Alternative to Pesticides
It is important to consider alternative control methods to pesticide use. The key is to make your house and garden unattractive to pests. Some suggestions include;
Rodents - Don't put food scraps in the garden for birds or possums; Throw out food left in dog or cat bowls.
If you have an aviary, keep birdseed in rodent proof dispensers; Pick up and dispose of fallen fruit from any fruit trees, Regularly trim plants such as creepers.
Keep potential nesting places, such as wood and rubbish piles, off the ground.
Consider using traps, but do not lay traps in areas where children, pets or native animals could be harmed.
Flies - Keep a tight lid on outdoor rubbish bins;
Put garden compost in a well sealed container.
Flies don't like pyrethrum, which is a common ingredient in fly spray. You might plant pyrethrum daisies near your front and back doors to repel flies and other insects.
Hang flytraps or fly paper outside in areas where flies tend to gather.
Fleas - Wash pets, their blankets and other bedding regularly. See your Vet for treatment options for your pet.
Cockroaches - Remove any sources of water such as in the base of the shower, in sinks or in dishes left in the kitchen. Cockroaches need a daily source of water to survive. Don't leave food scraps on benches or in pet bowls. Keep rubbish in a bin with the lid on tightly. Don't keep piles of wood chips or much near the house.
Seal cracks and crevices where cockroaches may get into your home.
Mosquitoes - drain any collected puddles of water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Run your swimming pool filter for a few hours each day. Regularly clear your gutters of leaves and other debris that may collect water. Keep larvae eating fish in ornamental ponds - see an aquarium dealer for suggestions on appropriate fish.
Alternative to Pesticides
It is important to consider alternative control methods to pesticide use. The key is to make your house and garden unattractive to pests. Some suggestions include;
Rodents - Don't put food scraps in the garden for birds or possums; Throw out food left in dog or cat bowls.
If you have an aviary, keep birdseed in rodent proof dispensers; Pick up and dispose of fallen fruit from any fruit trees, Regularly trim plants such as creepers.
Keep potential nesting places, such as wood and rubbish piles, off the ground.
Consider using traps, but do not lay traps in areas where children, pets or native animals could be harmed.
Flies - Keep a tight lid on outdoor rubbish bins;
Put garden compost in a well sealed container.
Flies don't like pyrethrum, which is a common ingredient in fly spray. You might plant pyrethrum daisies near your front and back doors to repel flies and other insects.
Hang flytraps or fly paper outside in areas where flies tend to gather.
Fleas - Wash pets, their blankets and other bedding regularly. See your Vet for treatment options for your pet.
Cockroaches - Remove any sources of water such as in the base of the shower, in sinks or in dishes left in the kitchen. Cockroaches need a daily source of water to survive. Don't leave food scraps on benches or in pet bowls. Keep rubbish in a bin with the lid on tightly. Don't keep piles of wood chips or much near the house.
Seal cracks and crevices where cockroaches may get into your home.
Mosquitoes - drain any collected puddles of water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Run your swimming pool filter for a few hours each day. Regularly clear your gutters of leaves and other debris that may collect water. Keep larvae eating fish in ornamental ponds - see an aquarium dealer for suggestions on appropriate fish.
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