Tips for Effective Home Pest Control

No one wants to deal with bugs in their home, but occasionally it does happen. When pests invade, it’s important to know the best ways to handle the situation. Effective home pest control may require preventative measures and pest control products. We’ve made a list of tips to help you keep your home free of pests. 

How to Prevent Pest Problems in Your Home

Preventing a pest problem will always be easier than dealing with an active infestation. Eliminating sources of food, moisture, and shelter is the key to success. Check out a few tips to help keep bugs out of your house. 

Seal Entry Points

Bugs won’t hesitate to move into your home if they can find an open door. Remember, pests are small and can slip through the tiniest crack.

• Examine the exterior of your home for cracks and gaps and seal any you find with caulk.
• Check your door and window screens for tears and repair or replace them.
• Make sure weather-stripping isn’t damaged.
• Repair any holes in your roof or chimney.

Eliminate Food Sources

Pests often enter homes in search of food. Eliminating potential food sources will help to deter pest activity.

• Sweep up crumbs and wipe up any spills. Make sure you don’t leave behind a sticky residue.
• Store food in containers with an airtight seal to prevent bugs from nibbling on your food.
• When possible, place produce in the fridge to avoid attracting pests like fruit flies.
• Regularly remove trash and be sure to place it in a bin with a tight-fitting lid.
• Don’t leave your pet’s food out overnight. It’s also best to store it in a sealed container.

Eliminate Moisture

You may not realize it, but your house could be providing pests with sources of moisture. Keeping things as dry as possible will help to prevent a pest infestation.

• Check your pipes and faucets for any leaks. Repair or replace them to minimize moisture.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly.
• Check your yard for areas where moisture gathers. Remove items like old tires and flowerpots that collect moisture.
• Make sure to replace the water in birdbaths and kiddie pools to reduce standing water. Mosquitoes love stagnant water.

Eliminate Shelter

Most pests search for quiet and undisturbed locations. Things in your home and yard can act as shelter for pests.

• Keep your home organized. Clutter is a perfect hiding spot for bugs. Things like piles of paper, magazines, and even dirty laundry can provide bugs with shelter.
• Tall grass can serve as shelter for pests, so keep your lawn trimmed.
• Keep your yard free of debris like leaf litter, logs, branches, bricks, and grass clippings.
• Firewood is a great hiding spot for pests. Don’t store it in your house and make sure it’s placed at least 20 feet away from your home.

How to Get Rid of Pests in Your Home

When it comes to pest control, you want an effective product that’s also good for your family. Insecticides formulated with plant essential oils are a more environmentally and family-friendly option. There are also different types of products that are best for certain situations. We’re breaking down the various types and tips for using them.

Plant-Based Insecticide Sprays

Plant-based insecticide sprays work well for spot treatment and preventative treatment. When pests come in contact with the spray, it results in a quick kill. You can also spray the perimeter of your yard with our Yard Bug Spray and your home with our Home Bug Spray. These will kill pests on contact and provide you with residual repellency. This creates a protective barrier that helps to deter pest activity.

Baits

When you’re dealing with pests like ants and cockroaches, it’s best to target the colony. Baits are an effective solution for this. Our mineral-based bait, No Spill Ant Kill, is designed to attract and kill ants. These pests feed on the bait and then take it back to their nest to share with the colony. This will help to eliminate the source of the infestation. Our Roach Killer Gel Bait contains an active ingredient derived from soil microbes. It works like ant bait, attracting and killing cockroaches.  

Insecticide Dusts

Dusts are another solution and can provide you with long-lasting protection. Our Spider & Insect Dust will help control a variety of pests. Dusts attach to pests as they walk through it, causing them to die. They can be used in your home and yard. Dusts are great for applying in cracks and crevices. When left undisturbed, dusts will remain effective for up to ten years.

Tips for Applying Pest Control Products

Knowing when, where, and how to apply insecticides results in effective pest control. Check out a few application tips to help ensure your home is pest-free.

• Always read and follow instructions on product labels.
• When using a plant-based insecticide spray, make sure to shake the bottle well before use.
• Some products will control a variety of pests while others are more targeted. Make sure the product you use will treat the pest that’s bugging you.
• When using a spray, wipe away excess liquid.
• Don’t apply insecticide sprays near baits. You want ants and cockroaches to eat the bait. Sprays will repel pests and keep them away from the bait.
• Place baits in areas where you have seen ant trails or cockroaches.
• Make sure you have taken the time to pest-proof your home. This combined with products will help ensure your space stays free of pests.

Dealing with pests can be challenging, which is why it’s important to know how to effectively eliminate the problem. That’s why we gathered information to make this process easier for you. If pests are giving you a fit, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective Pest Control products.