Bugs, roaches, and other creepy-crawlies are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Not only do they create unsanitary conditions to live in, but also disrupt one’s peace of mind. Using pest repellents such as sprays and baits might effectively get rid of home invaders. But, there are dire consequences to using such equipment, if mishandled. The pesticides present in these repellents not only cause damage to the environment but also adversely affect your health.
So, what else can be done? While bug-proofing your home may seem like a losing battle, there are effective ways in which it can be done. Just read on!
Specific Tips for Keeping Out Common Pests
Ants
Openings that ants could enter from should be sealed with impermeable layers like petroleum jelly. You can also use home remedies, including cream of tartar, pure cinnamon, grounded coffee, chili powder, lemon juice, and cloves. A non-toxic deterrent that doesn’t kill the ant but still manages to drive them away is Orange Guard.
Bed Bugs
Turning off the lights won’t help. With this infestation, the first thing do is wash the sheets and covers in hot water and dry them for a minimum of 30 minutes in the sun. Next, scrub the mattress and vacuum your entire house. Then, proceed to sealing up any area that serves as the bed bug’s hiding place, such as peeling wallpapers. If you’re going for a trip, be sure to spray your suitcase with natural oils like lavender and peppermint, as this will keep the bed bugs at bay.
Mosquitoes
Repel mosquitoes by keeping your lawn trimmed, by installing screens on the windows, and by draining any standing water. Keeping a revolving fan outdoors will also help, as mosquitoes are poor fliers.
Flies
It is easiest to rid your house of flies. Keep your house extremely clean and take out the garbage regularly. Damaging chemicals can also be set up as traps to keep a check on flies within the house.
Rats
Spray any area that rats and mice frequent, with natural elements such as garlic and horseradish. Using traps that catch and release the rodent also helps, and it doesn’t kill the animal.
Cockroaches
These creatures are born survivors. But, can they survive boric acid? Try applying this chemical to all existing cracks and crevices to know the difference.
Other Pest Control Prevention Tips
Practice good housekeeping
Keeping your home clean is not important just for aesthetic purposes; it also helps prevent the invasion of pests.
- Place unsealed containers in your pantry, cupboards or on counter tops into resealable plastic bags or plastic food storage containers that have lids.
- Store pet food in storage containers with lids and feed your pets indoors.
Keep moisture under control
Moisture in and around the home can cause health problems, mold damage and be an open invitation to unwanted critters that thrive in wet environments.
- Repair leaks in your roof, pool or hot tub, and mend broken pipes.
- Keep your attic and basement dry and well ventilated.
- Replace old weather stripping around your windows.
Secure the entries into your home
You lock your doors to deter predators, and securing any entries into your home will do the same with pests.
- Keep your windows closed.
- Make sure your crawl space has a barrier that prevents animals from taking shelter under your home.
The threat of pests is always present. Chances are, if it squeaks, buzzes, or has more legs than you do, you don’t want it creeping in your home. Eliminating unwanted pests with poison is a short term solution to your pest infestation, but the same pesticides that are toxic to pests are often toxic to people too, especially kids. Because most pesticides treat symptoms of infestation, and not underlying causes, they often don’t work as well as prevention-based alternatives. The above-highlighted tips should help you put a lid on pests.