Last Updated on August 24, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
In every household, bugs are a constant threat to our health and safety. They breed in unreachable places and stagnant waste. While some are naturally harmless, some can bring all sorts of diseases to your loved ones and pets.
Fortunately, there are ways to combat these pests. In this article, we will be showing simple but effective tips that you can do by yourself. Keep reading below, and you can start eradicating unwanted guests in no time!
Look For Breeding Grounds
What do most household bugs have in common? All of them have breeding grounds inside your home. One of the root causes of infestations is hidden breeding grounds residing in nearby trash, puddles, and corners that are unclean.
Before starting the exterminating process, you must first track down where these pests usually breed. Start by tracking where they appear the most; the easiest would be the ants because they follow a trail that you can trace back to their colony.
Cockroaches may appear out of nowhere, but keep on the lookout for nearby trash or disposals, and you’ll see where they usually hang out. And for mosquitoes, look for stagnant water, open jars of liquid, and puddles outside your home. You must attack these pests right where they live to increase the effectiveness of your tools.
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Remove Debris, Clean Your Lawn
Speaking of breeding spots, you might start to notice that the majority of the pests in your home reside just a few meters in your yard. That’s because our lawn is an ideal spot for most bugs to breed.
Widen your search of these breeding spots by looking under your plants, dead sticks, puddles, and any spot full of trash and feces. These are the main spots you have to clean as soon as possible. The more you clean out these spots, the less likely bugs can survive in your environment.
Additionally, this might also be a good reason to trim your lawn, giving it a fresh look while staying safe from pests.
Related: How To Get Rid Of A Lawn Full Of Weeds
Diatomaceous Earth as a Pest Killer
Now here’s an effective and safe pest killer. Diatomaceous Earth, or DE, is a natural compound made from dead organisms and large silica concentrations. There are food-grade variations of Diatomaceous Earth that help people with constipation and can even be used as a pest killer.
So how does DE kill pests? It kills them by quickly dehydrating the insect and passing them through their larvae. DE effectively kills bugs such as mites, ants, and cockroaches; they can efficiently work through their hard exoskeletons and start the dehydration process.
To use Diatomaceous Earth, pour them in small lines where pests usually appear. Depending on how much you’ve placed, these bugs can carry them back to their nests, spreading the powder. You’ll eventually see the results after a regular and consistent application on those spots.
Additionally, you may also mix DE with other baits to attract more pests. You may want to check Pest Strategies overview on the types of bait and see which of them is compatible with DE. Generously pour Diatomaceous Earth as much as you can with baits for maximum effect, and don’t worry about your pets licking it. It is a non-toxic substance only deadly to insects.
Related: 5 Bugs That Look Like Termites But Aren’t
Clear Out Rodents
If there are rats, then there’s bound to be bugs living somewhere in your house. Rats produce so much offspring and waste, and they can quickly overrun a house if left unattended. In rare cases, it might even go as far as declaring a house a health danger, which often leads to demolition as a last resort.
Part of exterminating bugs is to lay out traps and cages for your rodent guests. As soon as you see a rat moving around, get them disposed of immediately and clean out their hiding spots.
Use Nature’s Bug- Repellant: Plants
If you have a small garden patch in your home, choosing the right kind of plants can also help you in your mission of a bug-free home. Plants like eucalyptus, lemongrass, rosemary, and mint are known to have insect-repellent qualities that are safe for humans and pets.
Use their oils or their dried leaves for trouble spots, corners, or windows that bugs usually appear in. They hate their strong smells and would most likely avoid that spot as long as the smell is still present.
In Conclusion
Bugs are always a threat to homes, whether big or small. And amongst all of the tricks mentioned, nothing protects your home against bugs better than cleaning thoroughly and regularly dusting your shelves, and keeping your waste organized and disposed of on time. For complex situations, never hesitate to call in the professionals to have your home bug-free and safe for you and everyone.