Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Tips

If you're plagued by ants, flies, roaches, or other nasty bugs, you'll want to get the situation under control right away! Luckily, there's a good chance you can save some money by taking care of the problem yourself. Start with these simple DIY pest control tips.

1. Seal Up Your Home
   One of the most important things you can do to keep pests out of your home is to figure out how they're getting in and block their entry. Check around your foundation for cracks or areas where materials have started to separate. Also, take a look at your roof. If your facia or soffits are damaged, this can create an easy entryway for pests. Next, check to make sure your windows are sealed properly and check the doors. Some issues you may find include shrunken caulk, worn-out weather stripping, or doors that don't close properly. Fix any problems you find right away. 
2. Store Pet Food Properly
   Dog and cat food will attract all kinds of pests. Make sure you store it in a sealed container. A clean metal trash can with a lid is a good option, as mice can't climb up the can's slippery surface. It's also a good idea to feed your pets on a regular schedule, then empty and wash the food bowls when they're done. 
3. Get Rid of Standing Water 
   Bugs love standing water! Keep a sharp eye out for any water sources you can get rid of. Inside, check under your sinks and in your basement to make sure there's no leaks or drips. Outdoors, watch for things like children's toys or lawn furniture that are collecting rainwater. This can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes! Termites, carpenter ants, and rodents can all tunnel their way through moist wood. Clean your gutters regularly so rain is directed away from your home. This will help keep your home's exterior and foundation dry.
4. Stave Off Spiders
   Spiders are some of the creepiest pests, but they're easy to get rid of. Start by placing a dehumidifier in the area where they're congregating and keep it set to 40% humidity. Next, use a broom or vacuum to knock down any spider webs you see. Keep up with this cleaning routine, and, in a few weeks, your eight-legged "friends" will have packed their bags and moved on. 
5. Drive Out Ants
   Ants are a big nuisance, and they're often attracted to food. A great way to deter them is to clean your kitchen countertops, walls, floors, and other surfaces with a mixture of equal parts water and apple cider vinegar. You can also keep ants away by soaking cotton balls in a mixture of Borax, sugar, and water and placing them around the house. Borax can be toxic if it's ingested, so don't use this solution if there are small children or pets in the home. 
6. Use Essential Oils 
   Essential oils are one of the best non-toxic pest control options. Peppermint oil is very effective and versatile. You can use it to deter ants, beetles, fleas, flies, moths, roaches, and spiders. Thyme will keep away beetles, chiggers, and ticks. Dealing with gnats? Use patchouli or spearmint. Citronella is well known for being excellent for keeping mosquitos at bay.  

If you know what to do, DIY pest control will often completely eliminate your problem. However, if the infestation is severe or you've been trying to handle things yourself for more than a few weeks and still don't have it under control, it's time to wave the white flag and call in the pros. 

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