controlling pests outside your home

Being vegan isn't easy, and perhaps one of the most challenging dilemmas when it comes to veganism is the topic of pest control. While you do your best to look out for animals that are often used for food and clothing, pest control seems to make you choose between your health and safety and the livelihood of the animals that are invading your home. Fortunately, there are proven ways to protect your family and home from pests without harming the animals themselves, allowing you to rest easy knowing no animals were harmed in the making of your safe, healthy home.   

1. Non-Lethal Traps

There is a plethora of non-lethal traps available for all kinds of pests, from mice to fruit flies, and everything in between. These traps typically hold the animal in a chamber until you check the trap to deposit the animal safely outside, away from your home. Cage style traps for mice allow the rodents in, but not out, keeping them securely contained until you get rid of them. Humane insect traps exist in the form of funnels and other one-way entrances that allow the critters to survive for long enough to be moved out the door manually when you're ready to empty the trap. 

2. Lights, Flashers, and Noise Makers

These types of pest control are best for birds and squirrels that might be taking up residence in your attic or other parts of your roof. These ways of controlling pests don't harm the animals at all, but rather simply create an unfavorable habitat for them, causing them to go elsewhere. A simple foil pinwheel will do the trick in many cases, especially for big birds like crows and ravens. 

3. Pets

Pets are a great, natural, and humane way to control pests, but not for the reasons you might think. Rather than using a cat as a seek-and-destroy method of killing mice, the simple presence of a large animal like a dog or a cat will tend to frighten away mice so they don't even think about coming into your home. Bonus points if your pet is a rescue, which means you'll have saved two animals by having it around: the dog/cat and the mouse that avoids your house!

4. Plug-Ins

For the pests that are too small or numerous to avoid pets or catch in traps like ants, plug-in pest control is the way to go. These inconspicuous devices emit a high-frequency noise that ants and small bugs can't stand, keeping them far, far away from your home. For best results, use these in outlets near doors, windows, and other openings where bugs could get in, so as to create a bug-proof perimeter. 

For further assistance, contact a local pest control service, such as Pestco Inc.