Pest Control: The 10 Best Pest Control Tips for Your Home

Have you ever walked into your home and felt like something was... off? Perhaps it’s the smell of must, an unsettling noise you keep hearing in a particular corner of the house, or even just a nagging feeling that something’s not right. Whether it’s because you have an overactive imagination or because you actually have a pest problem, this article will help you identify the source of any creepy crawly feelings and introduce you to some simple solutions that will get your home back to feeling like home again. Keep reading to learn more about pest control tips for your home and how to eliminate pests from your property.


Know the signs of a home infestation
Before we get into how to deal with pests if they’ve already invaded your home, let’s be sure we’re dealing with a real infestation and not just a few rogue bugs. While there are many pests you may find in your home, the following six are considered the most dangerous by health and safety standards. - Bed bugs. If you see small bloodstains on your sheets or you notice small black dots that look almost like pepper sprinkled around your bed, you’re likely hosting a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on human blood, and they often live in clusters around the seams of mattresses and the folds of sheets. - Crickets. Crickets are more than just a nuisance. They can actually pose a serious threat to people with allergies since their bodies house large amounts of tiny hairs that are often as allergenic as cat or dog dander. Crickets will often make their homes in dark, warm places like behind appliances or in the corners of bookshelves. - Spiders. Spiders get a bad rap, but only a few species are seriously dangerous to humans. Most spiders are helpful in the home by targeting pests like cockroaches and other common household pests. If you see a few spiders in your home, don’t fret! - Termites. If you notice wood-coloured particles forming small piles around your home, you might have a termite infestation. These pests are often mistaken for wood shavings until they’re able to chew through your home’s foundations and cause serious damage. - Squirrels. You might be wondering how squirrels could ever pose a threat to humans—but squirrel droppings can cause serious allergic reactions. If you notice large amounts of droppings in your attic or in areas where you store your food, you may have a squirrel infestation.


Purge your home of all food sources
Before you start using any pesticides or insecticides inside your home, you need to first rid your home of all food sources. Food is the main reason why pests come inside in the first place, so it’s essential that you get rid of every crumb and morsel before you start any sprays or traps. Eliminate any food sources you may have outside as well. Keep your garden areas clear of debris and rotting leaves, and remove any pets that are out of their cages to prevent them from attracting unwanted pests. If you’re feeding backyard birds, be sure to keep your bird feeders free of squirrels or other pests that might take advantage of the free meal.


Use chemical-free pest control
If you’ve already cleaned up your home and still find yourself with a pest problem, it might be time to start spraying pesticides or setting traps. Before you do, though, consider whether or not you want to use a chemical-free pest control method. While they won’t kill off all of the pests in your home instantly, some natural pest control methods, like using boric acid to kill roaches, can take several days to show results. This means you can use them in tandem with chemical-based options for the best possible pest control results. Natural pest control methods are also much safer for children and pets. While pesticides and traps should always be used with caution, natural pest control methods pose little threat to humans or pets that might accidentally come into contact with them. Many natural pests control methods can also be used to keep pests away from your property before they ever get a chance to enter.


Try natural pest control methods
If you’re dealing with a serious pest problem in your home, it’s important to note that a quick application of pesticide may get rid of your current problem, but it won’t prevent future infestations. To keep pests away for good, you can try any of the following natural pest control methods: - Repel pests naturally with cedar. Cedar is a potent insect repellent, and it can be used around the house to keep pests from ever entering your space. Place cedar planks around your home’s foundation to deter ants, or burn cedar shavings to keep rodents away from your property. You can also place a cedar block in your clothes closet to keep moths and other pests from feeding on your stored fabrics. - Crush garlic cloves to deter pests. Garlic is a potent pest repellent, and it can be used in many areas of your home to discourage pests like cockroaches, ants, and silverfish from coming close to your property. Crush a few cloves and place them around the areas where you’re seeing signs of pests, or make a natural pest repellent spray by mixing 1 cup water with 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 2 crushed garlic cloves. - Grow natural pest control around your garden. Certain plants and herbs can be used to repel pests from your home and garden. Some of the best natural pest control plants include mint, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, and sage. You can also use natural pest control methods to keep pests away from your garden by using sticky traps to keep away slugs and other unwanted pests. - Plant marigolds around your website garden. Marigolds are a natural pest repellent that can be used to keep pests away from your garden. Marigolds can be grown in pots or directly in your garden beds, and they can also be used to decorate your home.


Don’t forget to seal up your home
Before you start spraying pesticides or setting traps, you should also make sure your home is properly sealed to keep pests from re-entering. Check the seals around your windows and doorframes to make sure they’re not broken, and make sure any drafty areas are closed off. Check any vents or pipes that run through your walls and seal them up with proper fitting caps. You can also use sticky traps to catch any pests that may be coming through any cracks in your home’s foundation. Finally, make sure you seal off your home’s crawlspaces, as many pests like to make their homes in these areas. If possible, consider installing a trap in the crawlspace to catch any pests that may be living in there before they ever get a chance to enter your home.


Call in the pros
If you’ve tried everything you know and still can’t get rid of the pests in your home, it may be time to call in the pros. Most pest control companies offer both chemical and natural pest control methods, and they can usually come out to your home sooner than if you called an exterminator. Always make sure you call a reputable company, though, or you may end up paying even more to get rid of the pests in your home. Be sure to check reviews and references before hiring a company, and make sure their pricing is fair and their services are offered at a reasonable cost. If you find yourself with a serious pest problem, it’s best to call a professional as soon as possible to avoid a full-blown infestation in your home.


Conclusion
Pests can be a nuisance in any home, but they don’t have to be a serious problem. By following these 10 best pest control tips, you can keep pests from ever entering your home, and if they do end up getting inside, these tips will help you get rid of them for good.

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