A recent study says that the use of professionally applied pesticides was associated with a significant 70% higher risk of canine malignant lymphoma (CML). The risk was even greater with a 170% higher risk of CML in those reporting the use of self-applied insect pesticides. If your pet spends a ton of time out in the backyard, you want to be sure that you’re using the safest products for the health of your family.
Create Your Own Organic Pesticide
A great way to make sure you and your pet stay safe is to create your own organic pesticide. All you need is a few simple ingredients of items already found inside your home. For wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets, set aside a wide bucket that your kids and dogs won’t be able to reach. Fill the bucket with sugar water, add a decent amount of dish soap at the top of the water., and stir it just enough to make sure there is an even spread of soap at the top. This concoction will attract stinging pests, causing them to drown after landing on the soapy water.
Enrich your soil and kill ants with coffee grounds. Don’t throw away old coffee grounds, instead use them as a natural deterrent to ants. Put grounds on top of anthills and along the outside of windowsills and doorways to keep them out of your yard and your home. If you happen to notice your lawn looking a bit dull or lacking color, regularly sprinkle coffee grounds throughout your grass. Coffee grounds encourage microbes to grow in the soil, helping use the nitrogen. The microbes break down the coffee grounds, allowing nitrogen to add even more nutrients to your growing grass. And it’s 100% safe for you and your pets.
Use soap, citrus oil, and water against slugs. You can use both citrus and salt water to protect your garden against snails, slugs, and other creepy crawlies that tend to eat and ruin your plants.
Not All Organic Treatments Are Safe for Pets
While it might actually be extremely useful, you should avoid dispersing spices, such as cayenne and chili powder throughout your grass. Even if rain and water wash it into the soil, residual amounts can make its way into your pet’s paws, which can eventually irritate their face, nose, eyes, and mouth.