What is pest control?
It is the process of controlling, managing, reducing or eliminating unwanted pests and other pests. The types of insects found in homes and urban environments are rats, birds, insects and other creatures that share habitat with humans and eat and spoil property.
The best way to get rid of these pests is to keep the premises clean and tidy.
Why are pest control measures necessary?
Insects and rats are not just a nuisance; they can seriously affect health. That is why it is essential to prevent bugs and insects from invading homes, businesses, schools and any other place where a person works or plays.
12 Quick tips
- Keep the bathrooms and drainage in the kitchen clean.
- Seal the cracks and holes on the outside of the house with the access points of utilities and pipes.
- Do not keep any food, fruits and vegetables outside for long.
- Prune tree branches and shrubs well and keep them away from home.
- Keep the basement, attic and lounge area well ventilated and dry.
- Do not let water stand for a long time.
- Store waste in a sealed container and dispose of it regularly.
- Dispose of garbage regularly.
- Repair fascia and rotten ceiling ornaments; Some insects are attracted to decaying wood.
- Replace weather-stripping and fix loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from the house and 5 inches from the ground.
- Call the appropriate pest specialist for additional advice and treatment if necessary.
Home remedies for pest control
Pesticides are quick and effective in getting rid of common household pests, but there are concerns about their long-term effects on people’s health and the environment. Unless you are experiencing an outbreak of a major pest infestation that requires professional treatment, it is advisable to use home remedies to get rid of the pest.
Home paste control solutions range from human hair and coffee grounds to rotten eggs, red pepper spray, garlic and castor oil. When considering these DIY blends, choose foods that smell good for your garden (e.g. citronella) and will not damage the leaves of your plants when experimenting.
There are several types of pests that we target for control. The following top 12 home pest control methods will help you to combat the spread of unwanted pests:
Essential oils
Target: Dust mites, bed bugs
Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, mint, and eucalyptus smell great. In addition to refreshing the air and improving mood, they can also be used to control dust particles and bedbugs. Since this oil is usually found in concentrated form, you can mix a few drops in water and spray it directly on problem areas like sofas, beds, carpets, rugs and mats.
You can choose from many essential oils like tea tree, lemon, lavender and even orange. All you need is a spray bottle and some vinegar with essential oil.
Flowers
Target: mosquitoes
Some flowers, including rosemary and marigold, help repel mosquitoes. Similarly, citronella grass is also an effective home remedy for pest control. If the premises around your home are full of pests, grow these flowers in your garden. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home and increase your outdoor space’s attractiveness.
Cinnamon
Target: Ants
Finely chop a few sticks of cinnamon and sprinkle the powder in your cupboards, bookshelf and window frame to prevent the entry of insects. Cinnamon essential oil is an equally effective remedy. Wipe down surfaces with cinnamon essential oil to keep insects away.
Tea tree and Eucalyptus oil
Target: Outdoor pests
Tea tree oil in water is an excellent way to keep insects away at home and in your garden. Eucalyptus oil can be used on glass windows and doors. Insects cannot stand the smell of eucalyptus and it will help keep their numbers down.
Salt
Target: Ants and fleas
Salt is another ingredient to help remove fleas and ants. Spread a bit of salt on the steps near doors and in slits of windows to prevent ants from entering your home. As fleas are found on the carpet, it is good to sprinkle salt directly on carpets and rugs to get rid of these pests.
Sprinkle some finely ground rosemary leaves on your pet to repel fleas from their pets and their beds.
Baking Soda
Target: Cockroaches
Baking soda is a tried and tested aid against roaches. Moreover, it is most effective to get rid of them if powdered sugar is mixed. You can mix the two ingredients and leave them where the insects appear. Although a little confusing, this is a great way to kill bugs.
Lemon and Orange
Target: Spiders, ants, snails
The smell of citrus fruits repels insects. Prepare a solution of lemon juice, essential oil, dishwash liquid, or laundry detergent in a mug of water. Spray this natural pesticide in the house and garden to enjoy the fragrance and bug-free environs.
Lemon and lemon juice are effective cleansers that help keep spiders, ants and snails away. Spiders don’t like citrus, and if you spray a little bit of lemon juice or lemon in these areas, they won’t get anywhere near your doors and windows. Since this juice usually comes in a concentrated solution, you can mix it with water and spray it on your window and door frames.
Orange and Vinegar spray
Target: Ants, insects
Vinegar will help remove ants and other pests from your home. All you have to do is soak a few peels of orange in vinegar and keep it in a closed container for two weeks. Finally, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and have your non-toxic pesticide spray.
Scented candles
Target: Bugs
Scented candles are not only pleasing but also work to prevent bugs. There are great options available commercially, or you can make your own at home. All you need is to place a wick in a combination of melted wax and essential oils. You can even add your flowers and leaves. Light them in the evening to keep away pesky bugs. Try clove oil, lavender oil, and citronella oil are all excellent choices to get home pest control.
Peppermint and Mint
Target: Spiders
Grind some dried mint leaves and keep them all over the house. It is a natural pesticide for ants and house flies. You can make a spray by adding 10-12 drops of peppermint oil and a few drops of dish soap in a cup of water and spraying it on cracks.
Alternatively, a few drops of peppermint oil in half a cup of water makes a great mixture. Spray it on doors and windows. Just be sure to use a small glass sprayer, as it goes a little too far.
Cucumber peels
Target: Ants
Cucumber peels are especially effective against ants. You can leave them around doors and windows to keep ants away.
Mint
Target: Flies, ants, mosquitoes
Peppermint is a valuable ingredient that kills a wide variety of pests – and it does so without fuss. It keeps away everyday annoying things like flies, mosquitoes and ants. You can put mint leaves on your windows, doors and other places. Even better, you can put mint around these entrances to your home. This keeps bugs away, and gives your entrance a fresh scent.
Handmade fly traps
Target: Houseflies
Instead of turning to chemicals or getting rid of them, install a home fly trap. In a glass jar (about half full) pour the mixture of dish soap and sugar, then place a paper cone at the opening of the glass jar and tape it. This will attract the flies, which can enter but cannot get out. This simple tool is effective, especially if you put an old piece of fruit in a jar as bait.
Garlic
Target: Caterpillars, stink bugs, ants, aphids
Prepare garlic to control garden pests. Mix half a cup of finely chopped garlic in about three litres of water. Let the mixture soak for a full day and night. The result is a strong solution that can effectively ward off caterpillars, and foul-smelling pests, including ants, bugs, and aphids. You can also sprinkle garlic powder. It is a natural pesticide for roaches and ants.
Alternatively, take some fresh cloves, peel them and place them on the bookshelves to get rid of the pests. When they are dry, be sure to replace them with fresh ones.
Takeaway
Of the various types of pest control products available in the market, it is recommended to use organic pest control methods. Herbal and household pest control allow you to keep pests away without worrying about the harmful effects of in-store chemicals. They may take time to work and you may need to do it regularly, but they are safer, more economical and less harmful.
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