests. With services in Calgary and Airdrie, we offer high-quality service to all our customers. Contact us today to request a quote and let us handle the rest.