There is a heated debate whether professional pest control or do-it-yourself pest control is more effective in the pest management industry. Pest treatment is becoming increasingly popular among households who want to save money and time by doing it themselves. You can use both chemical and natural solutions in these DIY pest control solutions. Regardless of whatsoever approach you to use, the most important aspect of pest management in the home is prevention. Here are ten of our best DIY pest control ideas:
1. Maintain a Clean Environment
This one should go without saying, but a clean home is considerably less appealing and hospitable to bugs and especially mosquitos in the summer. Dishwashing should be done every day, and any food leftovers should be removed from the sink. After each usage, drain the filthy dishwater. Wipe clean countertops and surfaces daily. Food and drinks should be stored in airtight reusable containers. Make sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming a frequent component of your cleaning schedule. Empty garbage cans regularly and use locking lids. Keep the grass cut and weeds at bay. Trim back shrubs and trees so that they don’t touch the home. Make sure your drainage systems are in good working order and that there is no standing water.
2. Make Your House Look Unappetizing
Pests enter your home searching for three things: food, water, and a safe place to live. Pests will have no motive to enter your home if you can remove these three attractants. As previously stated, keep your home tidy. Inside and outside the house, fix any leaking pipes and faucets. Pet food and water bowls should not be left out overnight. Get rid of any outdated periodicals, garbage, and other clutter in your home. Instead of cardboard boxes, try using plastic storage bins.
3. Keeping Them Out
Pests will not be able to enter your home until they find an easy passage in. Some bugs can enter your home through the slightest of cracks. Examine the exterior of your home for any weak access spots and seal them with caulk, steel wool, or other appropriate materials. Ensure that the underpinnings, doors, window frames, utility ducts, cabling, and roof are all in good condition. It will help if you repair any broken windows, doors, and screens. Also, check this useful natural and safe DIY mosquito trap from the experts at pestadvisors.
4. Keep the yard clean and tidy
When it comes to pests, your yard is your first line of defense. They must first enter the yard before entering the house. Cut your grass short and get rid of weeds. Remove any fallen branches, garbage, or mounds of leaves. Recycle old cars, trashcans, and dumpsters in the same way. Raise firewood stacks off the ground or place them in lidded wood bins.
5. Maintain a Dry Environment
Pests will be kept at bay if your home is well ventilated and dry. Dampness draws most pests to it, which makes basements, attics, and crawlspaces great breeding grounds. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture and consider enclosing your crawlspace to eradicate pests and save money on energy.
6. Take care of the laundry
Dust mites and bed bugs, for example, will take refuge in your bedding, clothing, and other items. Any garments that come into contact with you regularly should be washed (at least 3 to 4 times per month). Those with pets should wash their bedding at least once a week to keep fleas at bay.
7. Plants can be used as natural repellents
Natural Insect repellents are known to exist in certain plants. These are more environmentally friendly pest management options than typical chemical approaches. For natural treatment of several common pests, plant any of these cultivars around your home. Lavender, Basil, and Rosemary are good natural Mosquito Repellents. Garlic can repel beetles and certain larvae. Pennyroyal and feverfew are all good insect repellents that also give color to the garden. An effective pesticide for tiny sucking insects is vegetable oil combined with organic dish soap. Herbs such as Spearmint, Rosemary, Basil, Lavender, Catnip, and Lemongrass all have repellent properties.
8. Recognize the Most Common Pests in Your Region or in the Season
Knowledge of local pests can come in handy. Conduct some research to learn about the most frequent pests in your area. Also, look up the types of harm and threats they pose. Pests change depending on where they are. You require different treatments for each. Identification is essential for effective treatment.
The same thing goes for the season, for example, mosquitos are more likely to be around in the summer.
9. Don’t bother with the good ones
Most household pets are harmful to your health. Pests such as rats and roaches or pests can cause substantial damage to your property such as termites. Other pests can be beneficial, particularly if you are into gardening. Ladybugs are beneficial to the garden because they devour aphids. Green lacewings eat spider mites. Ground beetles eat slugs and caterpillars. Bats consume mosquitoes and other insects and limit their populations (as long as they are outside and not inside your home). These helpful pests are natural pesticides that can be used instead of artificial pesticides.
10. Make Use of the Experts
An infestation could be well beyond the capabilities of DIY pest control measures in some cases. In these cases, it’s better to contact a professional. Find a professional who can correctly identify the pest you’re dealing with and give effective treatment and home-based prevention strategies.
Final Word
The effects might not show results right away. If you pick DIY pest control, you face the risk of having to wait a little longer to see results. On the plus side, you reduce your carbon footprint. These home remedies will help you get rid of pests without damaging your pets, vegetation, or the environment. It’s ideal for the discerning homeowner who prefers natural, eco-friendly solutions.
