Pest control is an issue for millions of homeowners each year. Whether those pests are insects, rodents or other animals, controlling home pests can be a major headache. There are many options for a homeowner, however. Read the following tips to learn how to finally tackle your own home pest problems.
Don’t wait for a pest control problem to become an infestation; call a professional or take action on your own immediately. You might think that just because you’ve only seen one or two or that you don’t see them often there isn’t a big problem. Do something fast or you can expect big problems later.
Ask your exterminator what the risks of using their pesticides are. Everything comes with some level of risk, and some chemicals can be very dangerous for children or pets. If your exterminator is unsure you should find out before you let them proceed. It is definitely better to be safe than sorry.
Use an outside perimeter spray to prevent indoor insects. Apply it to the steps, foundation and around windows and doors. As you are spraying, check surfaces for cracks and nooks that can be the point of entry for pests. Use caulk or some other filling product to seal these areas.
You can prevent most pest infestations by keeping your home clean. Do not leave any food scrapes on your table or in the kitchen sink and make sure you tightly seal garbage bags. Get rid of your garbage on a regular basis and do not hesitate to store garbage bags in your garage until you can get rid of them.
Pests are good at finding small spaces to crawl into so make sure you seal proof your house. Check for any loose windows/doors and get them sealed tightly. Also check the screens in your house for even the smallest holes. If there’s a way to get in, they will find it.
Stink bugs are persistent pests, so focus on your outdoor area to help eradicate the problem. Keep your bushes trimmed and make sure that firewood is stored well away from your home. Thirty feet from the dwelling is appropriate, if you have the space. In addition, the firewood needs to be kept just off the ground (about six inches).
Be sure to rinse containers thoroughly before you add them to your recycle bin. One of the most important items to rinse is soda cans that contain a lot of sugar. Rinse out any remaining soda before storing the cans.
Check every foot of your home for pests, as no area is immune. Termites may rear their ugly heads in the underground areas of your home. Make sure crawl spaces and basements are inspected thoroughly.
Sometimes calling a professional exterminator is a necessity. While many do it yourself, remedies work wonderfully, infestations can reach beyond the control of your average house owner. While it may be more expensive to call in a professional or service, it is definitely worth it to effectively rid your home of pests.
Insects such as silverfish are usually attracted by the humidity in your home. Damp places help silverfish thrive in your home environment. Give these pests a run for their money by dehumidifying your home. Make them learn an extra lesson by fixing leaky pipes and using proper ventilation in all areas of your home.
Mosquito infestations in your yard can be highly problematic, especially in the late summer. To prevent mosquitoes from infesting your yard and using it for breeding, make sure you don’t have any stagnant pools of water in your yard. Change the water in bird baths every week and avoid water build-up in sand boxes and other containers.
Boric acid can eradicate a whole colony of silverfish if used right! Place a small measured amount of household cleaner containing boric acid into hard to reach places. Silverfish will usually feel attracted to the acid and carry it back to their nests. This is said to have killed colonies of silverfish in a short amount of time.
If you live in an apartment, condo, or any other multi-unit building, make sure your pest control methods aren’t negatively affecting neighbors. Also make sure that your neighbors ensure that their apartments aren’t infested as well. Sometimes the entire apartment or condo building is infested and measures must be taken beyond your unit.
Create a break between your landscaping and your foundation. Pests will often prefer to crawl in the shadows and under things. When you leave a clear boundary between your yard and your foundation, pests will be less likely to happen into your home, opting to stay in the safety and cool of the lawn.
Colonies of fire ants in your backyard are not exactly welcoming! Instead of calling the exterminator, try this good old trick. It is said that fire ants are repelled by the smell of human urine. Sprinkle human urine on fire ant mounds and they will decide to move somewhere else!
Always make sure that people and pets are properly protected from a pesticide. Pesticides can cause serious harm to living things if precaution is not used. Therefore, make sure that the location you apply the pesticide is free of people, pets, and even toys and and dishes. Be extra careful when using a pesticide near a stream, well, garden, school, or workplace.
Don’t let the pests in your home get you down. Use the advice you read above to finally get a grip on the problem. Whether you turn to a professional or decide to tackle the problem on your own, you are not helpless in the face of this nagging problem. You will eventually be able to sleep easy.
