A Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Guide – Precaution & Method
The Worst-case scenario for any homeowner is uninvited guests in the form of pests. Detroit, like any city, has its share of critters that can make their way into your living space. But if you’re in Detroit we can help you with some DIY to control pest infestation.
DIY method for control Pest Infestation
Dealing with pests can be a real headache, but fear not – with a bit of DIY spirit, you can take charge and reclaim your home from these unwelcome guests. Here are some expert-backed tips for tackling common household pests:
Ants:
-Boric Acid: Mix 1.5 tablespoons of boric acid with half a cup of sugar and 1.5 cups of water to create a paste. Turn into an effective bait to kill the ants. Place it in areas where ants are present.
-Cucumber Peels: Place cucumber peels near ant entry points; ants have an aversion to cucumber. They don’t like the bitter smell of cucumber peel hence for minor pest control problems, it is used as eco friendly and inexpensive method.
Cockroaches:
-Baking Soda and Sugar: Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar. The sugar attracts them, and the baking soda will kill them.
-Bay Leaves: Crush a few bay leaves and sprinkle the powder form in cabinets and other cockroach-prone areas.
Mice and Rats:
Peppermint Oil: Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in areas where rodents are active.
Steel Wool: As Steel Wool is tough to chew for Mice and rats it seems effective in these pest keep them at bay. Use Stuff steel wool into any holes or cracks where mice might be entering.
If you are not able to deal with high-rise mica infestation then it’s time to call the best mice control company rather than focusing time on DIY.
Flies:
Apple Cider Vinegar Trap: Fill a jar with apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of liquid soap after that cover it with plastic wrap, poking small holes. Flies are attracted but can’t escape.
Essential Oils: Citrus, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass essential oils can be used as fly repellents.
Mosquitoes:
Remove Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so eliminate any stagnant water around your home.
Citronella Candles: According to the American Mosquito Control Association, citronella candles work effectively with their mild repellent effect.
Bedbugs:
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around infested areas.
Heating method: Regularly wash and heat-dry bedding, as heat, kills bedbugs.
Declutter and clean home: Remove and wash bedding, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry on the highest heat setting. Vacuum the mattress, box springs, and surrounding areas.
Spiders:
Peppermint Oil: Spiders dislike the smell of peppermint. Mix peppermint oil with water and spray in spider-prone areas.
Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray in corners and crevices.
Termites:
Cardboard Trap: Wet a piece of cardboard and leave it near termite-infested areas. When termites infest the cardboard, remove and burn it.
Boric Acid: Mix the boric acid powder with water to create a paste and apply it on cracks, crevices, and areas with visible damage. The termites later carry the acid back to their colony effectively eliminating the entire population. Hence, avoid over-applying, as termites won’t cross through thick layers.
Precaution to keep home pest-free:
Start with a little know-how and some proactive measures, you can protect your home from unwanted intruders:
- Seal the Entry Points: Keep ‘Em Out!
Start by inspecting your home for potential entry points. Pests can slip through the tiniest cracks and crevices. Check windows, doors, and any openings in the foundation. Use weather stripping to seal gaps, repair damaged screens, and fill holes with caulk. In addition to keeping pests out, this promotes energy conservation.
- Landscaping Matters: Trim and Tidy Up
A well-maintained yard is a natural barrier against pests. Trim bushes and trees away from the house to eliminate bridges for insects to crawl in. Regularly mow the lawn, rake up leaves, and remove standing water. Pests love hiding in overgrown vegetation and thrive in areas with excess moisture.
- Kitchen Vigilance: Don’t Invite Them to Dinner
The kitchen is a hot spot for pests. Keep all food stored in airtight containers, clean up crumbs promptly, and fix any leaking faucets. Regularly inspect under appliances for spills or crumbs that might attract pests. Keeping a kitchen pest-free is the key to keeping it clean.
- Attic and Basement Check: No Hiding Places
Dark, cluttered spaces are attractive hiding spots for pests. Inspect your attic and basement for signs of pests, including droppings, nests, or gnawed items. Ensure that these areas are well-ventilated and dry to discourage pests from taking up residence.
- Routine Inspections: Stay Proactive
Make pest inspections a routine part of your home maintenance. Regularly check for signs of pests in and around your home, especially during seasonal changes. Early detection allows for quicker, more effective intervention.
- Know Your Enemy: Identify Pest
Understanding the types of common pests empowers you to take targeted preventive measures. Research and familiarize yourself with pests prevalent in your area so you can tailor your approach to their habits and vulnerabilities.
Available Pest control services in Detroit
While DIY measures are effective for prevention, sometimes it’s best to call in the experts. If you suspect a severe infestation or encounter a pest you can’t identify, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A pest control professional can provide tailored solutions to protect your home. Some of the available treatment which can provide you satisfied results are:
- Insecticide Treatments:
Indoor Applications: Pest control services use targeted insecticides indoors to address specific pests like ants, cockroaches, and spiders. These treatments are applied along baseboards, cracks, and other areas where pests are known to hide.
Outdoor Perimeter Control: To create a barrier against pests, professionals apply insecticides around the exterior of the home, targeting entry points and nesting areas.
- Rodent Control:
Trapping and Removal: Pest control experts deploy traps and bait stations to capture and remove rodents like mice and rats.
Exclusion Techniques: Professionals identify and seal entry points to prevent rodents from entering the home. This includes using materials like steel mesh and ensuring proper sealing of gaps.
- Termite Treatments:
Soil Treatments: To combat subterranean termites, pest control services apply liquid termiticides to the soil around the property’s perimeter.
Bait Systems: Termite bait stations are strategically placed to attract and eliminate termite colonies.
- Bed Bug Control:
Chemical Treatments: Pest control professionals use targeted chemical treatments on infested areas, including mattresses, box springs, and furniture.
Heat Treatments: Some services offer bed bug heat treatments that raise the temperature to levels lethal to bed bugs, effectively eliminating them at all life stages.
- Wildlife Control:
Trapping and Relocation: For larger pests like raccoons or opossums, pest control experts use traps to capture and relocate the animals away from the property.
Exclusion Methods: Sealing entry points and implementing barriers to prevent wildlife from entering buildings.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
Holistic Approach: Many pest control services in Detroit embrace Integrated Pest Management, a comprehensive and sustainable approach. This method combines chemical, biological, and cultural control methods to manage pests effectively.
