Enjoying your home is a basic right for any homeowner, but unwanted guests like ants, spiders, and roaches can quickly sour your tranquility. While professional pest control services offer a surefire solution, there are several effective DIY strategies you can try to tackle common household pests. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and methods to keep your Woodbridge home pest-free.
Prevention: The Best Defence
The old adage “prevention is better than cure” rings especially true for pest control. Putting off dealing with pests only gives them time to settle in and multiply. In Winnipeg in particular, cockroaches are a particular problem for the city, with some pest control companies handling over 2,000 cases last year. By acting quickly and eliminating what attracts pests in the first place, you can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation. Here are some key preventative measures:
-
Sanitation is Key
A clean home is also an uninviting one for pests. Make a habit of wiping down surfaces, sweeping your floors, and vacuuming the carpets. Avoid leaving dirty dishes piled up, and remember to store food in airtight containers. Empty garbage cans frequently and ensure they have lids that seal properly.
-
Moisture Matters
Pests thrive in damp environments. To remedy any dampness, fix leaky faucets and pipes promptly. Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent moisture build-up in those areas. Address any basement or crawl space moisture issues with dehumidifiers.
-
Seal Up Entry Points
Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes around windows, doors, foundations, and utility lines. Seal these openings with caulk or weather stripping to prevent pests from entering. Consider replacing damaged screens on windows and doors.
-
Trim the Outside
Keep bushes and tree branches trimmed away from your house. This eliminates hiding places for pests and reduces the likelihood of them using these branches as a bridge to enter your home.
-
Minimize Pet Food Temptations
Refrain from leaving pet food bowls out overnight, especially if they are located near exterior walls. In case of spills, always clean any spilled food promptly.
DIY Solutions for Common Pests
More specifically, it also pays to know what to do in case you encounter specific pests. Here’s a list of some of the most common household pests in Woodbridge and some simple DIY solutions to keep them at bay:
-
Ants
These tiny invaders are generally drawn to crumbs and sugary spills. Here’s how to fight back:
-
- Identify the Entry Point
Follow the ant trail to locate their entry point. Seal any cracks or gaps you find.
-
- Natural Repellents
Create a barrier around entry points with substances like cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or citrus peels. These strong smells deter ants.
-
Homemade Ant Traps
Mix equal parts sugar and borax in a shallow dish. Place it near ant trails. Borax is toxic to ants, but be mindful of pet safety when using this method.
-
Spiders
While spiders are beneficial insect predators, they can also be unwelcome guests. Here’s a short list of ways to keep those spiders out:
-
- Vacuuming
The simplest solution is to regularly vacuum up cobwebs and spiders you see. This solution can be done in conjunction with your regular cleaning efforts so you don’t have to do any extra tasks.
-
- Peppermint Power
Spiders dislike the smell of peppermint oil. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz around areas where you see spiders.
-
Cockroaches
For many homeowners, removing cockroaches simply requires using quality roach killers and spraying them directly. However, there’s more to it than spraying and waiting for the roaches to die. These resilient pests require a multi-pronged approach:
-
- Eliminate Food and Water Sources
As with other pests, cleanliness is crucial. Seal any cracks around pipes and faucets to deprive them of water.
-
- Diatomaceous Earth
This powder dehydrates insects. Sprinkle it in areas where roaches frequent, like behind appliances and under sinks.
-
- Borax Bait Stations
Borax-based baits are effective in attracting and killing roaches. Place them strategically in roach-infested areas.
-
Mice and Rats
Rodents can pose health risks and cause property damage. Here’s what to do:
-
- Exclusion
One (hopefully) permanent method of removing rodents is to seal any potential entry points around your foundation and exterior walls. Use steel wool to plug gaps as mice can squeeze through tiny holes.
-
- Snap Traps
Place baited snap traps in areas where you’ve seen rodent activity. Be sure to check and dispose of trapped rodents daily.
Important Considerations for DIY Pest Control
While DIY methods can be effective for mild infestations, it’s important to consider these factors:
-
Severity of the Infestation
For large infestations, DIY methods may not be sufficient. Professional pest control companies have access to stronger solutions and can identify and address the root cause of the problem.
-
Safety
Some DIY methods, like using certain chemicals, can be harmful to pets and children. Always research the safety of any product before using it.
-
Time Commitment
Implementing and maintaining DIY pest control strategies requires ongoing vigilance and can be time-consuming.
When to Call a Professional
If your DIY efforts are unsuccessful, or the infestation continues to grow, it’s time to call a professional pest control company. Here are some signs that indicate professional help is needed:
-
Large Numbers of Pests
If you see a significant number of pests, it suggests a well-established infestation that requires a professional approach.
-
Multiple Pest Species
If you’re dealing with more than one type of pest, DIY solutions can become overwhelming. Professionals can handle a broader range of insects and rodents.
-
Identifying the Pest
Sometimes, it can be difficult to identify the specific type of pest you’re dealing with. Professionals have the expertise to accurately identify the pest and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
-
Evidence of Nesting or Breeding
If you see signs of nesting, like droppings, chewed materials, or unusual odours, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Professionals can locate and eliminate nests to prevent further problems.
-
Health Concerns
Certain pests, like rodents and bed bugs, can pose health risks. If you suspect these pests in your home, don’t hesitate to call a professional to ensure your family’s safety.
By implementing a combination of prevention strategies and targeted DIY solutions, you can effectively manage most common household pests in Woodbridge. However, if the infestation becomes overwhelming or poses a health risk, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control company. Their expertise and specialized tools can quickly restore peace of mind to your Woodbridge home. Remember, a proactive approach is key to keeping unwanted pests at bay and maintaining a comfortable, pest-free living environment.
Do you need professional pest control services to help you with an infestation? Then give Maple Pest Control a call. We have a wealth of experience tackling a wide variety of pests, and that gives us plenty of expertise to call on when tackling our clients’ problems. We offer guaranteed results: your home will remain pest-free for 6 months or more after we’ve handled your pest problems. Give us a call now at (416) 520-8575 and start your journey to a pest-free home today.
