Pests around the house cause hazards and unsanitary conditions. They are also just annoying. While it can be expensive and difficult to get rid of pests, you have to control the infestation. Follow the pest control tips outlined below and your day will not be ruined by pests anymore.
When you find holes that pests can get in through, stop it up with steel wool. Rodents such as mice and rats are known to be able to chew through almost anything, but steel wool will stop them dead in their tracks. Seal any opening that is over a half inch in diameter. Remember that rodents can get through very tiny openings.
Gather all the throw rugs you have and sweep them well in order to keep pests down. Vacuuming picks up ants, bugs, cockroaches and other insects that are living inside your home. When you finish vacuuming, dispose of the bag or empty the canister.
Begin with the basics. Your first step is to eliminate the pests' food source. Pests may like your home because it provides them with shelter, food and water. Search for and get rid of food scraps, leaks or entry points.
Prevent bugs from coming into your house by using a perimeter spray designed for outdoors. Apply this spray on the foundation, the porch, steps and on doors and windows as well. Keep your eyes open for cracks around the exterior of the home. Use caulk to seal these areas.
If you are wondering if you have termites, get a dog that can smell them. A human professional will only be able to give you a partial diagnosis of your home. Trained dogs can verify your entire home's safety. They can smell methane gas that the termites leave behind when they eat wood.
Is your home swarming with ants? Use a mix of borax and sugar to eradicate them. Sugar attracts them while the borax kills them. Mix a cup of the sugar with an equal amount of the borax. Sprinkle the mixture around your home.
If you have seen a lot of brown recluse spiders, get some sticky traps. These spiders are poisonous and enjoy hiding in places that aren't easy to get with chemicals. Spiders come out during the night to eat. Good places to put these traps are behind furniture and along baseboards.
Don't allow pools of standing water to form near your home. Pests are drawn to pools of standing water. Therefore, you need to thoroughly inspect your plumbing to ensure that there are no leaky pipes. Do not neglect to clean your house plant trays. Pests rely on water for survival so make sure to get rid of any water sources you can think of.
As you realize, having problems with pests is more than just irritating – it can also affect your health. Because of this, you want to fix the problem as soon as possible. Put the above advice to good use, and pests will hopefully be a thing of the past.