5 DIY Projects for Controlling Pests

Purchasing pest control products or hiring an exterminatorcan be expensive. At the same time, you want to keep pesky insects outside, not in your house. Luckily, you can use several DIY techniques to control pests.

Create a Homemade Vinegar Solution to Deter Ants

Spraying or wiping countertops, tabletops, and sinks with vinegar (one part water to one part vinegar) will help keep ants away. The vinegar disrupts the pheromone trail, which is how the ants communicate with the other ants in the colony to let them know about food source locations. For this approach to be effective, you should clean surfaces several times a day for at least a week.

Fix Leaks With Faucets and Sinks

Insects need water to survive, and they might be attracted to water from leaks. If you’re comfortable with performing this project, repair or replace leaky faucets and check under sinks for leaks in your pipes. If you don’t feel comfortable with this task, contact a plumber.

Clean Your Drains

Food particles can be left in your drain even when your kitchen looks clean. To clear the leftover food, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down your drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. After five minutes, pour hot or boiling water down the drain. Mosquito Control starts when you target possible breeding grounds.

Inspect Your Home for Insect Entry Points and Seal Them

Walk around the outside perimeter of your house and look for cracks and crevices that could be entry points for pests and rodents. Fill these spots with caulk or sealants as you find them. Seal around windows and doors and check for holes in screens. Inspect your attic, vents, and areas around wiring or cables coming into your home. If you have holes that you are unable to fill, stuff steel wool into the holes to prevent pests from entering.

Make Natural Pesticides to Use in Your Home

Commercial pesticides can be dangerous to children and animals. Instead, use natural ways of eliminating pests in your home:
~Wipe cabinets, countertops, and tables with vinegar or lemon juice to reduce ants.
~Use dish detergent and water in a spray bottle to combat stink bugs.
~Soak a cotton ball in a mixture of boric acid and sugar water and set in areas where you see ants.
~Make a mixture of ground garlic and water and spray areas where insects could enter your home.
~Plant mint and basil around doorways and windows to deter flies from coming into your house.

Practice Good Housekeeping Habits
Regular cleaning in your house can eliminate sources of food, water, and other items that attract pests.
~Vacuum and wash floors once a week and clean your kitchen after every meal.
~Use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
~Cut back overgrown plants around the outside of your home.

Many DIY and natural pest solutionsare effective. Keep in mind that these pesticides might need to be used more frequently than commercial ones.

The best way to prevent pests from entering your home is prevention. Keeping your home clean, regularly checking for cracks in your foundation, and trimming bushes and plants help to keep pests such as termites away from your home and prevent insect infestations. For persistent problems, a professional exterminator can help you control the pests.