A Guide to Getting Rid of Pest Infestations in Your House

No matter how clean your house is, there's always a risk of some kind of pest invading it. Besides being an annoying thing to deal with, pests can cause serious damage to your furniture as well as the structure of your house, and they can even carry diseases. For instance, mosquitos can carry deadly diseases, and research has even shown that your genes can have an effect on how attracted mosquitos are to you.

It goes without saying that as soon as you notice any signs of a pest infestation, you need to do everything you can to get rid of the pests. This can be a tricky thing to, as different pests require different methods to get rid of them, and some chemicals can be harmful towards your family or pets. Continue reading for a guide on the most popular ways of getting rid of pest infestations to help you pick the best method for your house.

Call in the experts

Pest control specialists are nearly everywhere in the world. In fact, finding a pest control company can be as easy as searching for pest control Los Angeles. They know what they're doing, and while it may cost slightly more than going to the superstore for a can of bug repellent, the effects will probably last much longer and be more efficient on top of that. Plus, that way you don't need to deal with trying to get rid of the bugs on your own. Getting in a professional is certainly the most effective way of getting rid of pests.

Plug ins

A very easy way of getting rid of bugs is to buy a plug-in bug-repellent. You can get these nearly anywhere, and they tend to work surprisingly well for low-level bugs. As the name suggests, it's as easy as plugging the application into a power outlet and letting it to its job. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully - some of them have mats that need to be replaced after every use, and they usually have a limit on how long you can leave them plugged in for.

Candles

If you're looking for another lowkey method of getting rid of unwanted insect infestations, candles are the way to go. Not normal candles, but candles that actively work to repel bugs. Citronella candles are the most popular option, although there are others. In fact, you can even make your own citronella candles. Many people find the smell of citronella to be pleasant, so if you want an option that's not going to disrupt the peace in your house, this is a good option.

Poison

Many people choose to poison rats and other rodents once they become a nuisance. This is a very controversial method of pest control, and should only be used as a last resort. If at all possible, try to get rid of the rodents in a harmless way, or call in an animal control expert if you're unable to do it yourself. Keep in mind that it's incredibly dangerous to keep any kind of poison laying around, especially if you have children or pets in your house.

Traps

Traps are a great method of getting rid of a variety of pests, and it can often be done without harming rodents. You can also get traps for insects. When it comes to rodents, it would be a good idea to get a safe trap that won't kill the rodent, but instead keep it contained until you can get rid of safely. There are also a great deal of insect traps, which you can both buy or make yourself.

Nets

Nets might not do much once the pests have gotten into your house, but they're a great way of preventing pest infestations in the first place. When it's the middle of summer, it's nearly impossible to live with all the doors and windows shut. The heat just gets to be too much. However, if you leave them all open, you're inviting a whole host of insects into your home. Placing screen nets or mesh over doors and windows will help you have the best of both worlds - you can let a breeze in while still keeping the insects out.

Peppermint oil

If you're looking for a natural way to get rid of insects without allowing harmful chemicals into your home, look no further than peppermint oil. Peppermint oil will repel most kinds of insects, and a bonus is that it will make your house smell amazing! You can add a few drops here and there, or just leave an open bottle in problem areas. This is especially helpful if you're struggling with ants, mosquitos, or spiders.

Vinegar

Place vinegar in a spray bottle, and dilute with water if you feel the scent is overwhelming. Spray this mixture on any insects you find, and wipe them up with a paper towel. This is an effective way of killing them without exposing your house to harmful chemicals.

Don't leave out anything that can attract them

This may seem obvious, but the truth is that we often invite insects into our homes without realizing it. Make sure to store all food in the fridge or closet, instead of leaving it out in the open. Unwashed dishes also attract many insects, so get cleaning as soon as possible! Another way is to take out your trash more regularly, instead of waiting until it's full. This is especially important in the kitchen.

Make your own cockroach killer

It's possible that cockroaches are the most hated insects ever. Luckily, it's quite easy to get rid of them. All you need to do is mix something that cockroaches love with something that is deadly to them. The most popular mix tends to be a mixture of sugar and Borax. It's as simple as combining the two, and sprinkling the mixture around your house, especially in areas where cockroaches are prominent. They will ingest the mixture and die.