10 Ways To Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is just around the corner—Happy Independence Day! In addition to yardwork, bug-proofing your lawn, and collecting party supplies, you need to consider your pet’s safety, too. Us humans might enjoy the thunder and brilliant display of fireworks, but it can be a terrifying experience for our furry friends. Did you know July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters? An influx of lost pets fleeing from firecracker noises flood local shelters, and sadly some of these pets never find their way back home. To help your dog or cat have as much fun as you this weekend, follow these 10 simple guidelines to keep your pets safe this fourth of July.

 

Keep Your Pets Inside

On July 4th—and the days just before and after the holiday—keep your pets inside. Even outside dogs and cats should be kept safely indoors. The loud noises of fireworks can cause your pet to break their restraint or attempt to escape your backyard, accidentally harming themselves or others in the process. Please—and this should be a no-brainer—never use fireworks around your pets. Ever.

 

Create A Safe Space for Your Pet

In addition to keeping them inside, we recommend creating a calming environment for your pet during Fourth of July celebrations. Placing your pet in a quiet room with soothing music or television sounds will help distract them from the loud crashes going on outside. If your pet is crate-trained, placing them inside their crate in a quiet location and covering it with a blanket can help make your pet feel much safer.

 

Close All Doors, Windows, Curtains and Blinds

When frightened by the alarming sights and sounds of fireworks, pets often panic, attempting to flee the perceived danger at all costs. Pets have been known to break glass and jump out of second story windows in order to find safety. To avoid any such dangers, firmly shut all windows and doors, and pull closed curtains and blinds. Keeping your pet secured in a windowless room during July 4th is even better.

 

Double Check Collars and I.D. Tags

Even full-time indoor pets should never be without a collar and up-to-date tags. Before July 4th, verify that your pets’ tags are current (including microchip info), and that both tags and collar are securely fastened. If your pet has yet to be microchipped, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian about having it done. Lost pets reach an all time high during July 4th, and microchips statistically improve your chances of recovering your pet if they escape.

 

Prep For Your Pet’s Escape

Even after taking all the proper precautions, your pet can still escape. To prepare for this situation, take current photos of your pets to insure you can help shelters quickly identify them in the event they become lost. The ASPCA Mobile App can be very useful, too, providing pet owners with a step-by-step guide on how to search and recover lost pets as soon as possible.

 

Keep Your Pets Away From Alcohol

Summer holidays are a fun time to grab a drink and spend quality time with family and friends. Because alcohol is more abundant during July 4th weekend, it’s important to be cautious about leaving beers and cocktails unattended and within reach of pets. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is toxic for pets, and can be fatal if too much is ingested. Make sure holiday guests understand the risks, and keep a close watch on their drinks at all times.

 

 

 

Don’t Feed Pets From the Table

Onions, chocolate, avocado, coffee, salt, raisins, grapes, dough—all are toxic and potentially fatal for your pet. However tempting, you should never feed your pet from the table. Making sure that holiday guests understand this, too, is important. For more info on which human foods are toxic for pets, click here.

 

Use Pet-Safe Insect Repellent

Many pet owners use bug repellents and sunblock on their pets during the summer months. However, most bug sprays and sunscreens are not formulated for animals, and can cause serious harm to your pets. Make sure that any and all topical products used on your animal friends are pet-specific or pet-safe. (Tip: It’s recommended that you use an all natural, pet-safe insect repellent on your pet anytime they’re exposed to biting insects like fleas, ticks and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes. July 4th is no different!).

 

Guard Against Heatstroke and Dehydration

While your pets should remain inside during fireworks and other loud July 4th celebrations, they’ll likely be outside at some point during the holiday weekend—whether for a walk, hike, or just playtime in the backyard. It’s going to be a hot weekend, and because nothing ruins a holiday like a panicked trip to the vet, you should monitor your pet for dehydration and heatstroke. Make sure to take regular breaks in the shade when playing outdoors with your pet, and insure they also drink plenty of water. For more hot weather safety tips for pets, click here.

 

Do A Post Holiday Safety Check

Beer bottles, firecracker debris, BBQ skewers, lighters, matches, and discarded food can all seriously harm your pet. After the holiday festivities have concluded, do a thorough sweep of your house and yard to remove all potentially dangerous items that guests may have been left behind.

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10 All Natural Ways To Get Rid of Spiders

Spiders are everywhere. A recent study found that on average each square meter on our planet contains approximately 130 spiders. Which means if you’re reading this in a cubicle or kitchen nook roughly the size of a mattress, you’re being watched by about 1,040 beady, spider eyes! Their vast numbers are shocking, but nothing compares to spiders’ appetites. New research found that spiders consume upwards of 880 million tons of prey each year; by comparison all 7 billion humans on earth consume just 400 million tons of meat and fish combined. In fact, the amount of meat spiders consume each year outweighs the total biomass of all humans on our planet—in other words, spiders could, theoretically, consume every human on earth in just one year.

The numbers are shocking, but in truth, spiders are all but harmless to humans. Without question, our lives would be overrun with insects were it not for the spider, nature’s ruthlessly efficient exterminator. It’s for this reason that spiders are considered beneficial. And unless you’re absolutely terrified by them—or commonly seeing venomous individuals like black widows or brown recluses—we encourage you to leave them at their work. If you fall into the above category, though, we’ve got you covered. Here’s 10 all natural ways to get rid of spiders.

 

Clean & Remove Clutter From Your Home

Clutter and disorganization are a spider’s best friend, giving them ample space to hide and hunt. Consistently vacuuming, dusting, wiping down countertops, and de-cluttering your house will deter both spiders and their natural insect prey. When organizing your home, use sealable plastic containers instead of items like cardboard boxes, which do not adequately seal,  providing spiders with yet another place to set up camp.

 

Clean & Remove Clutter From Your Yard

Brush, stacked wood, unused flowerpots, gardening equipment—spiders will make a home out of any outdoor clutter. Unkempt shrubbery, trees, and overgrown gardens also make ideal homes. Removing unnecessary clutter and keeping the lawn trim  will reduce your spider population.

 

Seal Your Home

Even the smallest openings are a welcome mat to spiders. Windows, baseboards, doorways, light-switches, outlets, fixtures, wall & foundation cracks, chimneys, vents—all are potential spider entrances. Seal your home by remedying these cracks and openings using caulk—don’t forget to check basements and attics, too. The same process should be repeated outdoors as well, paying close attention to the roof and any foundation/wall cracks & holes. Screens or seals should be used to ensure windows, vents, chimneys, and doorways always remain firmly shut.

 

Turn Off The Lights

Traditional outdoor lights are irresistible to most insects, which makes them a dinner bell for spiders. Switching off these lights at night can do wonders for reducing spider populations. Indoor lights whose glow reaches outside are also a liability. For the former, consider trading your bulbs for yellow sodium vapor lights (which do not attract insects). For the latter, plan on installing additional window dressing to limit indoor lights from bleeding outdoors.

 

Get Rid of ALL the Bugs—Including Spiders

The most effective method for deterring spiders is to remove their food source—this entails adopting a general pest and insect control regimen, both inside and outside your home.

Traditional pesticides endanger your family, your pets and the environment. We recommend using only natural pesticides instead. For outside: Using a non-toxic, plant-safe pesticide, thoroughly spray your entire yard, including all shrubbery, gardens, bases of trees, and anywhere else insects and spiders might be hiding. We advise spraying front, back and side yards all in one session. To prevent pests from re-entering your yard, carefully spray along fence lines and foundations to create a repellent perimeter around your home and lawn. Repeat this process weekly—or as needed—until you no longer see spider activity.

 

 

For indoors: Using a non-toxic, non-staining natural pesticide/repellent, treat doorways, windowsills, baseboards and other suspected spider entry points. Continue treating these areas until your spider problems are resolved.

DIY Vinegar Spray

Spiders can’t stand vinegar—in fact, a direct spray is often fatal. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water to make a safe, all natural spider repellent. Using a spray bottle, apply this solution to doorways, window sills, known spider hangouts, and other possible entry points once a week until your spider problem’s resolved.

 

DIY Mint-Based Repellent

Spiders actively avoid the strong smell of peppermint, making it an effective solution for spider control. 5-10 drops of peppermint oil in 16 ounces of water will give you a handy spider repellent you can use throughout the home. As with the aforementioned vinegar, spray this solution in and around possible entry points and spider problem areas.

 

Citrus

Citrus oils and peels are a highly effective method for repelling spiders. With a lemon oil spray or actual citrus fruit peels, you can deter spiders from entering your home. Place fresh peels skin-side-down along window sills and other spider problem areas, such as bookshelves, cabinetry and shelving. (Tip: citrus peels can also be used in your garden to limit spider activity).

Cedar Chips/ Cedar Mulch

Much like citrus, peppermint, and vinegar, cedar is a natural spider deterrent. Cedar chips/shavings can be broadcast throughout your lawn and garden to repel outdoor spiders. For indoor issues, apply cedar chips along common spider problem areas such as windowsills, near doorways, shelving, and closets.

 

Diatomaceous Earth

For spider control, this chalky natural pesticide does double duty—killing and repelling not only spiders, but also spider-attracting insects. DE is highly abrasive, containing nearly microscopic edges which injure bugs that come in contact with it. Placing DE along spider problem areas and potential entry points will keep spiders at a distance.

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10 Ways To Get Rid of Roaches Naturally

Of all the pests people hate to see in their homes, cockroaches are right at the very top—and for good reason. While they don’t regularly bite or sting like other household pests—such as bed bugs, ants or fleas—roaches can be extremely bad for your health. In addition to worsening symptoms in asthma sufferers, roaches are known to carry over 50 different pathogens, including pneumonia, meningitis, salmonella, staphylococcus (staph infection) and streptococcus (strep throat). In other words, if you have roaches, you need to get rid of them as soon as possible.

Roaches, however, can be very difficult to eliminate. It’s no accident they’ve existed for over 300 million years, predating even dinosaurs. Their unique ability to hide and to live off nearly any food source—from feces to glue to other dead roaches—has made roaches one of our planet’s most durable organisms. If you have a roach infestation, don’t worry, there’s no reason to panic. With patience, consistent effort and a little know-how, you can send these disgusting insects packing. Here’s 10 ways to get rid of roaches naturally

 

Starve Them With Cleanliness

The smallest crumbs and spills can feed a roach for weeks, even months. Cleanliness needs to be a top priority. Floors, counter tops, flooring, appliances, cabinetry, sinks, dishes, back splashes—your entire house needs to be clean and free of food debris at all times (don’t forget to clean behind appliances!). We find natural disinfecting wipes help speed up the cleaning process.

 

Remove Clutter—Both Inside and Outside

Roaches use clutter—especially stacks of paper—to both hide and breed. Every instance of clutter is a roach nest just waiting to happen. If you’re experiencing a roach infestation, you need to keep your home as clean and free of clutter as possible. As far as outside, wood piles, brush, yard clippings, moist mulch, lawn equipment and furniture are all possible roach homes, and should also be removed.

 

Seal Up Your Food

Leaving unsealed food out in the open is an easy way to invite roaches over for a meal. From leftovers to dry items like cereal, all the food in your home needs to be sealed. If you have an active roach infestation, this includes unexpected things like pet food and fruit bowls, too. Ziplock bags work, but hard plastic Tupperware-like containers are even better. Make sure the outside of your sealed containers are free of sticky residues and food debris, too. And always thoroughly wash and rinse bottles and cans before recycling them—roaches are attracted to any residual sugar, no matter how small the amount.

Remove Their Water Source

While roaches can sometimes go weeks to months without food, they can go only a few days without water. A single drop of water can sustain a roach for several days. So, successfully ridding your home of excess moisture is essential to eliminating a roach infestation. Never let water sit for prolonged periods of time, such as in sinks, potted plants, and pet dishes.

It’s also important to address the following areas of concern: leaking plumbing, sinks, bathtubs, basements, crawl spaces, A/C units, appliance drip trays, and attics. In the case of severe infestations, you might need to wipe down your shower and sinks regularly to avoid even the smallest sources of moisture (damp rags, towels and sponges should not be left out, either).

 

Take Out The Trash Daily

Trash cans are a buffet for roaches. To prevent and repel these pests, you’ll need to take out the trash daily. Trashcans should also remain firmly sealed at all times, and be cleaned regularly to limit food debris and other residues.

 

Seal Your Home

While necessary, weatherstripping windows and doors only goes so far. When it comes to roaches, you have to be diligent, and go even further—no crack, crevice or hole can go unsealed. In this regard, caulk is your best friend.

Indoors: fill any cracks/holes in cabinets, pantries, counter tops, piping, walls, ceilings, attics, crawl spaces, basements, under sinks, floorboards, and anywhere else roaches could enter your home. Outside: fill any cracks in foundations, roofing, and the exterior walls of your home. It’s advisable to use plugs or stoppers to seal drains, sinks and bathtubs when not in use, too.

 

Make a Natural Homemade Repellent

A mixture of 30% peppermint oil to 70% water makes for a natural, non-toxic indoor roach repellent. Spray floors, counter tops, cabinets, window sills, doorways, and other problem areas to deter roaches. Cedar oil works, too.

Have catnip lying around? If so, you’re in luck: catnip is another natural roach repellent. In 1999, Researchers at Iowa State University discovered that catnip—specifically a chemical in catnip called nepetalactone—successfully repels roaches.

 

A DIY Roach Trap

There are several easy but highly effective roach traps you can make at home. They all work on the same basic premise: (1) bait the bottom of a container (like a bottle) with something that will attract roaches (like sugar, fruit or bread), and (2) make sure to build the trap in such a way that roaches can easily enter the container, but not escape. This last feature can be done by lining the walls of the container with something slippery like petroleum jelly, or by creating a funnel at the top of the container. Place these traps in high traffic roach areas and leave them overnight. Continue this approach until you no longer capture additional roaches.

Natural Pesticides

Natural, non-toxic pesticides are the easiest and most effective solution for eliminating and preventing roach infestations. Because roaches often enter your home from your yard, it’s important to treat both inside and outside your house. We recommend using Cedarcide Original for indoor use—as both a spot killer and a repellent—and PCO Choice concentrate or ready-to-use Yardsafe for outdoor use.

Watch this video to learn how to properly treat your lawn with PCO Choice

DIY Roach Bait

Many experts advocate using a boric acid mixture to bait and kill roaches. While this approach is effective, it also poses health risks to pets and children. To avoid these risks, we advise using a 50/50 natural mixture of baking soda and sugar. Thoroughly mix the two ingredients and sprinkle the bait around roach problem areas and suspected entrance points—like windowsills, baseboards and doorways. Continue using this method until your roach infestation disappears.

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How To Bug-Proof Your Home Naturally

Summer’s here, which means so are the bugs. Vacationing visitors, BBQs, and late nights spent on the patio all make this season one of our favorite times of the year. However, bites, stings and bug infestations have a way of ruining the fun. Don’t worry—we’re not letting that happen to you. Follow these 5 tips to bug-proof your home naturally.

Maintain Your Home

Ants, fleas, flies, termites, roaches, mosquitoes and other common household bugs can all be deterred by taking the proper precautions—prevention is always the best form of pest control. Follow these simple preventative measures to keep bugs away from your home:

• Keep your home clean and free of clutter—particularly the kitchen, flooring, window sills and counter tops. Without a source of food, bugs will have no reason to enter your home.
• Seal all food in tightly closed containers. Keep all food storage areas free of crumbs and food residues (Tip: wipe off all jam, sauce and honey containers, too).
• Never leave food remains or dirty dishes in the sink.
• Take out the trash regularly, and keep all trash cans clean and sealed.
• Most bugs are prone to moisture loss, and enter our homes to seek water and cool down. It’s important to remove any standing water and other sources of moisture, such as leaky plumbing, basements, crawl spaces and A/C units (do this outside, too!).
• To prevent smaller bugs like mites, be sure to also treat newly purchased indoor plants with an all natural, plant-safe pesticide.
• To prevent bed bugs, be cautious about bringing any used furniture, luggage, linens and clothing into your home. Treat all such items with a natural repellent to kill possible stowaways.
• Do not store lumber or firewood inside or right outside your home. Doing so attracts various types of bugs, including termites

Have Ants? Check out 10 All Natural Ways To Get Rid of Ants

Problems with Scorpions? Check out 8 Ways To Get Rid of Scorpions Naturally

Termite issues? Check out 8 Ways To Get Rid of Termites Naturally

 

Seal Your Home

Most insects require only the smallest of openings to gain entrance into your home. Checking both inside and outside, use caulk or other appropriate materials to fill all cracks and holes in baseboards, windows seals, doorways, light switches, outlets, fixtures, basements, roofing, utility lines, piping, attics, walls, foundations and the like. Screens or seals should be used to ensure windows and doorways remain firmly closed as well.

Wild animals like birds, squirrels, possums and mice carry bugs such as mites, fleas, and ticks. Properly sealing your home will prevent these creatures from carrying additional pests into your home

 

Use Natural (Indoor) Bug Sprays

In the spring and summer months when bugs are particularly active, a regular indoor pest control regimen is recommended. Non-toxic, all natural indoor pesticides are your best option, as they are both highly effective and safe for use around family and pets.

Use these natural pesticides as both a spot killer and as a preventative solution. Regularly spraying window sills, doorways, baseboards, counter tops, attics, basements and other possible entry points will create a repellent barrier against insects and other bugs (we recommend doing this weekly during spring/summer months, or as needed). For serious infestations like fleas and bed bugs, fogging is the easiest, most affordable option.

Flea troubles? Read What You Need To Know About Fleas or the How To Get Rid of Fleas Ebook

 

Treat Yourself and Your Pets

Pets and people are a common vehicle for bugs to enter our homes. Before (and after) going outdoors for walks, hikes, dog park visits, etc, it’s important to guard yourself and your pet against biting bugs like fleas and ticks (always check your pet for ticks, too!). Carrying a small bottle of bug repellent in your purse or pocket makes this easy.

Having guests over? Remember bed bugs often enter our homes through visitors’ luggage or clothing. Treating the outside of luggage with a travel size bed bug spray is a smart way to ensure pests don’t hitch a ride into your guestroom. If you and your family are traveling, it’s a good idea to treat your luggage before returning home to prevent accidentally introducing a bug population into your house.

Bed Bug Infestation? Check out What You Need To Know About Bed Bugs or The 5 Step Guide To Getting Rid of Bed Bugs Naturally

 

Treat Your Lawn & Garden

Where do most bugs comes from? You guessed it: your yard! Not surprisingly, bug-proofing your yard is one of the most important steps to bug-proofing your home. During the spring and summer months, sticking to an outdoor pest control regimen is essential.

We recommend treating your yard with an all natural outdoor pesticide monthly or as needed. Cedarwood chips can also be used to create a repellent perimeter around your lawn and home. Simply sprinkle the chips along your home’s foundation and fence line, as well as any insect trouble areas. (Tip: Cedarwood chips can also be used inside dog bed coverings to deter biting insects, or hung in stockings and placed within closets to repel damaging bugs like moths).

Mosquitoes taking over your backyard? Here’s How To Mosquito-proof Your Yard Naturally

 

 

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How To Bug-Proof Your Yard Naturally

From mosquitoes and ants, to ticks and fleas, bugs can ruin an otherwise peaceful lawn. Pool parties, BBQs and other backyard festivities are all much less fun once the biting insects and other creepy crawlies show up. They’re not just nuisances either, bugs like mosquitoes and ticks, for instance, carry harmful diseases that put both your family and pets’ lives at risk. There’s no need to resort to toxic insecticides, either. Instead, follow these family-safe, pet-safe tips to bug-proof your yard this summer.

 

Maintain Your Yard

Keeping a well-maintained and organized yard goes a long way toward safeguarding your lawn & garden against pests like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, ants, termites, chiggers and more. Here’s what you need to do:

• Remove all clutter from your yard: woodpiles, yard equipment, brush, leaves, lawn clippings, tree stumps, unused dog houses, furniture, tires, and anything else that could collect water (mosquitoes use stagnant water to breed).
• Engage in landscaping practices that expose your lawn to as much sunlight as possible (by trimming branches, tall grass, shrubbery, etc). Direct sunlight can be lethal to many bugs, like termites, chiggers, scorpions and more.
• Many bugs need lush vegetation to hide, so regularly mow, edge, weedeat, rake, and trim the hedges.
• When mowing, bag the clippings and dispose of them. Do not disperse them onto your yard—doing so helps create a bug-friendly environment, especially for ticks.
• Change and clean bird bath water regularly, or empty them during mosquito season.
• Fix leaky hoses, faucets, sprinklers, A/C units, and clogged drainage areas to prevent pooling water
• Keep pools well-maintained
• Regularly check and clean pool covers and other tarps—these often hold water, attracting bugs.
• Cover all trash cans and dumpsters

Mosquitoes taking over your backyard? Here’s How To Mosquito-proof Your Yard Naturally

 

Treat Your Lawn With Natural Pesticides

Traditional pesticides threaten not only the health of your yard, but also your family and pets. When treating your lawn, it’s important to go with a natural, eco-friendly alternative. (Tip: The best time to treat is early morning or in the evening—this helps prevent evaporation, and gives the natural repellent/pesticide sufficient time to soak into your yard). Follow these guidelines:

• Thoroughly spray the entire yard. Be sure to spray all hedges, shrubbery, flower gardens, bases of trees, and anywhere else bugs might hide.
• When spraying, pay special attention to the perimeter of your yard, including all fencing, foundations and brick barriers. This will prevent bugs from re-entering your yard after treatment.
• Spray front, back and side yards all in one session. It’s important that all areas are treated within a short window to prevent bugs from migrating to other sections of your yard.
• During the spring and summer months, we advise spraying your yard at least once per month, or as needed

Have Ants? Check out 10 All Natural Ways To Get Rid of Ants

Problems with Scorpions? Check out 8 Ways To Get Rid of Scorpions Naturally

Termite issues? Check out 8 Ways To Get Rid of Termites Naturally

 

Use A Mulch Barrier

A repellent mulch barrier (like those made from cedar chips) is an easy and highly effective way to prevent bugs—especially ticks—from entering your yard. For this approach: surround your lawn and garden with a thick perimeter (anywhere from 1-3 ft.) of dry mulch. Do not use damp mulches, as these can actually attract some types of bugs.

Worried about Ticks? Here’s How To Tick-Proof Your Yard Naturally

Treat Your Pets (and Yourself)

Pets and people are a common vehicle for bugs to enter your yard. Before (and after) going outdoors for walks, hikes, dog park visits, etc, it’s important to guard yourself and your pet against biting bugs like fleas and ticks (always check your pet for ticks, too!). Carrying a small bottle of bug repellent in your purse or pocket makes this easy.

Flea troubles? Read What You Need To Know About Fleas or the How To Get Rid of Fleas Ebook

Deter Wild Animals 

Wild animals are one of the primary ways bugs enter your yard. Treating and keeping your lawn maintained as discussed above is the first step to making your yard inhospitable to wild animals like bug-carrying rodents. From deer to possums to racoons, here’s what you need to do to keep unwanted animals out of your yard.

• Become a dog owner. Dogs and dog urine deter animals, as canines are a natural predator to many wild animals.
• Consider installing fencing. If you already use fencing, check it thoroughly for holes, cracks and other openings animals might use to enter you yard.
• Consider replacing plants that attract animals to your yard: such as roses, apples, beans, peas, strawberries, corn, chrysanthemums, tulips and more. Or, install chicken wire fencing around your garden.
• Because ticks are especially dangerous, consider installing deer-repelling plants: such as iris, sage, chives, lemon balm, lilac, holly, and more.
• Remove or repair all sources of unnecessary moisture—such as standing water, and any leaking plumbing, drains, gutters, and sprinkler systems.
• Firmly secure all trash cans and trash can lids, or start storing trash cans in a garage or other outbuilding.
• For more tips on keeping animals out of your lawn & garden click here.

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PCO Choice Vs. Yardsafe. What’s the Difference?

At Cedarcide, we offer several pest-control solutions for both indoor and outdoor use. From concentrates to ready-to-use formulas, from personal & pet use to lawn & garden care, we have what you need to keep your home and yard free of pests.

But which products are right for you? To make your shopping experience easier, we’re launching a series of blog posts to help you better understand the differences between our most popular formulas. Today we’re talking about our two all-natural outdoor pesticides: PCO Choice and Yardsafe.

 

What is PCO Choice?

PCO Choice is an all natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly concentrate designed for outdoor pest control. PCO is engineered to devastate unwanted insect populations without adversely impacting soil or the environment—it kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, grubs, mites, chiggers, ants flies, moths and many other pests. PCO contains 85% cedar oil.

Dilute PCO Choice With Water For Use On:

• Lawns & Gardens
• Trees & Shrubbery
• Pet Spaces
• Sports Fields
• Garages
• Barns
• Agricultural Land
• Trash Cans
• Foundation Barriers
• Fence Lines

Dilution Instructions

• Dilute PCO with warm/hot water; shake to mix until milky white
• For Hose End Sprayers: Add 4 oz. of PCO per 20 gallons of sprayed water (treats up to 5,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space).
• For Tank Sprayers: Add 2 oz. per 1 gallon of water
• PCO can be diluted down to 1:1000 for larger, agricultural use

Did you know PCO Choice can also be used for laundry? Here’s 6 Ways to Use PCO Choice in the Laundry.

 

 

What is Yardsafe?

Yardsafe is an all natural, nontoxic and ready-to-use solution for outdoor pest control—think of it as a ready-to-use version of PCO Choice. Yardsafe eliminates unwanted insects without adversely impacting the soil or the environment. Yardsafe’s applications are the same as PCO Choice: lawns, gardens, pet spaces, sports fields, barns, agricultural land, foundation barriers and countless other outdoor spaces. Yardsafe also kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, bed bugs, mites, chiggers, ants, flies, moths and many other pests. Yardsafe contains 15% cedar oil.

To use: Simply hook up the Hose End Sprayer directly to the bottle, then attach it to the hose and begin spraying. Avoid applications during peak sun hours, early morning or late evening is best.
How Are They Different?

Yardsafe is simply a ready-to-use, pre-diluted version of all natural PCO Choice outdoor concentrate. PCO contains 85% cedar oil; Yardsafe contains 15% cedar oil.

Who Should Buy PCO Choice?
Generally those with larger yards or agricultural land choose PCO Choice because it’s concentrated, meaning it will treat considerably more outdoor space than the same amount of Yardsafe (1 quart of PCO covers approximately 1 acre of 40,000 sq. ft.). PCO is also customizable, allowing customers to dilute the solution to whatever concentration they prefer.

Who Should Buy Yardsafe?
Those looking for a convenient and quick solution to outdoor pest control. While PCO Choice will cover more ground because it’s a concentrate, Yardsafe is easier to use, with no need to dilute (1 quart of Yardsafe covers approximately 1/8 acre or 5,000 sq. ft.).

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Cedarcide Original Vs. Tickshield. What’s The Difference?

At Cedarcide, we offer several pest-control solutions for both indoor and outdoor use. From concentrates to ready-to-use formulas, from personal & pet use to lawn & garden care, we have what you need to keep your home and yard free of pests.

But which products are right for you? To make your shopping experience easier, we’re launching a series of blog posts to help you better understand the differences between our most popular formulas. Today we’re talking about our two all-natural insecticides/repellents: Cedarcide Original and Tickshield.
What is Cedarcide Original?

Our most popular solution, Cedarcide Original is an all natural, non-toxic insecticide & repellent for personal, pet and home use. Quick-drying and non-staining, Cedarcide Original’s formula contains 10% cedar oil is fast and effective on everything from general insect control to major infestations. It’s safe for people and pets of all ages, and can be applied directly to human skin or pet fur. Cedarcide Original kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, bed bugs, mites, chiggers, ants, flies, moths and more. (Cedarcide Original is not a lawn & garden product—Do NOT use it on grass or other plant life). For more tips on how to use Cedarcide Original, check out the instruction sheet on the Cedarcide Original product page.

Tips for Using Cedarcide Original On Cats: While Cedarcide Original is non-toxic and cat-safe, on rare occasions smaller cats and kittens have found the natural cedar scent of Cedarcide Original too strong for their liking. For this reason, we recommend testing for sensitivity with a light initial application. For more info on cedar oil and cats, click here.

 

 

What is Tickshield?

Tickshield is an all natural, extra strength insecticide and repellent—think of it as a double strength version of Cedarcide Original (it contain 20% cedar oil). Tickshield is our strongest and longest-lasting formula, making it an ideal choice for hikers, campers and other outdoorsman. Like Cedarcide Original, Tickshield dries quickly and will not stain. It’s safe for people of all ages and larger animals (20+ lbs.). (We do NOT recommend using Tickshield on cats or smaller dogs). Tickshield kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, bed bugs, mites, ants, chiggers, flies, moths and more. (Tickshield is not a lawn & garden product—Do NOT use it on grass or other plant life).

 

How Are They Different?

Tickshield is simply an extra strength version of all natural Cedarcide Original insecticide & repellent.

Who Should Buy Cedarcide Original?
Those looking for general indoor insect control (or fogging), and those in need of an everyday biting insect spray for both themselves and their pets.

Who Should Buy Tickshield?
For those who require extra strength insect protection—think hikers, campers, fishermen, and other outdoorsman. Tickshield is also an ideal insect repellent for larger pets, such as large dogs (20+ lbs.) and horses.

 

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8 Ways to Get Rid of Scorpions Naturally

Scorpions are one of our planet’s great survivors. From scorching temperatures to below-freezing conditions, scorpions can thrive in almost any environment. Having existed for over 400 million years, there are over 1,700 species of scorpion—these predatory arachnids can now be found on every continent in the world except for Antarctica. In the U.S., scorpions are mostly limited to the Southwest: such as Arizona, Texas, California and New Mexico. Unfortunately for those living in these areas, scorpions can be difficult to eliminate. In fact, some scorpions can go anywhere from six to twelve months without food, and because they’re nocturnal and active almost exclusively at night, they can be hard to properly control.

The good news, however, is that scorpions are not nearly as dangerous as people think, with most encounters being no more harmful than a bee or wasp sting. The better news is that by taking preventative measures and using various natural methods, a scorpion infestation can be prevented or outright eradicated. Follows these 8 simple guidelines to get rid of your scorpion problem naturally.

 

Get Rid of ALL the Bugs

The first and most crucial step to eliminating and preventing scorpion infestations is general pest and insect control. By removing the scorpions’ food source, you can send these venomous arachnids packing.

When it comes to scorpions, we advise creating a repellent barrier around both your house and yard using a natural, non-toxic outdoor pesticide. Be sure to spray around your home’s foundation and along fence lines (this treatment should be done twice a month until the problem is resolved). Natural indoor pesticides can be used to kill any individuals that have found their way into the home, and as a preventative measure to treat doorways, windowsills and baseboards.

Maintain Your Yard

Keeping a clean and well-organized yard will go along way toward safeguarding your home against scorpions. Vulnerable to dehydration—and therefore extreme heat and sun exposure—scorpions require shady, cool places to hide during the daytime before emerging to hunt at night. Make sure to do the following:

• Keep bushes and small trees landscaped. Do not allow them to overgrow and touch the outside walls of your home—scorpions will use these as bridges to enter through windows or other small openings.
• Keep grass & other vegetation short and trim.
• De-clutter your yard, removing all unnecessary items: including brush, debris, decorative rocks, woodpiles, lawn equipment, etc.

Maintain Your Home

Just as crucial as de-cluttering your yard is keeping your home clean and organized. Clean—because crumbs attract bugs which in turn attract predators like scorpions. Organized—because scorpions will use everything from shoes to boxes to piles of clothing to hide. Traditionally cluttered spaces like closets and underneath beds will require attention, too.

 

Seal Your Home

Scorpions require openings no bigger than a credit card to enter your home. Windows, baseboards, doorways, light-switches, outlets, fixtures, wall & foundation cracks, and even ceiling fans are all potential scorpion entrances. Seal your home by remedying these cracks and openings using caulk (don’t forget to check basements and attics, too!). The same process should be repeated outdoors as well, paying close attention to the roof and any foundation/wall cracks & holes. Screens or seals should be used to ensure windows and doorways remain firmly shut, too.

 

Eliminate All Excess Moisture

Scorpions are prone to moisture loss and usually enter homes as a way to find water or cool down. Whether inside or outside your home, it’s important to remove puddles, standing water, and any other sources of moisture. Plumbing, basements and crawl spaces should also be kept dry and free of leaks.

 

Sticky Traps

Those sticky traps used to catch mice and small rats can be re-purposed as scorpion traps. Place them along common entryways, near possible water sources, and in other dark, cool spaces like closets and underneath furniture. Caution: some sticky traps contain synthetic pesticides and other toxins; for the safety of your pets and family, be sure to only purchase the toxic-free versions.

 

DIY Burlap Trap

A moistened burlap sack makes for an effective scorpion trap. Simply wet the sack and place in scorpion trouble areas like basements, attics or just outside your home. Leave the bag opened and in place overnight and check it in the morning (be extremely careful when checking both inside and underneath the bag—scorpions pack a nasty sting!). Repeat this process until you no longer see scorpions in or around your home & lawn.

 

Essential Oils

Lavender, cinnamon, peppermint and cedar are all essential oils said to deter scorpions. These can be diluted with a carrier oil (or smaller amounts of water) and sprayed along scorpion problem areas and entry points—such as baseboards, windowsills, doorways, and around the perimeter of your home.

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