Herbal Remedies For Pests

MYFOXNY.COM - Americans spend over $1 billion and apply over 70 million pounds of pesticides to suburban lawns each year, making storm-water runoff a leading source of water pollution.

Alexandra Zissu, self-proclaimed greenproofer, was on Friday's Good Day New York with some eco-alternatives to pesticides.

According to the environmental protection agency, 90-percent of American households use pesticides. But some say inhaling or ingesting these potentially dangerous chemicals could pose health risks for people, especially in young children and pets.

Zissu is the author of "The Conscious Kitchen" and specializes in teaching people more eco-friendly alternatives. She has some tips about simple natural pesticides and repellents.

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Roaches: Natural bay leaves discourage roaches from coming out to play. Bay leaves can be tucked into cracks as go green roach repellent. Place bay leaves wherever roaches congregate. Eco-friendly roach pesticides are made by seeping bay leaves in water. This won't kill the bugs but it will chase pests away and leave a pleasant scent.

Catnip is another great natural roach repellent. Roaches hate this herb. Make a batch of catnip tea to use as a go green roach spray. Use under cabinets and around baseboard areas to repel pesky roaches. All natural roach repellents are also made by scattering catnip loosely under cabinets and in cracks or making homemade sachet repellents.

Ants: Soapy water in a spray bottle or on a sponge will kill individual ants and erase the chemical trail that lines of ants follow.

Set out cucumber peels or slices in the kitchen or at the ants' point of entry. Many ants have a natural aversion to cucumber. Bitter cucumbers work best.

Fleas: Citrus is a natural flea deterrent. Pour a cup of boiling water over a sliced lemon. Include the lemon skin, scored to release more citrus oil. Let this mixture soak overnight, and sponge on your dog to kill fleas instantly.

Flies: Use mint as a fly repellent. Small sachets of crushed mint can be placed around the home to discourage flies.

Mice: As a deterrent, soak a rag or cotton balls in oil of peppermint (found at most health food stores), and place in areas of rodent activity. Place under an eve or under a cover that will keep the rain from diluting the peppermint. Rodents are allergic to peppermint and will avoid it.