Worried about stinging insects, cockroaches or rats invading you home? You’re not alone after all pests are not only a large health risk to you and your family, they can also cause extensive damage to your property. Let’s face it sharing your home with pests is quite an unpleasant experience.
So why not try a little DIY pest control? You’ll be surprised how simple home pest prevention ideas keep them at bay. While it may be tempting to grab a can of toxic chemicals when you see a creepy crawler, there are plenty of natural and preventive solutions that can be explored for your home pest control.
Created by our Melbourne pest control experts, this DIY pest control infographic covers the home pest prevention ideas and simple pest control tips you need to know!
Please copy the code below to share this infographic on your website, including attribution.
“DIY Pest Control: Home Pest Prevention Tips” Infographic Transcription
From stinging insects to dirty rodents, pests are constantly trying to invade your home. An infestation not only poses a large health risk to you and your family, it can also cause thousands of dollars in damage to your property. While it may be tempting to grab a can of toxic chemicals when you see a creepy crawler, there are plenty of natural and preventive solutions that can be explored for home pest control.
Inside the House
1. Fix Leaking Taps.
Like most creatures, rodents and insects need water to survive. By removing the source, they will be forced to look for it elsewhere.
2. Clear drains on leftover food.
It’s easy to forget that drains can become clogged up with food scraps which will attract hungry insects. A clogged drain can also form standing water that can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Pro tip: First place 1/2 cup of bicarbonate soda, then pour 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. Wait five minutes, then pour in a kettle full of boiling water to wash everything out.
3. Wipe down benchtops and food preparation areas.
Unwanted visitors like rodents, flies, and cockroaches are attracted to the smell of crumbs and food waste. An unclean benchtop is an open smorgasbord for these guys.
Pro tip: Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water to use in a spray bottle. Use this when down surfaces to remove food odours and particles.
4. Store dry food and stuff in sealed containers.
Rodents like mice and rats, as well as insects such as weevils, can chew their way into cardboard packaging. Always store dry foods in jars or plastic containers
5. Use a bin with a lid.
An open bin filled with food scraps and other general waste is a sure-fire way to attract pests. Use a lidded bin to discourage creepy crawlies from rummaging through your waste.
6. Rinse jars, bottles, and tins before recycling.
The recycling bin might not seem like something that would attract pests. However, if jars, bottles, and tins are left unwasted, your recycling bin will become a buffet for undesirable creatures.
Outside the House
1. Trim trees and bushes that are near your roof or siding.
Ants and termites can often live in trees, If a tree or bush is in close proximity to your house, these insects can quickly invade causing health and property damage.
2. Cover chimneys and vents with mesh.
Rodents like mice, rats, and possums look for dry warm spaces. Cover all vents and chimneys with mesh to avoid them getting into your roof or walls.
3. Caulk windows and doors.
Cockroaches can slide in through openings as a thin coin. Seal off any cracks or opening around windows to doors to stop them from getting in.
4. Keep garbage in a closed bin away from the house.
As with inside your home, always place rubbish and food scraps into a bin with a closed lid to discourage rodents and insects from rummaging through your waste. By keeping the bins a distance from your house, any pests that are attracted to any odours will be less likely to move into your house.
5. Remove any standing water.
Mosquitoes and other insects use standing water as a breeding ground. These pools of stagnant water can quickly become filled with thousands of larvae, which will turn in to a swarm of biting insects.
6. Never store firewood directly next to the house.
Ants and termites feed on the cellulose in wood. Always store your firewood at a distance from your house to avoid a termite infestation that could cause structural damage to your house.
DIY Pest Control Solutions
Mosquitoes
To keep mosquitoes out, mix 2 1/2 tsp citronella oil with 1 cup of vodka in an empty spray bottle. Use this mixture to mist throughout the house.
Spiders
Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle to repel spiders. Sprays on cracks and any other entrances that spiders may be using.
Ants
To stop ants in their tracks, sprinkle coffee grounds around windows, doors and any other places that they may be gaining access.
Cockroaches
Repel cockroaches by placing a saucer filled with 1/2 cup of beer on the floor near doors, windows or any other entry point.
Flies
Make a natural fly repellent by combining 3 tsp lavender or clove oil with 1 cup water in a spray bottle. Spray in your kitchen and around doorways.
Mice
Make your own mouse deterrent by mixing 2 tbsp peppermint oil with 1/4 water. Spray this along skirting boards and place soaked cotton balls in entry points.
