DIY Pest Control
Millions of people in the US experience home pest infestations every single year. If you’re among that number, know that you don’t have to turn to professional services right away. There are plenty of DIY pest control solutions available to help you work towards a pest-free home.
How to do Bug Control at Home
Common Pesticides used in Home Pest Control Products
Rodenticides
Also called:
- Rat poison
Rodenticides are products specifically designed to kill rodents. They can come in the form of gel bait stations, pellets, or even liquids, delivering a fatal dose to rodents who come into contact with the poison.
Common rodenticide brands include RatX, Tomcat, and JT Eaton.
Extreme caution is necessary when using rat poison as it can be highly toxic—even lethal—to people, dogs, cats, and local wildlife when ingested.
Insecticides
Also called:
- Pesticides
Insecticides are chemicals that kill insects (and their eggs). They’re often sold in the form of aerosols, which can be distributed either by hand or by backpack sprayers commonly found in hardware stores. Other common forms of insecticides include glue traps and poisoned granules.
Common insecticide brands include Advion, Raid, Bifen, and Talstar.
As is the case with other pest control solutions, insects and animals other than the intended pests can be affected by insecticides if ingested.
Pest Control by Types of Pests You Have
Cockroaches
Roaches are one of the most common sources of pest issues in the United States, in large part due to their hardiness and resistance to many traditional roach-killing products. If you’re one of the many, many people looking to get rid of roaches in your space, there are plenty of effective solutions at your disposal, including:
- Prevention, which includes properly storing all food, keeping a clean home, and sealing any exterior cracks in the home
- Physical traps, like glue traps
- Chemical application, such as treatment sprays labeled for roaches and baits
Ants
Ants are another common pest issue in the US. While some ants, like sugar ants, are more an annoyance than anything, others, like fire ants, can pose health hazards. Ways to rid the home of these pest infestations include:
- Granular and liquid insecticides near the points of entry in the home
- Keeping a clean home to prevent the issue from worsening
- Proper lawn care, including monitoring mulch and leave piles for hidden mounds
Gnats and Fruit Flies
Gnats and fruit flies are common, but usually harmless, pests. They’re also some of the easiest to eliminate with DIY solutions, which can include:
- Glue traps near infested areas
- Vinegar traps, a mixture of vinegar, sugar, dish soap, and water in a bowl, left near infested areas
- Prevention, including cleaning drains, sealing foods properly, and not overwatering houseplants
Silverfish
Silverfish are a virtually harmless, but still annoying, pest. These insects thrive in moist and dark locations as well as open food. Keeping humidity levels low and keeping food sealed properly are two common methods of preventing silverfish outbreaks.
Methods to remove silverfish that have already entered the home include:
- Boric acid or diatomaceous earth, which should be left in affected areas for a day, then vacuumed away
- Getting rid of affected materials (linens, mattresses, etc.)
- Baking soda, left over affected carpets for a few hours, then vacuumed away
Wasps
Wasps can be dangerous pests to have in and near the home. While professional services are recommended for severe infestations, many homeowners use the following methods to remove wasps from their homes:
- Using wasp-killing sprays directly on the nest
- Applying a water-vinegar solution to entry points to the home
- Using protective gear to prevent or limit stings
- Removing wasps when they are less active (at sun up or sundown)
Rodents
Rodents aren’t just annoying critters; they can carry diseases and damage the home, making their removal a top priority for homeowners.
Common methods of rodent removal include:
- Granular poison, which should be used with extreme caution since it can harm people and pets alike
- Snap traps, which instantly kill the pests
- Live-capture traps, which allow you to release captured animals outside the home
- Bait stations, which hold rodents securely from people and pets
Snakes
Many snake species are harmless, but they’re best left outside the home. If your home is experiencing unwanted serpentine visitors, you can try the following to remove them:
- Live-capture traps to release snakes away from the home without harming them
- Sealing any potential points of entry to the home
- Repellents, such as specially formulated snake repellent granules, moth balls, or vinegar
If dealing with venomous species (or you’re unsure if the species is dangerous), it’s advisable to contact your local animal control.
Spiders
Have spiders in the home? The following methods may help you kick these pests out:
- Insecticide sprays at potential points of entry and outbreak hotspots
- Glue traps to capture and kill any insects
- Peppermint oil as a deterrent
- Decluttering and cleaning to make your home less attractive to spiders
How to Save Your Home from Pests in Missouri
Termites, ants, and rodents are all common pests in Missouri. Here are a few simple ways you can protect your home from these critters:
- Keep a clean home. All three of these pests thrive in dark, cluttered areas with plenty of access to food. Keep the home clean and food safely secured to make your home less attractive to these invaders.
- Seal all points of entry. Use caulk or another safe sealant to create a physical barrier between your house and the outdoors, so that pests can no longer welcome themselves to your home.
- Don’t neglect lawn care. Overgrown lawns with ample yard waste make safe havens for common pests.
- Use repellants to actively deter pests, such as peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth.
- Treat any signs of infestation right away—either at home or with professional services—before a small problem becomes a massive outbreak.
Safety with Do-It-Yourself Bug Control
While getting rid of pests is important, your priority should always be the safety of your household.
Safety for Kids
Children are naturally curious and may get into products intended to kill pests.
If you have children, keep the following safety guidelines in mind when using DIY bug control solutions:
- Follow product labels, as they often explicitly outline how long you need to keep away from treated areas.
- Secure all products with child safety latches or in an area of the house the children cannot access.
- Use safer solutions, including food grade diatomaceous earth, citronella candles, or live traps.
If you suspect your child has ingested any toxic substances, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Safety for Pets
Keep your furry friends safe from harmful chemicals by keeping them out of reach when not in use and keeping pets away from the treated areas as long as the product label advises.
You can also opt for pet-friendly solutions, such as:
- EcoSmart® Home Pest Control
- NatureShield® Insect & Pest Repellent
- Cedarcide Cedarwood Outdoor Bug Control (PCO Choice Concentrate)
Other Safety Tips
Don’t neglect your safety. Keep the following in mind when using bug control solutions at home:
- Never assume you can mix two DIY solutions together; they may have adverse reactions.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling any toxic substances.
- Properly dispose of all toxic chemicals. Be sure to look up local laws regarding toxic waste disposal. You can learn more about household hazardous waste disposal in Missouri by visiting the official Missouri Department of Natural Resources website.
- Wear appropriate, which can include protective goggles and gloves.
- When in doubt, call the professionals, such as your local animal control center or professional exterminators.
Why Choose Professional Pest Control Services?
Many minor issues are easily resolved at home. Sometimes, though, your own pest control solutions may not be enough. Popular reasons why people choose professional pest control services include:
- Pest control companies have the experience necessary to find points of entry and make tailored recommendations based on the specific pest problem.
- Licensed exterminators have access to controlled substances that the average homeowner cannot purchase.
- Scheduling regular pest control services can help with pest management and prevent future pest issues from occurring.
If you’ve tried DIY pest control solutions and haven’t had luck treating your problems, contact Superior. We can work together to create a solution that tackles your issues.
Disclaimers: This article does not constitute professional advice. Please exercise extreme caution when using poisons and other toxic substances, keeping them away from children and pets.
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