The pest control industry is expected to make $17.4 billion in the U.S. by 2023. The staggering number comes from our desires for pest-free homes. Not only do pests make our skin crawl, but they can also damage our homes.
To understand how to get rid of insects, it’s important to think about what you can do versus what you need a professional to help with. Our guide below can help you learn how to get rid of bugs in your house, whether you’re dealing with small invaders or even bigger infestations.
Keep a Clean Home
The first step to learning how to get rid of pests is to maintain a clean home. Proper hygiene is one aspect of Integrated Pest Management, which helps solve pest problems and keep them out without harming the environment. Overall, IPM seeks to maintain an environment where pests can’t thrive.
Inside your home, the number one spot for attracting pests is the kitchen. Like any of us, insects and bugs need food and water. Since our kitchens are plentiful with both, small insects can detect this and make their way inside.
Make sure you clean your kitchen daily to remove food crumbs and debris. Don’t leave leftover food out, and consider storing your pet food as well. Make sure your trash is sealed tightly and you’re taking it out often to get rid of food scraps.
Some pests like rodents and cockroaches are also attracted to clutter. Be sure to maintain your storage areas often, which can easily become nesting spots.
Maintain Your Yard
Maintaining the outside of your home is just as important as the inside. Your yard can become a breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes and ants, which makes it easier for them to find a way indoors.
Many pests like mosquitoes thrive in standing water. In fact, mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. Especially if you live in a climate with heavy rains, be sure that you don’t leave out objects that can collect water. You may need to invest in proper landscaping as well to promote drainage throughout your yard.
Many pests also thrive in thick bushes and debris, such as piles of leaves or wood. To maintain your yard, keep it clear from anything you don’t need. If you do have thick vegetation around your home, keep it well maintained and cut back from your home entryways.
Inspect and Identify Your Pest Problem
If preventative measures don’t work and you think you have a pest problem, the first step is inspection. Whether you’re hearing sounds or seeing bugs and debris, try to find where they’re coming from. There could be a few stragglers that have made their way into your home, or you could be dealing with a full infestation.
Especially if you notice ants or rodents, try to see if you can find the source. Usually, there may be a small hole in your foundation or loose entryway where pests can make their way inside. The worst-case scenario is that they may have already made a nesting home somewhere secluded like a garage or storage closet.
Once you assess the pest and severity, you can determine how to treat the problem. If you’re only dealing with a few bugs, you may be able to move forward with DIY methods. Consider your comfort level and get professional help as needed. The longer you wait, the worse a pest problem can get.
Try DIY Pest Control Methods
The best DIY methods to treat pests are probably already inside your home. Instead of using harsh chemicals, you might be able to eliminate some pests with certain spices and essential oils.
For example, you can use neem or peppermint oil to pest-proof your plants. While they’re both safe for humans, peppermint repels some insects and neem can kill them off. If you have indoor plants, DIY treatments like that can help prevent small flies or bugs.
You can also treat some smaller insects with a little bit of dish soap and vinegar. Mix equal parts water, dish soap, and vinegar into a spray bottle and use it in areas where you notice insects. This method is especially beneficial for getting rid of ants. Spray directly on ant trails to eliminate their scent, which signals in more ants.
Contact Professional Pest Control
Certain pests that should always require professional attention, including rodents, termites, and bed bugs. Rodents can quickly destroy many of your belongings since they make nests using cardboard, cloth, and other organic materials.
We all know how devastating termites can be, causing lasting damage to homes and their foundations. Bed bugs also have a huge effect on peoples’ wellbeing, and they spread quickly throughout all areas of a home.
When it comes to infestations of this caliber, it’s time to get help with pest control. A professional pest control company has access to more powerful treatments like fumigation and industry-grade chemicals. Some even have more impactful natural methods if you’d like to stay organic.
Instead of letting the problem get worse, professional technicians know how to restrict infestations and get rid of them quickly.
How to Get Rid of Insects Quickly
Knowing how to get rid of insects is important for a variety of reasons. You can keep your home clean and safe, which ultimately affects your wellbeing as well. Effective pest control will also help you save money.
In preventing or treating an infestation, you could save hundreds to thousands of dollars in serious pest control costs. Be sure to continue with DIY pest prevention, but understand when it’s important to bring in the professionals.
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