What are the best eco friendly pest control products?
- Valentina Grandesso
- Mar 27
- 9 min read
Choosing eco friendly pest control solutions is more important than ever. It's not only about the outdoor environment but also your family's health. Because what you choose to use in and around your home to control pests can affect people and pets, as much as bugs. It’s not just about getting rid of "uninvited guests" — it’s about protecting your family and pets, too.
In this post, we'll share safe and effective options that help you create a healthy, non-toxic environment both indoors and outdoors.
The importance of environmentally safe pest control products
Pest control is a necessary part of home maintenance, but traditional pesticides often come with hidden risks. Today’s homeowners are turning to eco friendly pest control options that are environmentally safe and reduce the risks associated with harsh synthetic chemicals.
Preserving a safe & healthy home environment
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to reach for the strongest, fastest fix to get rid of pests. But a lot of traditional pest control methods can do more harm than good—hurting helpful and beneficial insects, wildlife, and even polluting our water.
Swapping for natural solutions would help to clean your environment harmlessly, keep the good bugs around, and help create a healthier home and garden without the worry of harsh chemicals.
Nothing beats a healthy garden when you choose to naturally keep pests out! Many natural remedies are equally as effective to their chemical counterparts. The key is persistence.
When your garden is healthy, your plants are stronger and can fight off pests on their own. They grow tougher leaves, produce natural bug repellents, and attract helpful insects like ladybugs that eat the bad bugs. It’s like nature’s own pest control system—no harsh chemicals needed!
The benefits of organic pest control ingredients
Choosing organic pest control means getting rid of pests using natural, nontoxic methods instead of synthetic chemicals. These natural solutions get the job done without the toxic chemicals found in traditional pesticides. Besides the environmental benefits mentioned above, here’s why making the switch to organic is worth it:
The Importance of Protecting your Health and Home
Did you know that many common pesticides affect how our bodies work?
Research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that some chemicals in these products can mess with our nerves, sometimes leading to issues like memory problems, trouble with coordination and mental instability. In fact, groups like the International Agency for Research on Cancer have even suggested that long-term exposure to certain pesticides can increase the risk of cancer among other health-related issues.
You may be familiar with glyphosates (such as Round Up), synthetic pyrethroids, carbaryl (Sevin), organophosphates (Ortho), among many others. The laundry list of poisonous insecticides on the market is downright frightening.
Besides the detrimental effects on people, protection is important for beneficial insects, too. Because not all bugs are bad! Honey bees, ladybugs, and other helpful insects play a huge role in keeping your garden healthy by pollinating plants and naturally controlling unwanted pests.
Unlike harsh chemical pesticides that wipe out everything in their path, organic pest control targets only the unwanted pests while letting the good bugs do their job. This helps keep nature in balance and your garden thriving.
The easiest way to prevent health problems caused by pesticides is to avoid using them at home, and making sure you're not exposing yourself to them when you're out and about. (This includes making an effort to eat organic foods!)
The pros & cons of eco-friendly pest control
Here’s important things to consider about eco friendly pest control options before making the switch.
Because choosing clean and natural pest control is a great way to keep your home and garden safe from harmful chemicals, but like anything, it has its trade-offs...
Natural bug control products can take a little longer to work. Organic pest control doesn’t always act as fast as chemical pesticides. Natural ingredients break down more quickly and may need to be applied more than once to get the best results.
Eco products may not be enough for big infestations. For serious pest problems, some eco-friendly solutions might not pack the same punch as traditional pesticides. However, the good news is that more and more companies are creating powerful yet safe pest control products that get the job done without the risks. It’s worth exploring your options to find what works best for your home.
Higher cost compared to conventional options. Natural pest control products sometimes come with a higher price tag because they use high-quality, plant-based ingredients instead of cheap synthetic chemicals. But for many homeowners, the extra cost is worth it to avoid toxic exposure and protect the environment. Think of it as an investment in a healthier home and planet!
Our pick for the best eco-friendly pest control products for outdoor living:
Dealing with pests outside can be tricky, but if you read till here, you are probably looking for safer and cleaner alternatives to keep them under control. So, we compiled a list of tried and tested natural ingredients that work great for outdoor pest control.
Natural pest-repelling woods
Did you know that the right firewood and fire setup can also help keep pests away?
Some types of firewood, like cedar and hickory, naturally repel mosquitoes and other bugs while burning. Citronella oils mixed in natural candles can also help deter mosquitos and flying insects outdoors.
Natural solutions for ant problems
If you've ever had an ant problem, you know how overwhelming it can feel. Usually there's no need for harsh chemicals if intervened early—usually simple household ingredients can do the trick! Remember that the key is repetition with many natural insect repellants. These eco-friendly solutions are safe, easy, and effective for keeping ants out of your home and yard.
Boric acid + powdered sugar
Mix these together and place in a bait station. The sugar lures them in, and the boric acid wipes out the colony when they carry it back to the queen. (Tip: Terro makes bait stations with boric acid that are safe to use indoors.)
Peanut butter trick
Mix peanut butter with boric acid powder and powdered sugar and put it inside a straw. Ants love protein, so they’ll take it back to their nest and share the boric acid mixture with the colony.
Vinegar spray
Ants follow scent trails to find food. Spraying vinegar over their paths erases their tracks and discourages them from coming back.
Boiling water for outdoor nests
If you find their nest outside, pour boiling hot water over the mound to eliminate the colony naturally.
Fun fact: Some types of ants have distinct smells! Stink ants smell like rotten coconut, carpenter ants have a woodsy or vinegar-like scent, and fire ants give off a slightly acidic, earthy odor.
Natural solution for roaches, spiders, and mice
Roaches
A major trigger for asthma, roaches thrive in hidden spaces. Look for non-toxic roach control methods like boric acid, diatomaceous earth, or sticky traps.
Spiders
Keep them out with a DIY spray made from essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or citrus.
Mice
The simplest solution? Get a cat! :) Jokes aside, if that’s not an option, seal up food sources, remove clutter, and use peppermint oil or humane ethical traps.
Safe indoor pest control for homes with kids and pets
If you’re looking for a way to keep pests out without worrying about harsh chemicals around your family and pets, there are great natural options available. Here are two powerful, yet completely safe, ingredients that help keep your home pest-free without any toxic side effects.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, organic pest control product that works mechanically rather than chemically. It damages the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die.
Benefits
Pet safe and nontoxic: When used according to instructions, diatomaceous earth is safe for both pets and children, making it one of the safest pest control products available.
Effective against a wide range of pests: It works on ants, roaches, and other small insects, providing a broad-spectrum solution without the use of harsh chemicals.
Boric acid and bait stations
Boric acid, when used in bait stations, is an effective method for getting rid of ant colonies and other insect infestations indoors. By mixing boric acid powder with powdered sugar or peanut butter, you can create a bait that attracts pests, allowing them to carry the toxin back to their colony.
Benefits
Targeted application: This method specifically targets the pests without dispersing chemicals throughout your living areas.
Long-term control: As the bait is carried back to the nest, it provides ongoing pest control by gradually eliminating the colony from the source.
Other important tips for outdoor pest control & chemical free outdoor living
Bugs are Attracted to Light
Bugs love gathering around outdoor lights. Here’s how to keep them away:
Use warm-colored lights – White or blue light attracts more insects. Switch to yellow, amber, or red lights to minimize bugs.
Try “purple violet” lights – These bug zappers work by attracting and killing flying insects like mosquitos and fruit flies.
Carbon dioxide traps – Some outdoor bug traps mimic human breath to lure in mosquitos. They’re effective but may also attract bugs from surrounding areas, which can backfire!
Yard maintenance for keeping bugs at bay
Remove standing water – Mosquitos breed in even the smallest puddles, so check for standing water in planters, gutters, and birdbaths.
Avoid brush piles – Tall grass and brush piles provide the perfect hiding spot for pests. Keep your yard trimmed and clear. Don't store wood piles anywhere near the home, as ants love to live in these.
Tip: Worried about termites during construction? Instead of spraying pesticides, use metal mesh barriers around plumbing and foundation areas to keep termites out for good.
Ditch toxic weed killers—try these instead
Many popular weed killers, have been linked to serious health risks and environmental damage. Lawsuits have even been filed against companies over claims that these chemicals may cause cancer.
Instead of using harsh herbicides, go for natural alternatives that work just as well:
30% vinegar – Kills weeds down to the root. Just spray it directly on the weeds, and they’ll wither in no time!
Cornmeal – Prevents weeds from growing in the first place. Sprinkle it over your yard in early spring to block weed seeds from sprouting.
Furniture and materials that repel pests
Your choice of outdoor furniture can make a difference in keeping pests away. That's why choosing the best material for outdoor furniture is so crucial!
Teak furniture – Naturally pest-resistant and long-lasting, teak is a great option for outdoor seating.
Citronella candles and torches – Use bio-based citronella products instead of petroleum-based ones to avoid toxic fumes.
Natural fertilizers and soil boosters
Want to grow strong, pest-resistant plants? It all starts with healthy soil. Try these organic, chemical-free ways to give your plants a nutrient boost:
Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) - Many people are low in magnesium, and so are their plants! Sprinkle Epsom salt around vegetables and herbs for healthier, more vibrant growth.
Crushed eggshells & bone meal - Great for tomatoes and other calcium-loving plants.
Liquid mineral drops + a splash of ammonia - Mix into a bucket of water for a powerful, full-spectrum plant food.
Fallen leaves - Don’t throw them away—use them as natural compost!
Coconut coir - A fantastic, eco-friendly alternative to peat moss for improving soil structure.
What is the best pet safe pest control product?
Keeping pests away shouldn’t mean putting your furry friends at risk.
Neem oil
Pet-safe pest control products use natural ingredients that get rid of bugs without harmful chemicals. One of the best options is neem oil, a plant-based insect repellent that stops pests in their tracks while being completely safe for pets and humans. It works by disrupting the life cycle of insects, keeping them from coming back—without harsh toxins!
Benefits
Nontoxic: Neem oil is a naturally derived substance that is safe for indoor and outdoor use, making it an ideal choice for pet safe pest control.
Multi-purpose: It can be used to control a variety of pests, from insects on your plants to bugs that might invade your home, providing versatile protection.
As mentioned earlier, diatomaceous earth is another great and underrated natural ingredient in pet safe pest control products, which is safe to use inside the home and outdoors.
Kids safe pest control for playgrounds
If you have a backyard play area, choose materials that are safe and nontoxic. Here are our suggestions on what to avoid—and what to use instead:
Try to avoid:
Rubber chips
These can release harmful fumes, especially in hot weather.
Wood chips
Can trap moisture and grow mold.
Arsenic-treated wood
Often has a green tint. Avoid it!
Safe alternatives:
Blue borate-treated wood
A nontoxic alternative for play structures.
Grass, sand, gravel, or smooth pebbles
Safer options that don’t off-gas chemicals.
For bug protection (bug sprays), skip DEET-based sprays and use essential oil-based insect repellents instead. A newer alternative containing synthetic piperine (from pepper plants) is also a good low-odor, less-toxic option.
Keeping your home and yard pest-free doesn’t mean you have to rely on toxic pesticides. If your ant, spider or other pest/rodent problems persists, find a local pest control pro that specializes in low/no chemical applications. Sometimes using several different approaches at the same time will knock out pesky problems.
There are plenty of natural, effective solutions that work just as well—without the risks to your health or the environment.
Whether it’s using boric acid for ants, citronella for mosquitos, or vinegar for weeds, making small, eco-friendly choices adds up to a safer, healthier home for you and your family.
By going the natural route, you’re not just getting rid of pests—you’re creating a balanced, thriving space where your family, pets, and the environment can all flourish. 🌿🐝✨
We invite you to explore our curated collections of healthy outdoor furniture and backyard accessories!