Great DIY Pest Control Options
If you’re looking for an effective, cheap, and simple way to control pests in your home or garden, then you’ve come to the right place. There are a lot of different DIY pest control methods that you can use to kill or repel pests from your home and garden. Some are effective, some aren’t. Several options are cheap, and others expensive. Some work really well on certain kinds of pests, but not so well on others.
In this post we’re going to cover a few of our favorite DIY pest control options that you can use around your property.
Spotless Kitchen for Pest Prevention
There are a lot of different ways to get rid of pests, but one of the best is preventing them from ever entering our homes in the first place.
By keeping your home clean and tidy, you can prevent pests from finding a place to breed or live. Here are some tips for keeping your home spotless and pest-free:
- Don’t leave food out overnight
- Keep counters clear of crumbs, spills and other debris
- Wash dishes immediately after use
- Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes
All of the above should suffice in protecting your kitchen from pest incursions, but if you’re still having problems, there are a few other things you can do.
Crack Sealing and Checking Windows
Windows are another common entry point for pests. You should regularly check your windows to make sure they’re properly sealed and secure, especially if you’ve had a problem with rodents or other small animals getting inside. If you notice that there’s a draft coming through one of your windows, consider sealing it with caulk or weather strips.
The same goes for any foundation cracks or small holes from wiring, plumbing, or other home repairs. You can seal these with caulking or putty and then paint over this to ensure that it’s not visible from the outside. If you don’t want to tackle this yourself, ask a friend or family member for help and get them involved in your pest control efforts.
Never Allow Standing Water
Standing water attracts insects and other pests. If you have a leaky pipe or an overflowing sink, fix it immediately. Otherwise, bugs will be drawn to the moisture and can breed in the standing water.
One of which, if you aren’t aware, is that ever-pesky mosquito. If you’re dealing with a mosquito infestation any sources of water on your property should be eliminated. This includes bird baths, ponds and other water features. You can also use a mosquito mist to kill any that are flying around your house.
Moth Balls and Peppercorn
If you’ve got a moth infestation, you can use moth balls or pepper corns to help get rid of them.
Moth balls (naphthalene) are poisonous and should be handled with care. Place the balls in small bowls and place them around your home where moths tend to congregate such as closets or storage areas. You’ll want to replace them every few weeks as they lose their potency over time.
Or, if you’d like the more natural solution, peppercorn provides a natural deterrent for moths. Place whole peppercorns in small bowls and place them around your home where moths tend to congregate such as closets or storage areas.
Mint and Basil Around Your Home
Mint and basil are known for their ability to keep pests away, so why not take advantage of this? Place whole sprigs of mint or basil around your home where you tend to see an increase in pests such as mice, ants or cockroaches. You can also make a homemade spray with equal parts water and mint leaves (1 cup each).
Water and Rubbing Alcohol Spray
This is another one of our favorite homemade pest repellents that’s great for keeping away ants and cockroaches. Simply mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol together in a spray bottle, then spray around your home where pests tend to congregate such as cupboards or storage areas.
This spray is not only a great homemade pest repellent but also a great cleaning agent for wiping down your kitchen counters, cabinets and other surfaces. It’s important to note that the water and rubbing alcohol mixture should be replaced every two weeks so you’re not spraying around your home with dirty water!
Conclusion for DIY Pest Control Options
There are many different DIY pest control options, and it’s important to remember that the best way to get rid of pests is by using an integrated approach. This means combining different methods together such as cleaning up your home, sealing cracks and holes around your house, vacuuming regularly and applying natural repellents where needed. If you need some additional info on pest control you can do at home, consider talking to one of our Total Pest Solutions professionals and asking about some helpful tips!
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