DIY Network

Allergy-Friendly Landscaping and Pest Control From "Healthy Household Workshop" episode DHHW-105

There's no such thing as a completely allergy-free landscape; however, there are steps you can take to make your landscape allergy-friendly. The goal should be to minimize allergens that seem to bother you or a family member the most.

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Looking for low-pollen plants? Begonias, miniature roses and Swedish ivy are good selections.

• Thin areas of grass and add architectural areas such as stone or gravel terraces. You might also consider hiring someone to mow your lawn, then leave the house or stay indoors during cutting.

• Plant heavily-fragranced flowers and shrubs away from windows and doors. Avoid flowering fruit trees or heavily-pollinated trees. Prune trees and shrubs to keep breezeways open (this allows wind to carry pollen away).

• Tree and shrub roots can channel water into the foundation, so plant trees and shrubs at least three feet from the home's perimeter; trees should be located 5-10' away from the house to provide shade and sun protection. Remember to remove fallen leaves before mold can set in.

Tip: Tree frogs and butterflies are signs of a healthy, nontoxic landscape.

Indoor Protection

Here are a few tips to help keep indoor pollen levels down:

• Run a circulating fan continuously to filter air.

• Change air filters more often during heavy pollen seasons.

• Wipe shoes free of pollen after yard work; alternately, leave them outside.

• Wipe pets down before allowing them inside.

Healthier Pest Control

Conventional pesticides are complex compounds that release gases over long periods of time (resulting in pollution of air, soil and water and health problems such as cancer and birth defects). Lawn chemicals drift with the wind into homes and are tracked into houses.

Here are some healthy and easy non-toxic alternatives:

• Milk spore disease - unlike the name suggests, this is an alternative that's healthy for children and pets to be near. It kills only the grubs that lurk in your yard and garden and can be purchased at your local garden store. Apply in powder form in a grid pattern, using 10 pounds per acre, or one teaspoon every three feet.

• Insecticidal soaps kill most insects when sprayed on the upper and lower sides of infested leaves.

• Bacillus thuringiensis -- or BT -- kills caterpillars when sprayed on webs and cocoons. It can also kill larvae in pools of water.

• Water-based horticultural oil kills larvae and eggs in water when a drop or two is added to the surface of pools or ponds.

• White vinegar can be used for ant pathways; boric acid and sugar can be used to flood ant nests. Caution: use the boric acid and sugar only in areas safe from pets and children.

• Dragonflies are a good mosquito combatant - they eat thousands every day. Bats also rid a garden of rodents and pests. A Jack Russell terrier will keep a yard free of moles, mice, rats, opossums and snakes.

RESOURCES :

Health House Consumer Information
American Lung Association
Web site: www.healthhouse.org