During the summer, the great outdoors beckons. Unfortunately, some of it sneaks indoors as ants, fleas, spiders, and more. Of the million-plus insect species we share the planet with, less than one percent is considered harmful. The other 99 percent are indispensable members of the food chain.

Unlike bugs, all pesticides are poisonous, and more than a billion pounds of them are used in the U.S. every year. Besides killing pests, they harm fish, birds, and beneficial insects, while often poisoning soil, water, and farm workers.

Inside the home, pesticides break down slowly. When used outdoors, they can come in on the air, shoes, clothing, and even our pets. Toxic, persistent pesticides have been linked to miscarriages and birth defects, and children exposed to them early in life may suffer health problems and learning difficulties. Before you reach for insect spray, consider ways to keep your home from becoming toxic. The bottom line is that a totally pest-free home isn’t nearly as important as a healthy family and ecosystem.

An Ounce of Prevention

Pests need what the rest of us do: food, water, and shelter. Focus on prevention and eliminating problems before they begin by minimizing pests’ access to food, water, and shelter in and around your home.

Prevention begins with simple, safe, inexpensive steps, starting with a sharp eye. Before you consider pesticides, examine your home closely for entry points like ripped screens and crevices in doors, foundation, and windows. Seal these with weather stripping or caulk. Fix leaky plumbing and look for dampness and water sources that attract insects, like trays under houseplants. Caulk around cabinets, baseboards, and other places where insects enter. Outside, keep plants and mulch at least a foot away from your home, and remove leaves and trash.

Kitchen & Pet Patrol

Indoors, make sure all food containers are tightly closed and waste is removed daily. Keep counters and other surfaces free of crumbs and food residues. Wipe them regularly with a solution of two teaspoons of bleach in a quart of water. Empty trash every day, and never leave dirty dishes sitting out. Clean between counters and appliances where grease and crumbs collect. You may need to pick up your pet’s food and water dishes every night until your pest problem is under control.

If you enjoy flea markets and yard sales, check purchases for insect infestation before bringing them inside. Speaking of fleas, before you adopt a pet and bring it (and its uninvited guests) into your home, comb its fur carefully and check for ear mites. If you find fleas or “flea dirt” (tiny specks of black), wash the pet thoroughly.

CJ Puotinen, author of The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care, recommends adding a few drops of essential oils of pine or eucalyptus to liquid soap or pet shampoo. Massage into the fur and skin, rinse well, and repeat. Flea collars, powders, and sprays contain pesticides and should be avoided whenever possible. Regular brushing and grooming will keep pets from becoming pest hotels.

With a plan for prevention, you can have a healthy and pest-free home.