When you share your home with mice, cockroaches, or ants, it can feel like living in a horror movie. Thankfully, there are many ways to get rid of pests safely and effectively. While it’s not always possible to avoid having pests in your home, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that they will make themselves at home in your house. You might be surprised to learn that some methods of getting rid of pests can actually backfire and make things worse. Chemicals, for example, have the potential to be toxic if used incorrectly. But when used correctly, they can be an effective way of getting rid of unwanted guests without posing a risk to you or your pets. Here are some tips on how you can get rid of those unwanted home invaders.
Clean Up
Pests are more likely to make their home in places that are dirty and cluttered. Keeping your home neat and tidy will make it less attractive to pests. This can be especially helpful in preventing rodents. You can also make it easier to spot signs of pest activity, so you can deal with them more quickly. You may want to get rid of unnecessary clutter, such as boxes or items in the garage. Vacuum regularly, and make sure to clean your floors often. You might also want to place decorative plants in your home, which can help make it look neater and smell better. Termites love damp so it’s essential to remove damp conditions from around your home if you live in a termite-prone area. The
cost of termite damage is high and most insurers don’t cover it.
Rodent Repellents
Rodents dislike strong scents, and some of these can be used to keep rodents from taking up residence in your home. Keep in mind, however, that rodents are very clever, and strong scents may simply make them change nesting locations. If you do go with this option, don’t simply try to plug a bunch of different smells into one place. Instead, you might try using a combination of scents to keep rodents away from specific areas. For example, you can use peppermint oil to keep rodents away from kitchen cabinets and drawers, and lavender oil to keep them out of the living room. You can also use natural cleaners to keep your home smelling nice and clean.
Repairs
Rodents and cockroaches, in particular, are attracted to places that are damaged. If there are broken windows or holes in your walls, pests may be able to take advantage of these. You can repair these issues to keep pests out of your home. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your home at least annually and make repairs as needed while they’re easy to fix. This can save you from needing to do more extensive work in the future. Other repairs can help prevent pests from getting in in the first place. If you have a leaky roof, for example, you may want to put down a tarp. This can help prevent pests from getting inside.
Bait Traps
Baiting pests is a great way to catch them without having to use pesticides. This can be an especially useful option if you have pets or children. This is a great way to catch rodents and cockroaches. Be warned, though, that they can be quite smelly, and you may have to replace them frequently. You can purchase premade traps, or you can come up with your own bait with some help from a
pest control expert.
Pesticides
Some pests, such as fleas, can be incredibly difficult to get rid of. If you have pets, it can be especially important to get rid of these pests quickly, because they can be both painful and harmful to animals. In some cases, pesticides can be helpful in getting rid of these pests. Pesticides have the potential to be toxic to humans, though, so it’s important to use them correctly. If you choose to use a pesticide, you should read the label to see how and where you should apply it. If you need assistance, you can ask an expert.
Conclusion
Getting rid of pests can take some time, but it’s worth the effort. When dealing with pests, it’s best to be patient. Pests are not going to disappear on a whim. Be diligent with your pest control efforts, and they will go away. If you notice signs of pests in or around your home, take action immediately. It’s better to catch a pest problem early, rather than later. Pests can spread quickly, and if you let them go unchecked for too long, they can become a bigger problem than you ever expected.
