If you have a pest problem, you may be feeling completely overwhelmed. Sometimes it can seem like you are putting in a lot of effort and getting no results. If so, keep reading to get some great ideas for handling the problem.

Do you have a recurring issue with fruit flies? Your drain may actually be the issue. Tape a piece of plastic wrap over drains for a couple of days, and see if these pesky little flies pop up. If they do have fruit flies, pour boiling water down the drain to destroy them. You can keep fruit flies at bay this way.

Start with the source. That means getting rid of what attracted the pests in the first place. Pests enter homes when they find water, food, or shelter to use. Eliminating any entrances to your home and securing any food sources is the first step to dealing with the problem.

If you’re dealing with the spider known as the brown recluse, sticky traps can catch them. These harmful spiders spend their time in hard to reach areas that are not easily accessible for chemicals. At night, they come out to look for food. Place some traps along your walls and behind the furniture.

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.

You can keep pests from coming in by making use of a perimeter spray around your foundation. Spray the foundation and all other outside areas near the home. If you see suspicious cracks that could allow pests enter your home, spray them, too! Make sure you use caulk around these places.

It is time to fix those leaky faucets and pipes. Moist environments attract pests. Interestingly, they sense a water leak, even from a good distance away. Be vigilant about keeping pests away. Preventative measures can do so much.

People that are having problems with pests like bugs may have solutions handy. Consult the professionals at your local home improvement outlet for advice to rid yourself of these pests. They know what kinds of pesticides will work on the specific pests that are plaguing your home.

If you’re serious about getting rid of your pest problem, you need to educate yourself on the subject. Know what it eats, its likes and dislikes, its life cycle, etc. Pest knowledge helps you better devise a plan.

Scan your foundation and walls for cracks. The older a house is the more cracks you will find within the structure. These cracks can serve as entry points for pests. Check the ceiling, too. There may be little cracks there where pests come in.

Let your neighbors know about your pest problem and what you are doing to solve it. They probably have pest problems similar to yours. If pests live at your neighbors, they can inhabit your place some day. Ask your neighbors to join your fight so that you all can live a life free of pests.

Food should all be sealed if you have problems with roaches. Don’t rely on chip clips to seal packaging. Make sure food is stored inside a plastic or glass container with a lid that fits tightly. Cockroaches will continue to thrive if there is a ready food source. Sugar, flour and other baking items must be kept in sealed receptacles.

Follow directions that come with pesticides. It isn’t true that using more product will work better. Most of the time, all using more will do is endanger the health of anyone that comes in contact with it.

Consider how you’re spraying your pesticide if you’re having bug problems. If you are spraying for pests outside, they may stay inside. Be sure you have a pesticide solution for the inside as well as the outside.

You have a big problem if you see carpenter ants. Carpenter ants feast on wet wood, so you may have leaks throughout your house. Let a pro see what the issue is and how you can solve it.

If you asked an exterminator to set traps, be sure to find out the locations of these traps. You do not want your pets or kids to get into them. The poison in the little baits can kill a dog or cat or just make it really sick.

A natural method of getting rid of raccoons is to use mustard oil. Douse its living spot with oil, then determine how it got into your home in the first place. Cover this entrance with wire mesh to prevent re-entry.

Is compost used in your garden? This might attract a lot of bugs. You can still use compost, but make sure it is not too close to your living space. Also, keep pets and young children from walking near it. It’s best, too, to keep the compost away from any plants you like, as the bugs may eat any nearby plants.

You usually can’t remove pests from your home in a single day. It sometimes can be a battle for even months. Get rid of your problems, for good, using this advice. You will be able to relax in your pest-free house.