Commercial herbicides might do a pretty good job of killing weeds, but unfortunately, their toxic ingredients can be harmful to other organisms as well. Likewise, if you have pets or small children around the house, these chemical weed killers might not be your best option. Fortunately, we have plenty of other pet-safe methods of weed control at our disposal as well.
1. Manual Removal
Pulling weeds out of the ground by their roots might not be the most glamorous option, but it’s effective and entirely safe for your both pets and the surrounding vegetation. It can also be a pretty satisfying method of stress relief. It might not be ideal for widespread weed invasions, but manual removal works just fine for isolated weed growth.
2. Boiling Water
This is a great option for getting rid of those pesky weeds that crop up between the cracks in walkways and along the edge of your driveway. Just heat up a pot of water on the stove, wait for it to boil, and pour it on the weeds. Take care not to pour it on nearby grass or plants, however, as the boiling water will kill the root systems of whatever it touches.
3. A Propane Torch
Using a small flamethrower to kill weeds might make some homeowners a little uneasy, but it’s actually a safe, effective and precise way to control weed growth in your lawn. The flame can be carefully regulated so that it’s just large enough to kill vegetation in a small area. You can buy propane torches designed specifically for weed control applications online or at your local garden supply store.
4. Homemade Spray-On Formula
You can also make a simple solution of natural, pet-safe ingredients to kill the weeds around your home. Start by mixing two cups of water with one cup of vinegar in a plastic spray bottle. Next, add about a teaspoon of lemon juice and a few drops of dish soap to help the solution stick to weeds. Spray it on weeds during peak hours of sunshine. Check back in a day or two and the weeds should have wilted away.
