Pest Control: Do it Yourself Options

 

Bugs are pests! Common household pests can be very annoying and sometimes difficult to eradicate from a house. There are common household insects that may be found throughout most of the USA. And then again, there are common household insects that are specific to certain states such as within the southern, southeastern, and southwestern regions of the USA. Within this article, common household insects will pertain to those found within most of the USA. For example, twelve of the most common household insects include flies, ants, moths, beetles, mosquitoes, ticks, bed bugs, cockroaches, centipedes, termites, caterpillars, and fleas.

It is a matter of personal choice how one chooses to dispose of pesky household insects. Some people choose to use a professional service and others choose the DIY method. Most homeowners try to handle the situation by purchasing products found in stores and others will try an organic or natural method to dispose of bugs plaguing their home.

Whatever the DIY method chosen, use caution and protective clothing, eyewear, gloves, and even a mask to avoid harmful fumes. If you choose to hire a professional service, ensure that they are reputable and check for references and certifications.

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Below are some natural, and less harmful, methods to dispose of household insects which are especially useful for repelling mosquitoes and ants.  Peppermint oil and mint plants will naturally repel ants, spiders, mosquitoes, and even mice. Mix a solution of 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil in 8 ounces of water, shake and spray the mixture in areas around doorways, vents, and windows.

Some people say that household dryer sheets repel mosquitoes.  Flypaper and insect traps are commonly used products.  Lavender has a lot of uses. Lavender plants repel moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. Use sachets of dried lavender in closets and drawers. Use a mixture of five to ten drops of lavender oil mixed with 8 ounces of water.  Spray it around your home to repel bugs. It makes your home smell good, too.  Pure lemon juice (spray it), ground cinnamon (sprinkle it), cinnamon oil (spray it), cloves, are claimed to work well for repelling ants.

Peppermint oil will repel ants. It may be sprayed or spread around window sills and doorways.

Chalk: People claim that drawing a line of chalk around a window sill will repel ants. They claim it really works.  Or, purchase powdered chalk in a squeeze bottle. It can be purchased at hardware and home improvement stores.

Baking soda and powdered sugar: Mix it together. Put it on a plastic lid and place it where the ants enter the home.

Coffee grounds: Some people claim that coffee grounds will repel ants. But, it does not kill them.

Corn Meal: Sprinkle cornmeal on the ant nest.

Bleach, though more harmful, sprayed on ants will kill them. Use caution, poured directly on the ant hill, the bleach will bubble up and kill the ant nest. Or, use a bleach cleaning product and spray it on the ants to kill them.