Taking pest control into your own hands doesn’t necessarily mean you have to call an expensive exterminator. There are plenty of pests that you can get rid of by using old-fashioned tried and true simple tips. This article is jam packed with great advice to help you make your home less than desirable to common pests.
Do not assume that pests are completely gone just because you have not seen any. If your exterminator wants to come back for a follow-up, you should follow their advice. There is a good chance that there is still a small population in your home that could have come from eggs, so listen to the professional and stick to the follow-up appointment.
One of the things that you can do to reduce the amount of pests in your home is to check the exterior of your home for colonies of ants or bugs. You can exterminate from the outside first, as this is generally where the problem will start from before it comes in your house.
If you are living in a multi-unit building, any form of individual pest control measures that you take will be ineffective. This is because those pests can travel from one apartment unit to another. To get rid of the bugs completely, your whole building needs to be treated at one time.
Inspect your home for standing water which may be in hidden areas. Pests love standing water because it is a drinking source and also a breeding ground for certain insects. Make sure to check your entire home for leaky pipes and make sure to clean the water trays under the house plants. Pets thrive on water, so take this out of the equation.
If you have any leaky pipes or anything that drips water, make sure that you get them repaired. Leaving water around is a good way of keeping pests in your home. They will not want to leave because you are giving them a way to get the water that they need.
When placing brushes around the home, place them at least a foot away from the building itself. Bushes make a great home for many different insects and rodents. If bushes are located too near the windows and doors of your home, the risks are great that the insects can easily get inside.
Make sure your home’s roof and water sills are draining properly. Standing water can lead to pests. If you’ve got puddles forming that just won’t go away, look to the root cause and fix it. Sometimes it’s as easy as cleaning out a gutter. Otherwise, you may get more unwanted visitors than you bargained for.
If you struggle with pests, then your solution could be easier than you realize. Consult the professionals at your local home improvement outlet for advice to rid yourself of these pests. They can advise you on the appropriate pesticides to use on the particular pests that you have.
If you’re storing a camper or a travel trailer during the winter, mice can find their way in sometimes. There are natural repellents which are very effective at discouraging the unwanted guests. These rodent repellents have a rather pleasant smell and are very effective at keeping mice out of your RV.
Although spiders do catch other insects in the home, they are usually considered an unwelcome guest. Nobody wants to see one, or be bitten by one while they sleep. One way to discourage spiders from invading your basement is to spray the walls and ceilings with bleach. This is an effective way to repel them without using chemicals.
Keep standing water at a minimum if you want to keep mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so if you have a small puddle in your yard you are giving them a perfect place to breed. To prevent this you can walk through your yard after rain storms to ensure that your yard does not become their breeding ground.
Look for wall and foundation cracks. Structures suffer natural wear and tear over time, and that includes cracks. These cracks can serve as entry points for pests. Pay close attention to your ceiling. This can sometimes be the place that pests use to infiltrate your home.
If cockroaches are part of your pest problem, make sure you seal all foods. Cutting off their food supply will help you eliminate roaches. Cockroaches are attracted by any sort of food. Keep all baking supplies, like flour and sugar, in sealed containers as well.
Keep garbage away from your house. You obviously have to throw out your household trash every day, but make sure that you keep the cans as far from your house as you can. Don’t forget to cover the trash cans as well. Animals will smell the garbage, and try to get into the house if they can.
You should have a weekly or bi-weekly cabinet cleaning schedule. These dark spaces, full of hiding places, are a great home for pests. Use an environmental, non-toxic pesticide in the corners and joins of the wood each season. Always be watchful for signs of potential infestation that will need to be dealt with.
When you’re overrun by cockroaches, place Borax powder around your home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. If you have pets or children, this may not be the best solution as they can get into this poison as well. This trick can be used for other pests as well, like ants.
Don’t neglect appliances when it comes to pest control. Bugs like the warmth inside the components of the fridge, microwave, washer and dryer and even little things like the toaster and coffee pot. Be sure to saturate them with your pest-control solution, washing them carefully again before the next time you use them with food.
As you’ve just read, there are literally hundreds of ways you can save your home and reduce the amount of pests in your house. This article only discussed a handful of tactics that you can choose from. Use what you have just learned to get rid of those nasty pests and make your home a pet friendly place again!
