7 DIY Tricks to Get Rid of Your Home Critters

Whether we are referring to apartments, condos, houses or businesses, everyone has a story about unwanted critters. Maybe cooler weather has rodents seeking shelter indoors, or summer heat has encouraged paper wasps to build nests in facia and soffit. While the pros know what they are doing, they can be costly. Why not try these strategies before placing the call?

1. Cats

Other people’s felines often dig in gardens, leaving feces and foul odor behind. Since cats will avoid certain plants, try planting marigolds to keep your flowerbeds smelling fresh.

2. Rodents

Mice, chipmunks and squirrels may look cute and cuddly, but they can do a lot of damage inside your home. Spring loaded traps are effective and easily available at grocery and hardware stores. Place them carefully, if you have pets or small children. Don’t forget to look for and repair possible points of entry such as holes in your foundation, worn out weather-stripping and broken window trim.

3. Wasps

Wasps can be aggressive, even dangerous if you are allergic. Chemical sprays are widely available and effective. If you prefer a more natural solution, hanging fake nests around your property may prevent these territorial creatures from setting up shop and many homemade trap options can be found online. Your best bet is to remove the nest from your property altogether.

4. Spiders

Most species of spiders are harmless. They even help keep other insects at bay. If these 8-legged creatures are still too creepy for you, here’s a natural approach that may help. Spiders seem to avoid certain scents, such as peppermint, citrus or citronella. Try spraying water mixed with a few drops of essential oils around windows, doors or other entry points.

5. Silverfish

These elusive silvery pests are quick and can be found in almost any area of your home. They are attracted to moisture and humidity so a dehumidifier might work preventatively. They like starches and may go for flours and grains in the kitchen. They also feed on glues in book bindings, wallpaper and blown-in insulation. You may need to use insecticide sprays, control dusts or traps to keep them under control.

6. Ants

Big or small, ants can be a giant nuisance. Find out where they are getting in and try to block their entrance. A homemade borax mixture will often do the trick. Dissolve 2 tablespoons Borax and ½ cup sugar in 1 cup water. Soak cotton balls in the mixture. The ants will feed on the mixture and take the poison back to their nests.

7. Fruit Flies

Gross! Tiny insects near your food. Try this easy solution. Pour apple cider vinegar, fruit juice or wine into a small cup or bowl with a few drops of dish soap. Stretch plastic wrap over the top and secure with an elastic band. Use a toothpick to poke several fruit-fly-sized holes. The sweet liquid will attract the bugs, but they will be unable to escape.

8. Cockroaches

Nothing says “Ewww!” like bed bugs and cockroaches which reproduce quickly and hide very well in furniture, electronics and clothing. Removal can be dependent on how your neighbours handle the situation, and do-it-yourself methods may be less than effective.

While many home remedies can be helpful, sometimes the DIY process can become frustrating or even risky. If you are unsuccessful, a few unwanted pests can turn into a full-fledged infestation. To conquer your critters, call your local pest control professionals. Having knowledge and experience means they can diagnose and treat the problem safely and effectively, saving you time and money.