D.I.Y pest control is partly about eradicating pests with various chemicals and remedies, but also about prevention. In this post we’ll be looking at ways to both rid your house of pests, as well as tips on preventing them from invading your home. From ordering pest control products online, how and when to use them, and when is it best to call the professional pest controllers in. Let’s see what’s the best course of action.
Jump To:
Prevention is better than cure
Are there any home remedies for D.I.Y pest control?
Are there any semi-professional D.I.Y pest control products?
Are there any D.I.Y pest control applications?
What are the pros and cons of D.I.Y pest control?
When do I get the professionals?
Where can I get more information?
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
While it’s impossible to completely prevent pests from entering your home and taking up residence, there’s no point in making it easier for them or sending them an invite.
Take the common cockroach for example. These critters just love it when food is left laying around, especially pet food. They also hang out in areas where water is available, so things like a leaking tap will attract roaches like iron to a magnet.
Most ants are the same. Not cleaning up food and drink spills, or have water laying about and an army of ants is sure to come marching in.
Cockroaches, rodents and other pests also love having convenient places to hide, so the more mess or clutter in the home, the happier pests will be to live there with you.
So some quick tips include:
- Keep the house clean and free of food and drink spills
- Fix any leaking plumbing
- Store all food in the fridge or airtight containers
- Keep household clutter to a minimum
- Never leave pet food out overnight
- Treat pets for fleas
The very best way to learn how to prevent pests invading your house is to study up on all the common pests found in your area and learn tips and methods to keep them away.
Home Remedies for D.I.Y Pest Control
This could be an in-depth article all on its own, but we’ll briefly look at a few home remedies to help rid your house of some common pests.
Peeled cloves of garlic left in the pantry or under the kitchen sink can help prevent roaches and other pests from moving in. Be sure to keep replacing with fresh garlic.
Both cayenne pepper and coffee grounds can be useful for preventing ants from entering the house. Simply sprinkle one or the other where you suspect the ants are coming in.
Eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil and other essential oils are renowned for deterring all manner of bugs, moths and spiders. Simply mix with a little water and spray in the necessary locations to keep creepy crawlies at bay.
Semi-Professional D.I.Y Pest Control Products
These days the home D.I.Yer can buy just about anything they need for home pest control at the big hardware stores, or by going online. There are quite a few websites in Australia that tend to specialise in D.I.Y home pest control products.
What you’ll need to purchase will largely depend on which pests you are targeting. In some instances a chemical spray is the best option, but in many cases there are other alternatives, such as:
- Fly traps
- Ant and cockroach baits
- Mouse and rat bait stations
- Anti-bird mesh
- Electronic mosquito zappers
- D.I.Y pest control kits
- And more…
If you plan to buy online and not in-store, be sure to have any queries answered so you know you are purchasing the right product, and also know how to use it effectively and safely.
D.I.Y Pest Control Application
Possibly the greatest danger with D.I.Y pest control is not doing it correctly. For example, you don’t want to leave any pest baits in locations where either small children or the beloved family dog or cat can get to them.
Babies especially are prone to putting just about anything in their mouths, and dogs have been known to be attracted to rat and cockroach baits.
When spraying chemicals to kill cockroaches, ants, spiders and other pests, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and follow them to the letter.
You don’t want to be spraying hazardous chemicals all over food products in the pantry, or over pots and pans, plates and cutlery.
It’s best to get everyone out of the house for a while during the spraying and for several hours after. This includes all your pets, even the budgie.
Generally the best way to eradicate and prevent common pests in the home is to incorporate a combination of solutions and preventative measures. Pesticide spraying is probably the most immediately effective method for killing pest infestations, but also strategically placing baits out of harm’s way, using some natural home remedies to deter pests, as well as making it a point to keep the house very clean, tidy and clutter-free will all work harmoniously together to provide an effective overall solution.
Pros and Cons of D.I.Y Pest Control
Let’s briefly look at some pros and cons of D.I.Y pest control.
Pros:
- You will save some money doing it yourself
- You’ll learn how to eradicate common pests as well as what to do to prevent them
- Natural methods can be used rather than relying on pesticides and harsh chemicals
Cons:
- Professional pest controllers have experience in dealing with all forms of pests
- A professional has access to professional industry equipment and chemicals that DIYers may not be able to obtain
- If you don’t know what you’re doing you could actually make the problem worse, such as with termites
- Professionals know how to perform pest control safely
- A professional will solve the problem faster
When To Get In the Professionals
The biggest downside to DIY pest control would be a lack of experience. Professionals know their trade inside and out. They understand what’s the best solution for each individual pest infestation, the best way to prevent pests from invading your home and, most importantly, how to perform pest control so it’s safe for you, your family and your pets.
When it comes to major infestations, or something critical like termites, calling in a professional pest controller is your best course of action.
Conclusion
A combination of both natural home remedies for prevention, as well as calling in a professional once every few months is the best solution to keep your home environment pest-free all year round.
For more pest control products and information visit: https://www.pestrol.com.au/
Australia Guides 
Nice article! Thanks for sharing this informative post. Keep posting!
Thanks for sharing this useful information! Hope that you will continue with the kind of stuff you are doing.
LikeLike