It may feel overwhelming if you have pests living in your home. The pests might even appear to be doubling or tripling in numbers, regardless of your efforts. If that is so, try reading this advice to see how to eliminate them.
Always start at the beginning. If pests have emerged, determine how they are getting food. The pests came there looking for something, whether it was for food, shelter or something else. Leaks, entry points, and food scraps need to all be eliminated.
Consider using a perimeter spray outside your home to keep bugs at bay. Spray the foundation, as well as steps, porches and areas near doors and windows. If you see suspicious cracks that could allow pests enter your home, spray them, too! Use a caulk or sealer to plug these small areas off.
Are you having problems with ants around the house? A simple way to rid yourself of them is to mix up some borax and sugar. The ants will be attracted to the sweet scent from the sugar, and they will be killed by the borax. Just mix a single cup of sugar and one of borax. Put some holes in the top of the lid to make it easy to sprinkle.
Look around to identify pools of standing water. This can be a big problem if you have pests. Inspect your home and look for leaky pipes. Also, the trays holding your indoor plants might conceal standing water, as well. Pests need water to survive, so eliminate this, and pests will find your home far less hospitable.
Anytime you put brushes around your home, ensure you put them a minimum of one foot away. Brush is a natural home to many insects and there is no way to prevent this. Placing it closer will bring the bugs to you inside.
Keep up with leaks around your home. Pests love to find those water sources. Even from a distance, these pests can tell there is water pooling in your home. Don't be the reason you have pests. Inspect your plumbing regularly and contact a professional if you notice a leak or need help with inspecting the plumbing that is not easily accessible.
Mint can help in your battle against mice. Plant some mint around your home. When you do this, mice won't want to live there. Sprinkle mint around to deter rodents. Mice usually don't like mint leaves, but you have to remember to keep fresh ones out.
Make sure you rinse out any containers you are recycling. Soda cans especially are important to rinse because of the sugar. Be certain to rinse soda bottles before placing them in your recycling bin.
Hairspray can help you get rid of any flying insects. Your pets can tolerate this treatment, while the pests find it lethal. It sticks to the bugs, which makes it impossible for them to make their way to food and water. Bees can be dealt with in this fashion without the risk of getting stung.
Store your food properly to prevent pest from getting to it. Either plastic or glass works; just make sure whatever you get has a strong lid. Avoid using a paper or cardboard bag when packing up food because these things are easily chewed through.
If you are fighting a rodent war, they love food. It also makes it very easy to set traps for them because you can use just about anything as bait. In addition, a spoiled food item will also work, so if you are needing to eliminate spoiled food, this can be a great way of doing so.
If cockroaches are part of your pest problem, make sure you seal all foods. Don't just use a chip clip to seal your food; you need to use plastic containers with lids. Cockroaches will continue to thrive if there is a ready food source. Seal sugar, flour, and any other baking supplies too.
Read all the directions on the labels on pesticides before use. You may think you need to use more when you really don't have to. In many cases, using a larger amount will pose heath risks to those in the area.
You should caulk generously around every nook and cranny to keep bugs out of your home. You cannot get rid of everything with a fogger or spray. Use caulk and seal the molding along the floor, around pipe fixtures and sinks, and any spot you think bugs can get in and out.
Kill flying bugs with hairspray. Perfume may work also, but avoid getting it in your open eyes. Each product is flammable and requires care. If you don't have any bug spray, use these instead.
If you have to get rid of a wasp nest or bee hive, do so after dusk. Your hardware store should have a spray foam that can help you remove these. The foam will spray quite a way, so you don't have to stand too close to the hive. The best thing to do is to spray the beehive after sunset when bees are less active. Then check it a few days later and respray if necessary. Once you know the bees have died, the hive can be taken down.
Directions on pesticides must be followed completely. Sometimes, you may get poor results if you fail to follow them with precision. For instance, if the directions say to apply daily, then be sure to do so. If you don't follow directions, you will prolong the infestation.
Exterminating pests is not fun or easy. It usually does not happen overnight, and can end up taking a very long time to eradicate the problem. Use the tips in this article to help you rid yourself of these pests, for good. Sleep easier at night knowing your pest problems are a thing of the past.