Creepy crawlies can be anyone’s worst nightmare. Fortunately, there are several proven methods to treat home infestations and prevent the problem from re-occurring without resorting to toxic chemicals.
Artificial pest repellants, sprays, poisons and baits are very effective in eradicating pests but unless you hire a professional who offers extermination services, applying these products yourself can be hazardous to your health and to everyone living with you. If you’re bent on dealing with the issue yourself, then consider alternative ways like essential oils and regular cleaning products in de-bugging your home.
Keeping Pests Out
Preventing pests from actually entering your home will ensure you don’t have to deal with them at all. Here are some ways you can deter critters from living in your home:
- Keep your home clean.
You should keep food properly stored. Sugar, flour and other ingredients should be kept in glass/plastic containers or sealed plastic bags. Trash should be taken out regularly and stored in garbage bins with secure lids. Clean up spills and vacuum crumbs right away. Dishes should be washed after every meal and don’t leave pet food lying around for more than a few hours.
- Get rid of moisture and water.
Cockroaches and mosquitoes thrive in shallow water so as much as possible, keep your home dry. Drain water once you’re done doing the dishes and if you have plumbing issues (leaky pipes), it needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
Identify Your Pests
The following are the most common pests found in homes. Check out this list so you’ll know what they look like, what they eat and how you can eliminate them.
- Ants
Ants have segmented bodies, with 3 legs and two long antennae. They live in warm and moist locations, and love to eat nuts, seeds, sweets, and pretty much anything edible.
To get rid of ants, find and seal entry points with caulking. Use natural ant repellants like pure cinnamon, chili pepper, coffee grinds, garlic, and peppermint in areas where ants are found. You can also use lemon juice and lemon peel.
- Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are tiny critters with flat, oval bodies and six legs. They love to hang out in beds and their tiny bodies enable them to hide in bed frames, head boards, mattress seams, behind the wallpaper, etc. Bed bugs suck human blood and they can live for up to 12 months after each feeding. While these pests do not transmit diseases, their bites can cause itching and rarely, an allergic reaction.
You can get rid of bed bugs by washing all your sheets in hot water for at least half an hour and then vacuuming your mattress thoroughly. You can also spray essential oils like lemongrass, cinnamon, clove, peppermint, thyme, and eucalyptus to keep them away.
- Rats and mice
Rodents can very well be the worst pest you can have and rats can grow up to a foot long, yikes! Both mice and rats often have brown, black or gray fur. Rodents live in areas close to the trash and they have nests in indoor and outdoor locations. Rats and mice eat nearly anything.
Historically, rats are transmitters of epidemic diseases and often spread potential life-threatening infections. Both rats and mice also contaminate food, water and surfaces through feces.
To get rid of rodents, you need to seal up all access points and store your trash in tightly sealed bins. You should also get rid of clutter inside and outside your home. Spraying garlic and pepper throughout your home has also been found to be effective in deterring rodents.
Daryl Green