Dealing with pests in a humane way
Pest control in and around a home may be a necessity if homeowners are seeing an abundance of insects or animals where these creatures shouldn’t be. But some find it difficult to exterminate bugs or rodents — even if they give people the creeps.
It’s common knowledge that many animals feel and understand pain, but it also may be the case for insects. According to Lars Chittka, a German zoologist, and information published in Scientific American, bees appear to experience both pleasure and pain.
If both bugs and animals can feel pain, individuals may be interested in more humane ways to control their infestations. These tips and tricks can help.
Eliminate entry points
Preventing insects and animals from getting inside is one of the best ways to control them in a humane way. Keep a close eye on various areas around the home, such as where pipes extend outdoors, window seals, doorway gaps, the space between the garage door and the driveway, and where wires or other utilities enter the home. Be sure that these places are sealed so pests won’t be able to sneak in.
Modify the habitat
Habitat modification involves making changes to a home environment so it is less hospitable to pests. This can include anything from removing debris from a yard to adding a dehumidifier to damp spots to increasing lighting or noise to get pests to scram.
Use a humane bug catcher
PETA suggests using a cup to place over larger insects and then sliding a piece of paper under the cup to release the bug outside. There are humane bug catchers available for sale to put more space between you and the bugs when removing them.
Utilize no-kill traps
Sometimes rodents and marsupials (such as opossums) will nest in homes or sheds. They can cause damage to these areas. If noise or lighting techniques do not evict the unwanted tenant, then setting no-kill traps can catch the animals so they can be relocated away from the home or property. However, it’s best to confirm the laws regarding animal relocation prior to trapping and moving pests.
Rely on natural repellents
Certain essential oils act as natural repellents to deter pests without harming them. Consumer Reports says lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, geraniol, soybean, and rosemary are some common botanical repellents that may work. Picardin, which mimics a compound found in pepper plants, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are additional natural bug repellents.
Be choosy about pest mitigation
Although it may be uncomfortable to spot a large spider in a home or a lot of buzzing bees in the yard, many insects are helpful to have around. Exercise caution when taking a blanket approach to extermination, as you may make conditions inhospitable to even good bugs or animals.