The Tree Of Life
Is the mighty red cedar the key to all natural pest control? Well, though we’ve known of Western red cedar’s ability to protect clothing from moths for centuries, when it come to pest control, red cedar actually does a lot more. In fact, it’s a proven poisonous deterrent to rodents, cockroaches and many species of ants, including fire and crazy. Cedar does not affect spiders as they’re arachnids, not insects. But, not all cedars are not equal when it comes to toxicity, so buyer beware. Western Red Cedar mulch, shavings and sawdust are by far the cedar pest control products of choice and therefore are also the most expensive. In addition to cedar’s pesticide properties, it’s naturally anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and very resistant to rot, mold and moisture.
Naturally Control Rodent And Pests
The secret to cedar’s ability to run off a whole host of unwanted critters are the toxic aromatic hydrocarbons (phenols) and acids that it contains. The phenols, which give cedar its delightful earthy scent, are what repels fleas, moths, cockroaches, venomous snakes, mice and rats. And in the laboratory autoclaved cedar shavings have even been shown to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms. When rodents are exposed to cedar mulch/shavings/sawdust, the aromatic hydrocarbons are absorbed through the respiratory tract and enter the blood, damaging livers. The acids given off by cedar are very damaging to rodent respiratory tracts, destroying cells that line the lungs and trachea and dramatically increase morbidity.
Be forewarned pet owners, while not harmful to larger animals, it’s highly recommended that cedar (and some types of pine) shavings or products are never used for pet insects or rodents, especially as a bedding material for mice, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc.. In urban areas where rats have invaded, the use of red cedar will not only drive off the unwanted pests, one study* showed that the mortality of rat pups exposed to cedar shavings was tremendously high compared to rat pups exposed to corn cob or aspen shavings. Of the pups exposed to cedar shavings, 56% were dead by 2 weeks of age, while only 0.01% of the pups raised on the other bedding died. The cedar-raised pups also weighed about 23% less than the other pups. There are reported successful cases where cedar was used for bedbugs as well, but this use has not been scientifically verified.
Safe For Use Around Domestic Pets
Red cedar is safe for use around domestic pets such as cats and dogs, though they should not be allowed access to any cedar shavings/sawdust products being used to rid pests inside the home. Never use cedar products as toys for pets. Cedar mulch used for exterior purposes offers little danger to cats or dogs, but exposure should still be controlled. It’s advised that cedar use around persons with asthmatic conditions should be discouraged, as it has a slight potential to cause adverse reactions.
Cedar Is An All Natural Product
So, if you’re in the market for an all natural product to deal with ant, cockroach and/or rodent infestations, be sure to put cedar products on your list. A few tips when buying products; red cedar is the most aromatic and is available in small blocks, as hangars, balls and sachets made with either sawdust or shavings. Cedar sawdust is much denser and heavier than shavings and retains its deterrent properties much longer. Also, be careful to only purchase 100% pure products (some may use pine, aspen, cypress, etc. as fillers). Cedarwood oil is a mixture of organic compounds considered generally safe by the US Federal Drug Administration as a food additive preservative. The US Environmental Protection Agency believes there is negligible human environmental risk posed by exposure to registered cedarwood pesticide or food preservative products, if used in properly prescribed manner.
Considered A Pesticide In Canada
Cedar oil is considered a pesticide in Canada and can only be applied by licensed technicians. In the USA, cedar oil is available in several concentrations; from small, highly concentrated vials of oil used for aroma therapy, to less concentrated one gallon and larger volume containers for wood preservation/restoration use and/or as a pesticide. Be cautious with the use of cedar oil in visible areas though, especially for interior use, as it may leave a residue that could attract dirt. Cedar Oil Blend was developed for the United States Army to create a bio insecticide used to control parasite problems (fleas, ticks, bed bugs, lice and mites) being experienced by troops deployed to the Middle East without ugly side-effects.
Revered For Many, Many Centuries
Therefore, all hail the tree of life – the mighty red cedar, a wonderful gift from Earth to mankind that rightfully has been revered for many, many centuries. Cedar trees have housed us, entertained us, transported us across water, kept our possessions safe and dry and rid us of unwanted pests. So, while there may be woods considered more beautiful, more durable and/or more popular, Cedar still reigns as the absolute monarch of multitasking woods. For those planning projects, from building a home to landscaping, be sure to incorporate cedar to add beauty while preventing rot, insect and pest infestations. You’ll be very glad you did.
*Study – Burkhart, Carol A. & Robinson, James L., (1978) High rat pup mortality attributed to the use of cedar-wood shavings as bedding. Laboratory Animals, 12, pg. 221-222
