Household pests are a problem for quite a few homeowners. They can carry dangerous germs as well as cause expensive damage to the home. If pests are an issue for you, solve the problem quickly. The following article will give you some pointers that will help you get rid of pests quickly and safely.
Start from the beginning. A good way to deal with a household pest is to eliminate what they live on. One reason you may have a problem is because your house provides food, water or shelter for a pest. Search for and eliminate leaks, exposed food and structural damage that allows pests to enter your home.
Always have new homes inspected by a trained professional. There is now way of knowing the type of pest is actually hiding unless you’ve stayed inside the home.
If your home has been infested by bedbugs and you believe you have totally eradicated them, be careful. Bedbugs can go upwards of a year without any food. Therefore, you should ensure that any openings in the floors and walls are kept closed. It will make it impossible for them to hide there.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your home for any standing puddles of water. Pests are drawn to standing water. Check thoroughly regarding any leaky pipes, and make sure you clean house plant trays. Keep in mind that like us, pests require water in order to live. Therefore, if you eliminate water from your home, pests will have no choice but to leave.
Mint can be useful in dealing with mice. Just plant mint all around your foundation. The smell will bother mice and other small animals. If you have a rodent problem, try sprinkling mint leaves near where they’re hiding. Mint leaves effectively repel mice if they are fresh.
Check your home’s plumbing for issues if you have a pest problem. Make sure your pipes are unplugged. This includes both your indoor and outdoor plumbing. Organic materials inside drains can prove quite hospitable to insects. When you’ve cleared your drains, check them every month.
If a tree falls on your property, quickly remove it. Cut up the trunk and branches to use as firewood. This can be used in your home, but if you don’t want to use it, then sell or give it away. However, remember to deal with the stump too. Basically, stumps are simply lifeless pieces of wood that attract termites.
Drains are notorious for housing rodents and other pests. Clean and maintain the drains at least monthly. You can use liquid drain cleaners or run a snake down the drain. Debris and soap scum can accumulate, providing pests with an inviting home.
If a rodents have come into your home via a hole in the wall, use steel wool to take care of the problem. When the mice are trying to get through, they will eat them and die. A more permanent fix is to mix spackle and steel wool to fill these holes.
Look around your foundation and check your walls for cracks. There are usually certain fissures or cracks in a structure after many years of wear and tear. Pests are often quite small, and can get into your home through even the tiniest of cracks. Also, look at your ceiling. Pests can even enter through small cracks there.
If you recycle, that might be something pests find attractive. Ideally, your recycling should be stored outside of your home. If you cannot, then you should rinse out whatever is placed in your bin. Recycling bins that are sealed are the best choice to keep out pests of all sizes.
If you have bugs, get caulk and seal all the cracks in your house. Bugs like to hide and live behind cabinets and inside walls, but foggers and sprays don’t reach there. Use caulk and seal the molding along the floor, around pipe fixtures and sinks, and any spot you think bugs can get in and out.
Use hairspray on flying insects. Perfume works too, but be careful not to spray anything in your eyes. Perfume and hairspray are flammable, so keep them away from fire. If you are short on bug spray, these make for handy substitutes.
Ask neighbors for tips. It is likely your neighbors will have the same issues. They may also know tips you aren’t aware of. You can also tell your neighbor to be aware of something he may need to deal with.
By now, you realize that there are pest control options available to you. Apply the advice from this article to help rid your home of its uninvited guests once and for all. If you have to, think about enlisting outside help if you’re not able to handle it by yourself. It is critical that you rid your home of all pests, one way or another.