My apartment is being fumigated today. A little gross, a little humiliating, but nothing can be done otherwise - the pests may live in the walls of my old brick apartment building, and who could blame them? I'm sure it's palatial and divine living quarters for bugs and mice and other little friends.
However happy the pests are to have made their empire near my dwelling... I'm not exactly jumping for joy. And so the exterminator that serves the building has been called. As I'm not the owner of the apartment, it's difficult to get someone to come out and perform the service independently and not only that, as a person of modest means, I don't have the extra cash to foot the bill for an out of pocket extermination. So I'm stuck with a traditional chemical-laden pest treatment. I'm not happy about it, except that it has inspired me to do some research and while I hope to never need fumigation again, I'm realistic with knowing that I live in Los Angeles, I probably will engage pest control services again. Any next time, it's going to be on my terms and without the harsh and harmful chemicals I'm subjecting myself (and my succulent, named Penelope Kruse) to.
Not to focus on the negative, but the reasons to invest in non toxic pest control are clear and simple - traditional methods using common pesticides are as harmful as spraying poison on your walls. Pesticides have been linked to the emergence of cancer, reproductive health issues and neurological damage. Doubly disconcerting is the notion that a majority of pesticides aren't tested for their affect on developing neural systems like those of our children. (Spiegelman)
With that in mind, here are some resources for those of you that can afford to be more selective with the pest control you engage.
It turns out there are many alternatives to spraying harmful pesticides with abandon.
Here are some of your choices:
1. Natural Predators - a group of Lady bugs can be brought in to eat aphids - well suited for outdoor use
2. Boric Acid - a weak acid that can be spread as powder in affected areas
3. Plant Oil Based Pesticides - sprayed like chemical pesticides, these materials have plant-based, non toxic ingredients
4. Thermal Remediation - Specialists can safely heat a room to over 120 degrees to kill pests without introducing chemicals. This is typically used for bed bugs.
5. Diatomaceous Earth - A powdered form of fossilized algae with sharp edges that can break down insect exoskeletons and dehydrate the pests. Safe for use in gardens and even on pets' fur.
Companies In LA to try:
Koreatown: Green Termite and Pest Control
LA & Orange County: Greenleaf Organic Pest Control
LA & Southern Cali: Hearts' Los Angeles Pest Control
If you give these businesses your business, comment back and let's see who has a great experience with them!!
p.s. I wish I didn't have to kill any pests but I have to consider my living conditions. Pests carry disease and are super unpleasant to have around... what can we do but to keep them out of our living spaces? Of course it must be said that dilligence should be done to seal any cracks or openings, and all surfaces should be kept crumb free and clear of any food waste. I will be sure to double up on my efforts to keep the bugs away without having to kill them. This site is full of inventive and natural methods to keep pests at bay, often pre-empting the need to go on a killing spree! Anything that prevents violence, even if it is "just bugs" is a step in the right direction in my book.
Annie Spiegelman, Huffington Post. Article about Eco-Friendly Pest Control
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