Eco-Experts Answers Your Environmental Questions
(Page 3 of 3)
January/February 2004
By Natural Home Staff
Caroline Blazovsky replies:
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Finding alternatives to chemically laden insecticides is one of our biggest challenges in creating a healthy home. Instead of a flea bomb, use Orange Guard, a natural pesticide derived from d-limonene (orange peel extract). Excellent against fleas, ants, and other small insects, Orange Guard (OrangeGuard.com) is a human- and pet-friendly water-based product that may be used around food, both indoors and out.
Diatomaceous earth is another environmentally friendly alternative. It is a stainless, odorless powder that naturally dehydrates the insect instead of chemically poisoning it. From early times, humans used ashes, sand, or dust to keep insects off their crops. This product works similarly and can be used inside or outside. If you have carpet or rugs, sprinkle the powder on areas that harbor hard-to-reach fleas and watch them disappear.
Another valuable resource is the American Holistic Veterinarians Medical Association (AHVMA.org). Many holistic veterinarians offer natural flea collars and sprays that do not use toxic pesticides. Natural products stores may also carry these items. Always check with your veterinarian and physician before using these products.
Also check the Pesticide Action Network of North America site (PANNA.org), which provides extensive information about pesticides and less toxic alternatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also offers a site, Integrated Pest Management (IPMCenters.org) that supplies tips about managing infestations.
Or, try this old-fashioned trick. My grandparents placed a baking sheet with some water covering the bottom near a small light on the floor overnight. The fleas were attracted to the light and jumped into the pan, becoming trapped in the water.
Caroline Blazovsky is a certified mold remediator, a member of the ACGIH and the IAQA, and the owner of My Healthy Home, a business that offers mold testing, indoor air testing, consultation, and home products.
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