The infestation we have is relatively mild, but a nuisance (I've already had to throw out 2 dress suits, 3 coats and other clothing! So, I have everything sealed in garment bags now.). The problem is that my wife and I live in a very small apartment with 3 cats. As you know, most pesticides are highly toxic to cats, so we're just using regular household cleaners like Clorox clean up spray w/bleach (and soon the pheromone traps) to regularly clean infested areas keep the beetle population in check.
I really appreciate any other advice you may have. How long do the traps typically last before I need to change them?
Thanks very much for your help!Filed under pet friendly by 
Hi,
We are looking for a product that is dog, cat and children friendly (preferably organic), and keep the spiders at bay. I have found eco exempt on your page and was wondering if that is what i need or if you have any other suggestions.
We have a queenslander style home with wooden boards and the property boarders onto the rain forrest.
I look forward to hearing from you.
ECO KO AEROSOL would be a great product that works well and is very safe to use. As explained in our product catalog, it uses food based ingredients so it's essentially non-toxic to mammals. The Aerosol would be the easiest product to use since it's ready to spray and comes in a can. But when it comes to spiders, it can sometimes take a little more effort to get good results. You don't mention where or what kind of spider you have so without this information, I don't know where the nest sites might be so let me make the following suggestion.
If you notice a lot of spiders around the house, particularly on the outside, you should consider some outdoor treatments. This will help keep out most any invasive insect including spiders. Two good actives which are very safe to use around people and pets would be either the ECO IC CONCENTRATE or the BUG PATROL RTS. Both work well on spiders and are what I would call pet friendly for sure.
Here are direct links to these items:
http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/aerosols/eco-exempt-ko-contact-aerosol-14-oz
http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/eco-exempt-ic-concentrate
http://www.non-toxic-pest-control.com/concentrates/bug-patrol-rts
jonathan
Filed under pet friendly by
I`m bee keeper is it safe to use around the bee`s? MP INSECT KILLER 24 OZ
Bees are quite sensitive to insecticides and most importantly, subject to more exposure to insecticides based on how they behave. Any insect which is mobile and typically likes to land on plants all day long is a prime candidate for some kind of toxin exposure. Compared to other insects like Cave Crickets which live and thrive in dark caverns away from the sun, people and other extreme influences, it's amazing bees, wasps and other social insects are able to live more than a day in our dangerous world. With this in mind, anyone that keeps or cares about bees should make an effort to decrease the liklihood of exposing them to undue levels of pesticide. And one way to do this is to use products which don't last long after they're applied.
The product you inquired about is in fact one such product. Certified for organic gardening, MP INSECT KILLER has a short life span. It has just 1 day to harvest which means it's pretty much gone in a day of being applied. Having a "1 day to harvest" means in one day, crops which have been sprayed with it are suitable for human consumption. Such labeling is only extended to products which break down rapidly. By dissipating rapidly, there is less chance of a toxic exposure to non-target insects like bees since the product isn't effectively hanging around killing everything that lands on it. The mindset here is you're spraying a target insect you see and know about; a good effort on your part should eliminate the real targeted insect and then afterward, within a day, the product used will be gone and the plant can go back to as it was prior to being sprayed. The big plus is that the targeted insect is now gone so that in theory, the plant should benefit (assuming the targeted insect was targeted because it was doing some kind of damage). Plants treated with long lasting residuals can in fact impact hundreds if not thousands of insects during their course of life and if you keep bees, you know exactly what I'm talking about. In general, it's best to avoid using such products unless the situation warrants such applications or the host plant is one bees, wasps and other beneficial insects avoid.
In summary, products like INSECTICIDAL SOAP and MP INSECT KILLER are two good choices if you need to spray around the home, out in the yard, on plants which bees like to frequent. Both products do an admirable job of controlling most any insect and though they won't last more than a day, they won't have a profound impact on non-target insects that aren't causing any damage in the first place.
Filed under nontoxic by
i have gnats in my apartment.i have tomato plants ,and banana plant.i have gnats allover the house.i need a spray.
Gnats in the home can be a nuisance throughout the winter months. Though cold outside, most any home has the conditions needed to enable them to prosper. Potted plants are an ideal gnat producer and when these plants yield either fruit or vegetables, there is the additional challenge of what to use safely.
If you suspect the gnats are nesting on the plants, I suggest treating them with one of the organic concentrates or aerosols listed on this site. You'll need to treat both the plant and the soil if you're seeing activity in this area. MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER would be a good concentrate to use for the soil. It can safely be sprayed on vegetable and fruit yielding plants and won't make the banana's uneatable. Treat once a week adding some concentrate to the watering can. This material will work well on mealy bugs, thrips, aphids and whiteflies which all like to nest in potted plant soil.
I also suggest getting some HOUSE PLANT KILLER AEROSOL. This product will kill gnats on contact but it's not as strong as the concentrate. The good thing about the aerosol is that you can use it quickly, for spot treating, as needed. Keep a can on hand for emergency use in between regular treatments with the Multi Purpose Killer. Remember, gnats can manifest themselves most anywhere in the home. They love garbage incinerators, garbage pails, compost piles, pet cages and fruit or produce bowls. Be sure to keep these areas clean and treat with the House Plant Killer when activity is discovered.
Filed under gnats by
Is it safe to use Baygon around and indoor orchid garden?
Thank you
S. T.
As a general rule, the use of aerosols close to plants should only be done outside in the open. This prevents direct exposure of the aerosol mist to the plant. Most all traditional aerosols contain solvents and other ingredients that can cause problems when coming in contact with plants. Outside applications can be used downwind ensuring none will coat the plant; inside the home without a breeze or wind, the chance of prolonged exposure is much higher and should be avoided.
To use one of our residuals like BAYGON in the home where you keep plants, we suggest you first remove the plants prior to the application. If you let the area settle at least one hour after treating, the plants can be reintroduced without a problem. It's really during the treatment and the first 30-60 minutes afterwards which present the real risk. Keep the plants away during this time if you must spray inside and you should be fine.
Alternatively, you could apply one of these two organic aerosols: HOUSE PLANT INSECT KILLER or the ORGANIC FLYING INSECT KILLER. Either can be used safely inside around plants and do not pose a hazard to people or pets. Certified as organic, these two products do a good job of handling most any insect on or around plants. The only drawback is that you will have to use them more frequently since they don't last as long as the Baygon. But other than that, we have found they work well. If you have further questions, please give us a call on our toll free at 1-800-877-7290.
Filed under orchid garden by
I have ants out in my yard and I'm looking for a nontoxic spray or granule I can apply. I see you have several chemicals that you offer but do you have anything that's natural or organic? I afraid to use anything too strong around my garden.
In our Ant Control article we feature several products including liquid concentrates and granules. Either of these would be safe and highly effective on most any ant. We also have an alternative option which uses natural food extracts and oils as the active. These natural products are nontoxic and yet effective. The liquid alternative is ECO IC and is basically mixed and applied like any other product. It can safely be used around any garden without cause for concern. Use a good Pump Sprayer to do the application and spray it in the yard, on the home or even the home without any danger to people or pets.
But when it comes to ants, getting the entire yard is important so the use of some kind of lawn granule is often times required for long term protection. The alternative option here would be the ECO Lawn Granules. Both options will work on ants but keep in mind they won't last as long as the more traditional products featured in our article. In other words, you'll probably have to apply them more frequently.
And we even have an organic ant bait. NIBAN FG is OMRI listed and safe for use inside as well as around the home and won't pose an undue risk to people or pets when used properly. If you have further questions or concerns, please give us a call on our toll free 1-800-877-7290.
Filed under organic by
i was wondering if I could use ECO Aerosol on my house plants? M.
ECO Aerosol isn't labeled for use on plants directly. But we do have HOUSE PLANT INSECT KILLER. It has been formulated exactly for this purpose. Safe enough to use in the home and effective on a wide range of insects including aphids, spider mites, red mites, mealybugs, thrips, scale, caterpillars, and whiteflies, it can be used as frequently as needed and does a good job.
Filed under houseplants by
I've got thousands of ladybugs on the outside of my house and want something non-toxic to spray. I see you have lots of strong chemicals but do you have anything organic that won't be so harsh?
Ladybugs can be a tough and persistent pest once they find your house and move in for the winter. Most people think of ladybugs as a "good bug" since they like to feed on common garden variety pests like whiteflies and aphids. As our LADYBUG CONTROL article explains, there is another species of ladybug present in the Unites States which has been imported and released on purpose. Originally the intention of importing this ladybug was all well and good but it was later learned this species hibernates during the winter. That by itself was no major problem but when it turned out the place they most liked to hibernate was on our homes and other man made structures, this insect was quickly categorized as another "invasive pest".
Once your home is marked and scented as a good place to live, ladybugs in the local vicinity will find their way to your home. This will usually happen every spring and fall. It's during this time that treatments should be done. Cypermethrin outside and Baygon inside are two very effective products to use but there are organic alternatives. The BUG PATROL RTS is certificied for organic gardening and strong enough to knock down ladybugs as is MULTI INSECT KILLER. Use either on the outside of the home and attempt to spray as much of the siding and overhangs where you see these invasive ladybugs active. Once inside the home, use the ECO KO AEROSOL for a quick knockdown and lasting residual. Made from food grade active ingredients, ECO Aerosol is both fast acting and safe to use around children and pets. Expect to treat a few times in the fall and then again in the spring. The following year the invasion should be a lot less noticeable and maybe barely detectable depending on how well you knock down the current population in your first year of treating. If you have further questions, please give us a call on our toll free at 1.800.877.7290.
Filed under organic by
Hi,
I have skunks and raccoons digging up our grass going after grubs. I live by a lake and would like to know what natural remedies are out there to use to get rid of the grubs that will not affect the fish in the lake. Thanks for your time. B.
Grubs can cause all kinds of problems including plant death, unwanted soil PH swings and animal predation. If there is water close to grub infested lawns, traditional treatments are usually not recommended. Fortunately there is a wide range of natural alternatives that can be employed. Once these products are put to use and the grub populations are reduced, animals will be forced to forage elsewhere.
One of the best natural grub remedies available now is the ECO GRANULES. Using food oils as actives, these slow dissolving granules can last a month or more and when watered into the dirt. Get some applied now and they will start working immediately. Grub control is best achieved during the winter so the time to treat is now. Most important is that ECO Granules can be used in close proximity to sensitive areas and will not pose a danger to the wildlife.
Next, spray over the top with the ECO IC CONCENTRATE as this will get the granules activated and you'll start knocking out the grubs that much faster. If the area is small and the ECO is too big of a container for your needs, get the ORGANIC GRUB RTS. It's been certified to be used for organic gardening and is very gentle on the turf. It comes with it's own hose end sprayer so you just have to hook it up the garden hose and you'll be ready to spray.
One other thing; be sure to check the SOIL PH if you haven't done so recently. Grub infestations will naturally lower the soil PH and when this level dips below 6.0, it becomes a real problem affecting a wide range of things that may be in the landscape. Being out of balance will cause the soil to render most insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer and other turf products pretty much useless. Additionally, plants won't be able to grow properly and generally get sick and become more vulnerable to all kinds of problems with out the proper balance PH in the soil. Lastly, acidic or alkaline soil in close proximity to water isn't good for any fish in the water so make sure the turf has a good PH measurement before beginning any treatment program.
Filed under natural products by
I have visited your webpage and am intriuged by your product line. However, I have a dog that likes to eat the grasshoppers, and I've a billion of them…
How do I kill the grasshoppers and not kill my dog? How long are your products toxic? What do you recommend? I can move her to the front yard while I treat, but the little fallen bodies, are they toxic to her if she munches on them?
Non toxic grasshopper control can be tough. As explained in our GRASSHOPPER CONTROL ARTICLE, they can infest properties by the thousands and the only way to knock them down is to apply massive quantities of chemical. Generally this is not a place where pets should be staying following the treatments. Additionally, eating the grasshoppers that have been sprayed would present a hazard to the dog and should be avoided when using the products listed in our the article above.
An alternative choice would be to use one of the organic options listing on this site. There are two which could be used and both will work. INSECTICIDAL SOAP would be the safest route. It works fast and will kill the grasshoppers you spray. But it's gone in a day which means there is no residual following the application. The good news about this is that your dog could be brought back into the treated area as early as the day after you spray. Additionally, if he ate any of the dead grasshoppers, he wouldn't be at any risk. The bad news is you might have to spray every few days till they are gone since the Soap doesn't provide any residual. Additionally, you will have to use a HOSE END SPRAYER to get good coverage over all your yard.
Another option would be the organic GRUB KILLER RTS. This material is a little stronger. It will last a week following your application so this means the dog shouldn't come into the area for this long following the treatment. If you are able to keep the dog away for this long of period, the Grub Killer would be a better option since it will last longer for sure.
Filed under grasshoppers by
I've got some caterpillars in my garden that are chewing away at everything. First I thought they were tomato caterpillars but now I dont' know what they are. Do you have some kind of non toxic spray or dust I can use that won't hurt my plants?
We have several non toxic concentrates that can handle caterpillars and other other pests quite well. These are labeled for use on organic gardens and won't hurt the plants, fruits or vegetables you harvest.
If you prefer a dust, go with the BT GARDEN DUST. This product is simply sprinkled over the plants and as the caterpillars eat the treated leaves, they'll ingest the bacteria and die.
If you prefer to spray, go with the MULTI PURPOSE GARDEN CONCENTRATE or the ORGANIC 3 IN 1 SPRAY. The Multi Purpose is our strongest organic option and will handle most any insect. The 3 in 1 combines an insecticide, fungicide and miticide all in one so you get complete coverage of all the common ailments most gardens experience. It's kind of a "one shot treatment" that can make gardening – especially organic gardening – a lot easier.
Lastly, we also have a non organic option that will last longer and be the most effective overall. VEGETABLES PLUS uses permethrin as the active and is highly effective on caterpillars. Treatments can last 1-2 weeks so you won't have to apply it nearly as much as the organic options.
Filed under nontoxic by
I'm looking for a non toxic mosquito spray I can use around my organic garden. I don't want to spray the garden directly but my ground cover and even the grass seems to be harboring a lot of mosquitoes. Is there anything I can spray there that's non-toxic?
Mosquitoes will readily thrive in ground cover, grass and gardens where it is either shady, moist or both. If you aren't treating the garden with one of the Organic Sprays we have featured on NON TOXIC PEST CONTROL, we recommend that you reconsider. All it takes is one little "pocket" of mosquitoes to make a large area infested as explained in our MOSQUITO CONTROL article.
For the grass and ground cover, spraying some MOSQUITO KILLER RTS should work fine. It's Organic and won't pose a hazard to people or pets. Treatments should last a week or more and it can be applied as often as is needed. In the home, the ORGANIC FLYING INSECT KILLER can be used to get any that find their way inside.
Filed under nontoxic by
My garden has been getting whiteflys every year for the past two seasons and I'd like to start spraying something. I've been reluctant to use anything because I'm organic. Do you have anything available that will be safe to use? I know you have some awesome bugspray for ants because I got it and haven't had a problem since. But anything that strong can't be safe to use in my garden so I'm hoping you have an alternative remedy.
We now have many organic whitefly sprays great for use in organic gardens. The most common choices for whiteflys include our 3 IN 1 FIM and the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER. The 3 in 1 is a popular choice because it has an insecticide, fungicide and miticide so you can take care of many problems with just one spray. The Multi Purpose Insect Killer is one of the stronger products we now have so it's a good choice when dealing with something stubborn like whitelflys. We have other organic sprays for most all applications around the home and they can all be seen in our ORGANIC CONCENTRATE PRODUCT PAGE.
Filed under white fly by
What does "It does have a 7-14 days to harvest" mean relative to applying this product to my vegetable garden?
The days to harvest is the time you should wait following the treatment of a fruit, vegetables or other edible plants or crops before you harvest any part that was treated. So if you treated a tomato plant and the product used has a "7 days to harvest" listed on the label, you would need to wait at least 7 days after the treatment to insure the product applied has dissipated or broken down enough so that the plant can be safely eaten. Many products like Permethrin found in VEGETABLES PLUS will have a range of 7-14 days to harvest listed.
Organic products don't last as long and consequently will have days to harvest that range from 0-1 days. This is why they are so safe to use. In fact, 3 IN 1 CONCENTRATE has just a 1 day to harvest listing. That means if you spray on a Friday, you can harvest on Saturday. This is good when you are wanting to harvest your crop shortly after treating it but bad if you need long term control and want a spray that will last. This also means you should expect to treat more frequently, maybe once every 1-2 weeks, when using one of our Organic Sprays. But they do work well and are strongly recommended for anyone with a vegetable garden that wants to control some nuisance pests. The 3 in 1 will handle insects, fungus and mites. But we also have others like the MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER which is just for insects.
Filed under days to harvest by
We have ordered this product from you and are excited to try it against chiggers. I am pleased about how safe it is to use, which makes me ask, "how does it kill the chigger?" Thanks in advance.
ECO products work on insects using a unique mode of action which has no effect on mammals. Here is the "short" explanation…
ECO products like their ECO LAWN GRANULES use plant oils for their active ingredient. This active contains compounds that are similar to octopamine. Octopamine is kind of like adrenaline controlling insect functions like metabolism, movement and heart rate. Since mammals, bird and fish do not have octopamine receptors, ECO has no impact anything other than insects.
When insects come in contact with the octopamine, it effectively clogs and blocks their neurorecptor sites which in turn causes them to die. The end result is a reduction in the local insect population without any impact to the other surrounding life.
Filed under eco granules by