A decrease in temperatures could mean an increase of unwanted pests joining your household. This year, instead of purchasing another pesticide, try these natural pest control tips.

According to a report by Environment Health Perspectives, 83 percent of American households contain up to four different pesticide products, even though these products often cause health risks, such as allergies, an immunity system breakdown or even brain effects. In 1993, 140,000 poison cases were reported to poison control centers. Pesticides have up to 300 active ingredients and up to 1,700 inert ingredients! That leaves room for a lot of health risks, just for the sake of ridding your house of unwanted pests.

To read the whole EHP report, visit pubmedcentral.nih.gov.

With that said, there are natural, green ways to keep pesticides away, presented by care2.com. To prevent pests from entering your home in the first place, try these tips:

• Get rid of standing water or damp areas. Immediately clean up spills, even if it’s just water; clean and dry dishes right away; fix leaky faucets.

• Sweep and vacuum weekly, especially in the kitchen. Wipe down counters and tables. Clean up all those crumbs! Store food in tightly closed containers, and consider wrapping plastic bags around boxes that pests could bite through.

• Re-caulk and seal cracks and openings in the walls, floors and ceilings. Line doors and windows with weather stripping; add screens to windows and doors.

• Change bed linens regularly, and if you have pets, wash them regularly.

• Take the garbage out often, and only throw food away in a covered garbage container or in a composting bucket. Keep the recycle bin in the garage.

If you follow these rules and pests still find their way into your home, purchase a non-toxic pesticide. You can even make homemade pest-repellents, such as an all-natural fly strip made with brown packing tape dipped in a mixture of honey, sugar and water. To repel fleas, use scents of rosemary, lavender, vinegar or lemon.

For more natural pesticide ideas, visit care2.com/greenliving.