Pest infestation is a global problem. We all have gone through this problem at one time or the other. There is a growing trend among homeowners to deal with pests themselves to save money and time. However, severe infestations need professional assistance, you can manage mild infestations with DIY techniques. Here, in this article, we will discuss about various tips that homeowners can employ to control and prevent pests on their premises.
Maintain Cleanliness
A clean home is less attractive to pests. Keep the kitchen clean. Wipe off the surfaces and countertops and remove any spills and food particles scattered on them. Wash your dishes daily and do not keep them overnight in the sink. Sweep, mop, and vacuum the floor regularly. Make this a part of your daily routine. Use dustbins with covered lids and dispose of the garbage regularly.
Seal the Entry Points
Inspect your home thoroughly to look for any cracks, gaps, and crevices in the house. Seal the cracks with cement or caulk. This will prevent pests from entering your property. You can also use weather stripping so that pests cannot enter from the space below the doors. Pay attention to areas where utility lines are passing as pests may use them to invade your home. Fix them properly with the appropriate material.
Reduce Moisture
Pests are attracted to water sources. Make sure that you do not have any standing water in and around your house. Fix leaky pipes and faucets both inside and outside the house. Reduce moisture by using a dehumidifier, especially in basements and attics. This becomes more important when you are living in a humid environment. Keep your home ventilated and dry.
Screen Doors and Windows
Pests like flies, mosquitoes, lizards, and cockroaches can enter your home through windows and doors. Fix nets on windows to stop them from infiltrating your home. This will also allow fresh air to circulate inside the house. Check for holes and gaps in the window screens and fill the gaps with appropriate material.
Do The Laundry
Pests like dust mites and bed bugs can find a perfect breeding place on dirty clothes and bedding. Do not pile up dirty clothes in the house. Wash your bedsheets and other upholstery at regular intervals. If you have pets in your house, wash their bedding quite often.
Use Natural Repellents
Some plants are natural pest repellants. You can use plants and herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, lemongrass, catnip, chrysanthemum, lavender, and marigold to ward off pests from your house. You can grow these plants in small pots and keep them indoors. They are a cost-effective repellant and also add to the beauty of the house. They have a natural scent and some pests cannot stand the smell of these plants and will not enter your home.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils are also a great way to keep bugs out of the house. Peppermint oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, citronella, lemongrass, and tea tree oil are some effective pest repellants. Dilute them with water and store them in a spray bottle. Spray them in areas where pests are likely to enter. Different oils are effective for different types of pests. It is one of the safe and natural methods to get rid of pests Ike mosquitoes, cockroaches, ticks, flies, ants, and lizards.
Use Natural Chemicals
Boric acid and Diatomaceous earth are two natural repellants used for pest removal. Sprinkle some boric powder or diatomaceous earth in entry points and areas where pests are likely to crawl. When pests consume these chemicals will disrupt their nervous system and they will eventually die. It comes both in gel and dust forms.
Read also: What Are the Factors That Decide the Cost of Pest Control Treatment?
Landscape
Mow the grass regularly. Trim bushes and branches that touch your house as pests can use them as bridges to enter your home. Clean the garden regularly and remove debris and fallen leaves daily. Fill the pits and holes in the garden so that water does not accumulate. Elevate wood piles off the ground or store them in wood boxes.
Declutter Your House
Dispose of the things that you do not need or use. Every home has unused items, books, piles of newspapers, clothes, toys, and others. Dispose of them or donate them. This not only accumulates dust but also becomes a perfect hiding space for pests. Keep your living area organized and clean.
Store Food Properly
It is important to store foods in air-tight containers so that pests do not access them easily. Pests thrive in your home because they get readily available food and water. Cutting their food supply will compel them to leave your space. Do not keep fruits and vegetables in the open, Store them in a refrigerator. Keep leftover food in closed containers.
Keep Bathroom Clean
You must keep your bathroom clean and dry. Pests can enter your home through drainage pipes. Keep the pot and wash basin regularly. Make sure to wash the basin with water and disinfect them with effective chemicals. If any drain is clogged, repair them quickly. Keep the shower curtain dry and free of moss.
Use Baits and Traps
Some pests can be controlled by using baits and traps. There are different types of traps available in the market such as sticky traps, beer traps, and copper traps. Once traps are inside, you can dispose of them away from your house.
Conclusion
Pests can be a nuisance and pose a serious threat to our health and property. The above-mentioned tips and tricks will help to remove mild infestations. It will also help prevent pests from entering your property. However, if you are dealing with a severe infestation, we recommend hiring professional pest control in Hyderabad. They have the right tools, equipment, and resources to eliminate pests safely and effectively from your home.
