Around the house and yard, several people think insects and spiders are pests. As a young child, my Mother showed me how to move insects and spiders outside. Since then it is great to contribute to a healthier environment.
There are a few tips for maintaining clean home while preserving nature. The biggest tip is to use granulated insect repellents. Several great brands are effective for three to six months. Securing the perimeter is easy as sprinkling granules while walking around the house.
I like insects, yet when ants invade the house it is tricky to move without stepping on them. Taking time to move them to the yard on tissues, outside where they have food, sunlight and water. Inside, they die or invade my territory by crawling over my food.
Spiders are predators. Indoor spiders look at ants like cattle. Unfortunately most insects are outside so there are few options. With an abundance of food outside a few months ago I found a large, potentially pregnant spider in the bathroom. With a cup and piece of paper she was relocated into the bushes outside where her children will mature in a flourishing hunting ground. They will defend the house from invading insects.
Built for weather, bushes and trees offer shelter to hide from birds. Birds have an attraction to the yards because they eat insects and spiders. With available food birds enjoy nesting in nearby trees. There are few threats because we avoid poisoning the lawn. Birds eating insects dying from poison equals dead birds.
They have their space. I have my space. Since it is private property people cannot interfere. Neighbors never complain. Everyone loves squirrels, wrens and bees. Birds and furry animals running wild, makes the neighborhood inviting. Birds and animals verify air and water are clean. A place that is only habitable by people is probably toxic; ergo, people living there are lingering close to illness or death.
Last spring there was a problem with worms in the fruit trees. Initially there was an abundance of fruit. Fruit attracts various bugs. I worry some might be larva that become caterpillars because the incident instigates a conversation to spray the tree with poison though I do not eat much fruit. I enjoy the beauty of the tree though seen as attracting pests.
Poison prevents worms from getting into the fruit and it also reduces the livelihood of whatever it becomes, moths or butterflies. Poisoning the worms could poison birds or taint the nectar reducing a food supply for birds. Most neighborhoods have community rules for maintaining a yard. One year wild growing wheat became overgrown and an anonymous person reported it.
A nature reserve has limitations. I do not farm my yard. A reduction of pesticides at home provides territory for wildlife while farms protect food we eat. Humans make everything complex with divisions of labor.
The example about bats, mentioned in "Solution to Air Pollution," would require consensus from an entire neighborhood or at least surrounding homes before implementation. Discussions should be open at Community Council Meetings or talking to neighbors. Prepare fliers and debate to reach a consensus.
If someone called Animal Control I have imagined the explanation, "This is my property." However, these actions affect their lives. I also imagine surges of irritation walking to the mailbox while several mosquitoes sting me. Notifying everyone gives them the ability to prepare for changes.
Inside the home, I do not use poisons. Keeping the house clean deters most insects. There is no food source after wiping counters with window cleaners, mopping floors with ammonia and taking out the garbage. Throw away old food. Give food to charity if it is a few months away from expiration. After it expires it attracts bugs.
Gnats are tiny. It is impossible to touch one without causing damage. Soon after wheat loses its preservation gnats swarm. Setting traps with a glass of water or leaving food in the garbage makes it possible to move a handful outside; yet removing their food from the house is how to safely remove gnats without contaminating the house with deadly poisons.
It is wonderful having a garden that is active with life and in excellent health. Determining how to maintain it takes a lot of forethought. Most people know to trim bushes and mow the lawn. There are several ethical reasons for making a home a haven for wildlife and logically live in harmony with urban landscapes.
Related Article
Buying a Better World
Edible Plants
Expression Of Laughter
Home Insecticides
Solutions to Air Pollution
Quirky Books
What's in the Air by Stephen E. Blewett
