Finding Natural Flea, Bug and Lice Repellants

Though most common household pesticides are generally safer than they have been in the past, we still use them at an alarming rate. The impact of some of these harmful toxic chemicals on people especially infants and children have the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) looking to phase out many home pesticides. The problem that many people have is what to use in place of these common pesticides. Here are three common pesticides that many of us deal with and some natural alternatives to them.

Natural Alternative to Lice Shampoos
Any parent will tell you that the chances of your child contracting lice bugs are great. Lice are easily passed from one child to another on the school playground. Most lice shampoos contain organophosphates malathion and lindane, as well as pyrethroids. All chemicals applied directly to the child's scalp.

A natural alternative to lice shampoos is preparing a toxin-free mixture to smother the lice. Take a combination of olive oil, mayonnaise, a few drops of an essential oil such as tea tree or eucalyptus and then mix in a capful of shampoo. Coat the child's hair and scalp thoroughly and then cover it tightly with a plastic shower cap. Let this mixture sit on their head for about an hour and then wash their hair a couple of times in hot not scalding water. Rinse their hair and scalp with vinegar and then comb their hair with a lice comb.

Natural Alternative to Bug Sprays
Many of us have a cupboard that will have bug spray in it. However, many home bug spray products contain pyrethrins, which in the end pose hazards to not only our health, but also when there is runoff it becomes hazardous to aquatic life as well.

Natural alternatives to the common bug spray are using common sense. Vacuum your home regularly and look for potential bug entryways to seal up. Vinegar is great to use to discourage bugs from entering your home. Many people use flytraps and bait boxes to rid themselves of bugs. If the problem is severe enough, you can find pest management companies that are trained in the use of non-toxic methods to rid your house of bugs.

Natural Alternative to Flea Collars
When the weather warms up, many of our family's pets are exposed to fleas. If your pet is a part of the family, then you want to limit their exposure to harmful toxins as well. Many common flea collars contain highly toxic organophosphates that are from the same family as nerve gas.

Again, common sense is the great natural alternative to flea collars for your pets. Vacuum your home often to limit flea exposure. Groom your pet with a flea comb and make sure that they get baths regularly. Some nature flea repellants are concentrated essential oils of cedar wood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme.