I hope you have enjoyed learning about our homemade kid and pet friendly pest control solutions. They are both safe and effective. The best part is that they protect both your family and furry friends.
For more facts, start with EPA’s Safe Pest Control at Home and ASPCA’s Poison Control Database. There are tons of facts on ingredients, application, and kid/pet safety.
“Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Eco-friendly pest control sounds great. But natural or safe doesn’t always mean harmless. Many green methods are safer than harsh chemicals—but they still need care. Some irritate the skin. Others harm pets. Some drive away helpful bees and butterflies.
Who is Most at Risk?
Kids: Curious, Clumsy, and Close to the Ground
Children explore the world up close. They touch everything. They crawl, sit, and even snack off the ground.
- Essential Oils
Even watered down, they may still irritate the skin and eyes. Avoid spraying near play areas. - Powders (Boric Acid or Diatomaceous Earth)
Do not use where kids crawl or play. Toddlers love to share snacks, even off the floor. - Homemade Sprays (With Garlic, Onions, Citrus)
They irritate the skin. Rinse with water if there’s contact.
Kids react to airborne particles. Avoid spraying near vents or enclosed play zones. Play it safe. Use repellents when kids aren’t around. Let treated surfaces dry completely before returning. Store homemade mixes in childproof containers. Encourage handwashing after outdoor play.
Pets: Sniffers, Lickers, and Lawn Loungers
Pets experience the world nose-first—and sometimes tongue-first too. Essential oils are a problem. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree can cause upset stomachs. Borax is natural but dangerous when ingested.
Keep in Mind
- Essential Oils
Cats are very sensitive the oils. Use the following with caution: tea tree, peppermint, and cloves. - Citrus and Vinegar.
They make your pets sneeze. It irritates their eyes.
What To Do
- Avoid using near litter boxes, water bowls, or pet beds.
- Apply oil-based sprays where pets don’t go.
Wildlife: The Buzzing and Chirping MVPs
Going green is a joy. Watch as it supports the ecosystem. There is a delicate balance to be had. Learn which essential oils repel pollinators as well as pests. Sprays near flowering plants can discourage helpful insects. You want the bees and butterflies. Very smelling pest control will send birds away. You want the birds! Instead:
- Avoid spraying flowering plants.
- Give bee-heavy areas space.
- Use the evenings to treat areas. Pollinators are less active then.
- Use passive repelling plants. Catnip is great. Marigold with it’s brilliant oranges is good. Plant lavender as well. They do their job without harming the good guys.
Safety Summary:
- Store all repellents out of reach. That includes “natural” ones.
- Apply with intent. Know where kids play and where pets sniff.
- Garden thoughtfully. Use native and non-toxic plants to support your local ecosystem.
- Make your yard a happy place. Free it from pests. Keep it safe for kids, pets, and wildlife.
Foundation Landscaping Eco-Friendly Pest Control Series
- Bug-off Naturally with Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Why Make Homemade Insect Repellent?
- How to Make a Homemade Remedy for Termites
- How to Make a Homemade Ant Repellent
- Homemade Cockroach Killers that Really Work
- How to Make Homemade Bug Spray for Spiders
- How to Make Homemade Fly Repellent
- How to Make a Homemade Wasp Trap and Spray
- Powerful Pest-Repelling Plants for Stunning Texas Foundation Landscaping
- Foundation Landscaping: Epic Kid & Pet-Friendly Pest Control
