DIY Pest Control: Save Money with Home Remedies
Pest control is among the unpleasant home tasks and is inevitable. No matter how solid your walls are insects always find a way to sneak in. They can enter your house through the tiniest cracks. These uninvited guests can cause serious trouble.
After insects have made their presence known, it becomes crucial to take a step. But before you call for professional help, there are measures you can take by yourself. You can incorporate various DIY pest control methods to keep these tiny creatures away.
Preventive Measures for Pest Control
You can take preventive measures to do your best to stop the pests from entering your home. Take the preventive measures provided below to keep the creatures outside your home.
Evaluating Exterior
Rodents plus insects can be a problem even if they are not in the house but on the outside. If you want to take more control to keep the insects away from your property assessing your exterior is the first step.
Pests are more attracted to moisture. It is highly recommended to keep your near-home area clean and dry. Do not let rainwater settle on your doorsteps or anywhere near it.
Move piles of leaves away from your home exterior. Clean the gutters regularly to avoid any chances of insects settling in them.
If you’re noticing the presence of insects in your home this means your exterior is not sealed well enough.
Add a Line of Defense Around Your Home
To take pest control a step further, you can spray around your house with an insect repellent. Most often these are invisible barriers that insects avoid to cross. You can also create barriers with chemical-based repellents with more success. While using the repellents, strictly follow the instructions and take safety measures.
Seal Gaps
Look for gaps plus cracks that provide entry for the small creatures. For gaps in doors plus windows use weather stripping adhesive. You can find a wide variety on Amazon.
Make sure to clean the surface first so that the adhesive sticks well.
Check for the dryer vent plus make sure it is not broken plus is attach well to the wall. For gaps between trim plus sidings use acrylic latex caulk.
Store Pet Food
It is highly recommended to store pet food in gnaw proof containers. Using airtight containers is crucial as they help maintain the freshness of the food. It also prevents pests from contaminating it.
Protect Wood From Moisture
Insects are more attracted to moisture. They refer to nest there and can grow in huge numbers. If the soil around your house is not dry, it is likely to attract pests. It is highly recommended to keep the moisture away from wood on windows and doors.
Control Measures
If you are dealing with small numbers of pests that don’t pose harm, you can deal with them on your own. The sooner you deal with them the better as once they are left, they multiply and grow.
Depending on the type of pests in your home, there are a number of control measures you can take.
DIY Natural Solutions
You can use readily available ingredients at home to deter pests. An effective natural remedy involves using neem oil. Mix two teaspoons of neem oil plus one teaspoon of mild liquid soap with a quart of water. Spray generously on plant leaves especially where insects are seen.
Using Traps
If you have found mice to be roaming around your house, you can use traps. The method is effective but you need to have patience.
Bait traps can be used for cockroaches. These traps are readily available on the market.
Chemical-Based Pest Control
Chemical based pest control involves the use of synthetic pesticides which can be effective in eliminating severe infestations. These chemicals act fast offering immediate relief in scenarios where pests pose a risk to home hygiene.
When using chemical pesticides choosing the right type for the specific pest you are dealing with is crucial. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates plus safety precautions to minimize health risks.
Conclusion
DIY pest control can be a smart cost-effective choice for handling minor infestations plus preventing pests from entering your home. By starting with simple preventative steps like sealing gaps plus managing moisture, you can keep most pests at bay.
For more persistent problems, natural remedies like neem oil or store-bought traps provide practical solutions without the immediate need for professional help. However for severe infestations chemical pesticides might be necessary. The key to successful pest control is early intervention plus using the right method for the type of pest issue.