Is there anything worse than pests moving around your house? These insects and bugs can be very harmful to your health, the health of your family, your pets, and the environment. Thankfully, there are certain pests control techniques and methods that you can try to get rid of them. Below you’ll find six common methods, together with do’s, don’ts, basic tips, and tricks for a pest-free home.
6 Best Pests Control Methods
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Mechanical Pest Control
Mechanical pest control uses devices and traps that will act as a barrier between the pests and their target. These fences and barriers will prevent the pests from reaching various areas in your home, stop them from invading your plants, and prevent them from spreading.
Some of the most common mechanical barriers to use at home are netting for mosquitoes, water ant pans for ant control, traps for rodents, sticky tapes and flypapers for flies and other flying pests, glue boards for cockroaches and rodents, a UV bug zapper for flying insects, and more.
Traps come in many forms, from the simplest ones to more complicated baits. They are available for purchase; just make sure that you know the pest type you’re dealing with to choose the right trap.
Pros
- Kills pests immediately
- Prevents pests to spread
- No use of harmful chemicals
Cons
- It’s costly
- Can be time-consuming
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Biological Pest Control
Biological pest control is the most natural method to deal with pests. Although it’s primarily utilized in greenhouses, some people use it in outdoor areas as well. The most important thing about this method is that it’s safe for the environment, plants, people, pets, wildlife, and children.
The biological type of pest control uses other parasites and predators that feed on small animals, in this case, pests. These predators will prevent the harmful pests from breeding by eating their larvae. Some common biological control agents are ladybugs (to fight against aphid colonies), dragonflies (against mosquitoes), parasitic wasps (to fight aphids), and more.
Since releasing predator insects, pathogens, and parasites in your home is not the best idea; you can try another form of the biological method. Certain plants can attract pests to kill them or repel them to help you deal with your problem. These plants can be barrier plants (sesame, sunflowers), indicator plants (tomato, marigold), repellent plants (citrus plants, basil).
Pros
- It’s a natural technique that is not harmful to the environment, people, or animals;
- It’s more affordable than pesticides;
- It targets specific groups of pests.
Cons
- It can take time;
- It has to be done under certain conditions.
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Poisoned Bait
Another effective method you’ve probably heard of before is a poisoned bait. It’s the best technique to utilize if you have a rodent problem in your home that you need to solve, but it can also be helpful against ants, cockroaches, snails, and more.
In most cases, the bait is made of a toxin (an insecticide) to kill the pests, and an agent that is supposed to attract the pests (food). The poison is available in many forms; no matter which one you opt for, they will all do the job.
You should place the poison bait in the area where you know that the pests are located or in spots where you’ve noticed movement. If you have kids or pets at home, place the bait in a hard-to-reach place where it won’t pose a danger to anyone except the pests. This can be a dangerous method if you don’t manage to keep it away from kids and pets.
Pros
- It’s efficient against various types of pests, especially rodents;
- It’s easy to use;
- It’s affordable.
Cons
- It’s not the best idea for homes with kids and pets;
- There are more humane ways to get rid of pests.
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Trap Cropping
Trap cropping is one of the oldest pest control techniques that is perfect for your home garden. If you noticed that pests attack your crops, you could use a trap crop that will sway them away from the rest of the garden. This is how the pests will focus on the trap you planted instead of attacking the precious plants you spent so much time trying to grow.
Not all insects and pests love the same crop. That’s why you need to know the exact type that you’re dealing with before finding a solution. For example, a French Marigold can attract nematodes and thrips. Nasturtiums and nettles attract aphids.
Although trap cropping is best used for your home garden, you can plant the useful crops that we mentioned at home and let them attract harmful pests.
Pros
- You won’t have to use various types of pesticides;
- You won’t have to use chemicals since it’s a natural method;
- You can combine it with other methods for the best results.
Cons
- It’s only useful for small home gardens, not for large areas;
- Won’t provide broad protection against different pest types.
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Pesticides
Pesticides are one of the most commonly used and well-known methods to deal with harmful rodents and pests. They are a group of toxic chemical substances that kill pests but can be dangerous if you don’t follow the instructions.
There are several types of pesticides depending on the type of pests you need to kill, such as bactericides, herbicides, rodenticides, insecticides, and more. They come in various forms, including spray, gel, granule-based. These toxic chemicals act fast and will kill pests within minutes.
Pesticides not only provide fast results, but they can also be very effective for pests hidden in hard-to-reach spots. This chemical-based method attacks the nervous system of insects and rodents, causing paralysis first, then death.
Pros
- Easy to find, use, and store;
- An affordable and effective solution;
- Available against many pest types.
Cons
- Are harmful to the environment, humans, animals;
- Pests can become resistant after common use.
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Electronic Pest Control
Electronic devices utilize high-frequency sound waves that are harmful to pests. These devices need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to repel, kill and injure pests that are a danger to your household. The human ear can’t detect the sounds that ultrasonic devices emit, but they are audible to pests.
Our Ultrasonic Pest Reject Repeller AC15 combines optical, ultrasonic, and electromagnetic waves to protect your home from all kinds of pests. It can cover an area of up to 1100 square feet and is perfect for your home, office, and any other indoor space. If you’re looking to cover a larger area, the Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Plug-In AC09 is meant for rooms as big as 1615 square feet.
Pros
- These devices are environmentally-friendly;
- Are safe for you, your family, and pets;
- Efficient in keeping pests away from your home.
Cons
- They need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work.
Do’s & Don’ts of Pests Control
Do’s
- Try natural alternatives such as peppermint essential oil. All you need to do is soak cotton balls with this oil and place them in the areas where you’ve seen the pests. It’s an excellent repellent against ants, fleas, mice, spiders, and more.
- Vinegar is another natural solution that can repel and kill insects such as fruit flies, ants, mosquitoes. Mix equal parts vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spray around your home and areas where you’ve noticed pests.
- Tea tree oil can be used to repel ants, ticks, bees, mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas, and other bugs from your home and garden. Apply this oil in parts of the house where you’ve seen pests, and you’ll soon notice results.
Don’ts
- When using pesticides, don’t apply more than the recommended dose. Multiple doses can be very harmful to you and your family, especially if you’re using these harsh chemicals indoors.
- Don’t use chemicals that are meant for outdoor use inside the home. If a pesticide clearly says that it’s intended for outdoor use only, you shouldn’t apply it at home, even if it’s in a smaller dose than the recommended one.
- Don’t mix several types of chemicals. If you feel like the pesticide you got is not doing the job, don’t add a second one to the mix.
Helpful Tips & Tricks to Get Rid of Pests in Home
Great Hygiene
Most pests come to your home to get food and water. That’s why great hygiene and a clean home are the two most crucial tips in fighting pests. Don’t ever leave your food out, including pet food. If not, you might have to work hard to get rid of fruit flies, meal moths, rodents, and more. Always store your food in sealed containers or bags.
Keep your bedding and clothes clean, dry, and wash them often. This is how you’ll stay protected against clothes moths, or bed bugs.
Remove Trash
Make sure to get rid of the garbage from your home right away. You also need to learn how to protect your trash cans adequately. They have to have a safe lid that closes tight and can’t be accessed easily. Keep your yard clean and deal with standing water sources before they become a home for pests.
Seal All Holes
If there are any holes, cracks, and gaps in your walls, doors, ceiling, and windows, make sure to seal them right away. They can be an entry point for pests.
Conclusion
Getting rid of pests mainly depends on the type of pests, where they are located, and the method you prefer to utilize. Pesticides should be your last resort because they are harmful to the environment, people and animals.
If possible, opt for mechanical and biological pest control methods. Trap cropping is also a great way to save your garden before trying pesticides. Poison bates are effective but utilize chemicals that are not eco-friendly or safe around people and animals.
To prevent pests in your home, ensure that you always store your food correctly, that you keep a neat house, and you get rid of the garbage in tightly closed bins.