Urban living often comes with its own set of challenges, and one of those is dealing with pests. From ants to cockroaches, pests seem to find their way into city homes and apartments no matter how clean they are. But you are when trying to get rid of these pests, it’s important to consider options that don’t harm the local ecosystem or add harsh chemicals into your living space.

One of the easiest ways to prevent pests is to make the home less appealing to them. Most pests are looking for food, water, and a place to hide, so cutting off these resources can be a great place to start. Begin by sealing up food properly in containers with tight lids. Ants and roaches can find their way into just about anything, so put dry goods like rice, pasta, and cereals in sealed containers to keep them out. Clean up food crumbs and spills right away since pests won’t stick around if there’s nothing to eat. You should also look into fixing any leaks since many bugs need water to survive. Check under your sinks and around appliances like the dishwasher to make sure there are no drips or standing water.

Using natural repellents is another good way to keep pests away. Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus can deter bugs without using chemicals. For example, mixing a few drops of peppermint oil with water and a bit of dish soap and spraying it around doorways and windows can keep ants and spiders from coming inside. Eucalyptus oil is great for repelling moths, so put some cotton balls soaked in eucalyptus oil inside closets or drawers can to protect your clothes. Citrus peels can also work as a natural deterrent, especially for cockroaches. Just rub the peel along areas where roaches might come in, and the smell will make them think twice about sticking around.

Another natural option for pest control is diatomaceous earth, a powder made from crushed fossils. This works best on ants, roaches, and bed bugs because it sticks to their bodies creating micro-cracks in their exoskeleton which eventually dries them out. It’s safe for pets and humans but deadly for insects, making it a great eco-friendly choice. Just sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth along baseboards, under sinks, or in cracks where bugs might be hiding. Remember to reapply it after sweeping or vacuuming, as it can be cleaned away.

If pests still find a way inside, traps can be an effective method to get rid of them without using poison. Sticky traps work well for ants and roaches, and they are easy to place in hidden spots like behind the fridge or under the sink. Humane traps are also available for mice, which let you release them back outside instead of killing them.

For bigger infestations, sometimes natural methods alone might not be enough. In these cases, it can be helpful to call in a commercial exterminator in Portland which offers eco-friendly options. Many pest control companies now use green solutions that are just as effective as traditional pesticides but don’t pose the same risks to the environment.

Taking steps to control pests naturally doesn’t just help keep the home safe, it also protects the local ecosystem from harmful chemicals. With the right precautions and natural products, pests can be managed in a way that’s better for everyone.