The advancements in pest control methods have allowed you to get pest treatments with one call. But have you ever wondered what it was like for your ancestors back in the day? Even before Colorado was a settlement, ancient civilizations used to deal with the same problems. However, they did not have the same scientifically backed methods. 

From mice sneaking into the attic to ants attacking the pantry, these problems have always existed. Ancestors used to deal with these problems in ways that would appear strange now. When you explore historical methods, you may realize how far pest control has come now. Today, you do not need to rely on ancient remedies or odd superstitions. 

Instead of trying questionable techniques, you can get peace of mind within one call, knowing that experts will be handling the problem. If you have a pest infestation at your property, whether it be residential or commercial, call pest control services today. Meanwhile, read this article to learn about the weird ways of pest control hundreds of years ago. 

Religious and superstitious approaches

In ancient times, people often used prayers and strange rituals to protect their crops from pests. The Greek writer Xenophon wrote about farmers who believed that praying to the gods could keep insects away from their crops. 

In ancient Rome, there was an unusual ritual where a woman had to run barefoot around the garden with loose hair to stop caterpillars from damaging the plants.

Early chemical solutions

Not all ancient pest control methods relied on superstition. The Romans made real progress with practical solutions. The scholar Varro discovered a mixture called amurca, made from crushed olives and salt, which was poisonous to ants that destroyed crops. 

This mixture worked so well that it was later used in other pest control chemicals. Mediterranean farmers improved on this idea by making a special solution using hemlock, lupin, and squill. They used this mixture to treat seeds, which killed insects but kept the crops safe to harvest.

Chinese agricultural innovations 

The ancient Chinese had great skill in managing pests. By 315 BC, they had already understood how the seasons and climate affected plants and insects. They used this knowledge to plant crops at the right time to avoid pests. 

Around 300 AD, they also started using natural pest control by releasing predatory mites in their citrus orchards. One of their most creative ideas was building bamboo bridges between citrus trees. These bridges let helpful ants move easily between trees to control pests.

Early environmentally conscious methods

Some ancient pest control methods, though simple, showed that people of those times had a great understanding of their environment. 

The ancient Greeks used natural substances like vinegar and pine tree tar to keep insects away. These methods were often safer for people and the environment than some modern chemical pesticides. These natural solutions have influenced today’s pest control. Many modern methods use similar natural and organic materials.

The Victorian Era revolution

By the 1800s, pest control methods had greatly improved. The Victorians started breeding plants to make them more resistant to pests. They also learned more about chemical solutions, but some were unsafe. For example, Paris green was used to kill rats in the sewers of Paris, but it also turned the water green.

Medieval challenges

During the medieval period, pest control methods became less effective. Many useful ancient techniques were forgotten because education and scientific knowledge declined during the Dark Ages. Rat catchers worked in very difficult conditions. They walked through streets full of garbage and waste and only used simple tools like sticks and planks. 

Cats, which were good at controlling pests, were killed because they were linked to witchcraft. This led to more cases of plague spreading.

Get professional pest control!

Learning about the history of the world is always interesting. Thankfully, you have better methods to deal with pests now. Call a pest control company today!