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Alternatives to Permethrin

Permethrin is the most widely used pesticide in the United States, and its most popular targets are mosquitoes, fleas and roaches. It is a neurotoxin and overexposure in humans can alter nerve functioning and cause health problems. The EPA has classified permethrin as "Likely to be carcinogenic to humans" by the oral route, and can be harmful to those who come in contact with treated lawns and carpets. It's also toxic to fish and cats. Thankfully, there are alternatives.

  1. Oil of Eucalyptus

    • Oil of Eucalyptus is found in eucalyptus leaves and twigs. Since it was declared to be a useful natural insecticide in 1948, it has been used in lotion or spray repellents and also found in crystals and pellets and herbal flea collars.

    Neem Oil

    • Neem oil has an unpleasant odor. Its ingredients act as insect repellents that interfere with feeding, deter egg-laying, retard growth and render some insects sterile. There are also some direct toxins but is virtually harmless to humans.

    Catnip

    • Catnip repels mosquitoes. Science Daily states that "nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET." Nepetalactone is also a cockroach repellent. Leave a small amount of it in areas of cockroach activity or simmer in water and use the "catnip tea" as a spray for areas that they frequent. It is non-toxic to humans and pets, but avoid using if you have cats.

    Essential Oils as Repellents

    • Oils like citronella are frequently used for insect control. There are other various oils that act as repellents such as oil of basil, clove, anise, and rosemary. Do not use essential oils on cats because their bodies cannot excrete essential oils and they can build up to toxic levels. May of these oils can be skin irritants so it is best to use them in other lotions or oils if used on the skin.

    Other Houshold Items as Alternatives.

    • There are less toxic common household items that act as good insecticides, too. A mixture of boric acid or baking soda and sugar will kill roaches. The boric acid will dehydrate them and baking soda kills them by altering their acid pH. Use caution when using boric acid, keep out of reach of children and pets, it is poisonous of ingested. Bay leaves function as roach and flea repellents but must be changed frequently since it is their oil that repels. Borax (from the detergent isles in the store) will kill fleas in carpet and furniture by dehydration. Sprinkle it on generously and leave for three days, then vacuum.

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