“What’s one eco-friendly pest control method you’ve successfully used in your bird sanctuary? How did you implement it, and what results did you see?”
Predatory beetles and parasitic wasps
Introducing beneficial insect species, specifically predatory beetles and parasitic wasps, proved to be an effective and chemical-free solution for controlling pests without disturbing the sanctuary’s bird population. The implementation began with a site assessment to identify the specific insect pests causing habitat damage. Once confirmed, controlled releases of natural predators were scheduled during peak pest breeding seasons to maximize impact.
Habitat-friendly plants were also added to support the predator insects year-round, ensuring they would remain active without constant reintroduction. Within two months, there was a visible reduction in pest-related plant damage, and bird feeding patterns returned to normal. This approach preserved the sanctuary’s ecological balance while eliminating the need for harmful pesticides.
Belle Florendo, Marketing coordinator, My Accurate Home and Commercial Services
Peppermint oil
I’ve found that a mix of eco-friendly pest control methods works best, and I rotate them depending on the situation. Peppermint oil is great for repelling ants and spiders, while vinegar spray quickly disrupts ant trails and deters other insects indoors. Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating crawling pests, making it ideal for targeted problem areas, and boric acid is highly effective for ants and cockroaches when applied in cracks and crevices. Each method works differently, so switching between them keeps pests from becoming a recurring problem.
Monika Sangar, Bird Toy Maker, PDS parrot shop
Introducing barn owl nesting boxes into a bird sanctuary
The most effective eco-friendly pest control I’ve implemented was introducing barn owl nesting boxes into a bird sanctuary. Instead of relying on chemical deterrents, still the dominant narrative I still leveraged the natural hunting instincts of owls. Within one season, a single family eliminated more rodents than months of traps ever had, and without disrupting the ecosystem. The shift was immediate: crops adjacent to the sanctuary showed measurable reduction in damage, while the sanctuary itself thrived without toxins entering the soil or food chain. What surprised me most was the permanence once the owls established territory, balance returned year after year, no “reapplication” required. To me, this proved that true sustainability isn’t about substitutions for chemicals; it’s about reactivating natural systems that were working long before we intervened.
Erwin Gutenkunst, President and Owner, Neolithic Materials
Ladybugs and lacewing larvae
In the bird sanctuary I help care for, one eco-friendly pest control method that worked surprisingly well was using beneficial insects instead of chemicals. We had an issue with aphids on native plants that feed and shelter songbirds. Spraying wasn’t an option—it would harm the very birds we were trying to protect.
So we released ladybugs and lacewing larvae, both of which are natural aphid predators. We timed the release for dusk so the insects had a chance to settle in before birds became active, and we focused on the most infested shrubs first. To give them the best chance of sticking around, we also planted a few nectar-rich flowers nearby since adults feed on pollen too.
Within three weeks the aphid population had plummeted and we could see new growth on plants that had been struggling. The best part was that the solution didn’t disrupt the sanctuary’s ecosystem. In fact the extra insect activity seemed to provide even more foraging opportunities for warblers and chickadees.
For me the real win was proving you don’t need harsh interventions—even small nature-aligned tweaks can restore balance and benefit multiple species at once.
Sovic Chakrabarti, Director, Icy Tales
Birds themselves
I’ve personally found birds themselves to be a pretty good and very eco-friendly pest control method. So, the very act of designing your yard to be a bird sanctuary where birds will want to come to spend time, nest, etc, can be a good way to reduce the amount of bugs you’re seeing around your yard. I think it’s also important to put into place some common sense pest prevention methods, such as making sure you don’t have stagnant water sitting around in bird waterers, cleaning up uneaten or spilled seed, and staying on top of other common pest attractants.
Ryan Farley, CEO, LawnStarter
I rely on introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to manage aphids and other small pests in the bird sanctuary. I started by creating small, shaded planting zones with flowers that attract these insects, then released a controlled number of them weekly. This method allowed me to naturally reduce pest populations without chemicals, keeping the environment safe for the birds. Within a few weeks, I noticed a significant drop in leaf damage on native plants, and the birds seemed less stressed and more active around the greenery. Using this approach, I maintained a balanced ecosystem, and the need for manual pest removal or chemical sprays practically disappeared. It also encouraged more pollinators to visit, further supporting the overall health of the sanctuary. This experience taught me that carefully selected natural predators can be a highly effective, eco-friendly pest control solution.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Introducing native bat boxes
Introducing native bat boxes proved to be a highly effective and eco-friendly way to control insect populations in the sanctuary. Bats are natural predators of mosquitoes, moths, and beetles, which can disrupt both plant health and bird activity. We installed the boxes on tall poles in open areas with clear flight paths, positioning them to receive ample morning sun for warmth.
Within a single breeding season, bat occupancy rates climbed, and nighttime insect activity noticeably declined. This reduced the need for any chemical interventions, which could have harmed the sanctuary’s pollinators and bird food sources. The added presence of bats also enriched the sanctuary’s biodiversity, creating a more balanced ecosystem. The method required minimal ongoing maintenance beyond annual cleaning of the boxes, making it both sustainable and cost-effective.
Maegan Damugo, Marketing coordinator, MacPherson’s Medical Supply
Lady beetles and lacewings
Introducing beneficial insects, particularly lady beetles and lacewings, proved to be an effective and eco-friendly method for managing aphid populations in the sanctuary’s garden areas. We released them during early spring when pest activity typically began, focusing on plants most prone to infestation. To support their survival, we avoided chemical sprays and planted nectar-rich flowers nearby, giving the insects a reliable food source once the aphid numbers dropped. Within a month, the visible damage to foliage decreased significantly, and plant health rebounded without disrupting the birds’ habitat. The approach not only reduced reliance on chemical treatments but also aligned with the sanctuary’s broader goal of maintaining a balanced ecosystem where natural predators kept pests in check.
Rory Keel, Owner, Equipoise Coffee
ladybugs
Introducing beneficial insects, particularly ladybugs, proved to be an effective and environmentally safe method for controlling aphids and mites in our bird sanctuary. Instead of spraying chemical treatments that could harm both the birds and the habitat, we released clusters of ladybugs during early evening hours when they were most likely to settle and feed.
The implementation required monitoring plant health beforehand, then applying the release in targeted areas where infestations were strongest. Within two weeks, we observed noticeable reductions in pest populations and healthier foliage without any disruption to the sanctuary’s natural balance. The method not only protected the birds from exposure to toxins but also reinforced a self-sustaining cycle where natural predators helped maintain ongoing pest control. It created long-term results without the risks associated with traditional pesticides.
Belle Florendo, Marketing coordinator, Sunny Glen Children’s Home
Bat boxes
Introducing bat boxes around the perimeter of the sanctuary provided a natural solution to mosquito control without resorting to chemical sprays. Each box was mounted on poles about 15 feet high in open areas, ensuring safe flight paths and exposure to sunlight for warmth. Within a few months, colonies began to settle, and mosquito activity noticeably declined during evening hours. The reduction in pests created a more comfortable environment for both visitors and birds, especially species sensitive to insect pressure during nesting. Unlike short-term chemical applications, the bat population sustained control year after year, requiring only periodic maintenance of the boxes. The method aligned with the sanctuary’s conservation mission by relying on native species to restore balance, demonstrating that habitat enhancement can double as effective pest management.
Maegan Damugo, Marketing coordinator, Health Rising Direct Primary Care
Introducing beneficial insect habitats
Introducing beneficial insect habitats proved to be an effective and eco-friendly pest control strategy in the bird sanctuary. By installing small pollinator houses and planting native nectar-rich flowers such as milkweed and lantana, the environment attracted lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps—natural predators of aphids, caterpillars, and other plant-damaging pests.
This method required minimal maintenance beyond seasonal cleaning of the insect houses and ensuring a consistent supply of host plants. Within a single growing season, pest damage to key vegetation dropped noticeably, and the plants supporting bird food sources remained healthier. The approach not only controlled pests without chemicals but also enhanced biodiversity, creating a more balanced ecosystem that benefited both the birds and the surrounding plant life.
Ysabel Florendo, Marketing coordinator, Harlingen Church
Lady beetles
Introducing native predatory insects, specifically lady beetles, proved to be a safe and effective way to control aphid populations without disrupting the sanctuary’s ecosystem. Instead of relying on chemical sprays, controlled releases of beetles were scheduled during the early growing season when aphid activity was highest. The insects quickly established themselves and reduced the pests to manageable levels within weeks. Plants that had previously shown signs of stress began to thrive, and bird feeding patterns improved since healthier vegetation attracted more natural food sources. The method required minimal maintenance after the initial release and preserved the sanctuary’s commitment to protecting both wildlife and habitat. The success reinforced how aligning pest control with natural ecological balance yields lasting results without harmful side effects.
Belle Florendo, Marketing coordinator, RGV Direct Care
Ladybugs
An effective eco-friendly method has been introducing beneficial insects to control pests naturally. Ladybugs, for example, were released in garden areas where aphids tended to cluster. Instead of relying on chemical sprays that could harm birds or contaminate water sources, we timed releases in the early evening when temperatures were cooler so the insects settled quickly. Within a few weeks, aphid populations dropped noticeably, and plants showed healthier growth without stress damage.
This approach worked well because it maintained balance in the ecosystem rather than disrupting it. Birds continued to forage safely, and the sanctuary grounds became more resilient overall. The success demonstrated that targeted biological controls can protect both wildlife and vegetation without compromising environmental health.
Ydette Macaraeg, Marketing coordinator, Santa Cruz Properties
Humane approach
A customer once called us about a possum problem in her private bird sanctuary. She’d poured her heart into creating a safe haven for native species, but the possums were taking over the nesting boxes. I didn’t want to harm them or disturb the sanctuary’s balance, so we used a humane approach — installing one-way exit doors so the possums could leave naturally, then sealing entry points with wildlife-safe mesh.
Within a week, the possums had settled elsewhere, and her birds were back to nesting without competition. Seeing her relief, and knowing we’d protected both the birds and the possums, reminded me why I’ve stuck with humane pest control all these years.
Luke Mckirdy, Managing Director, 1800 Possums
