No one wants to deal with a serious bug or rodent infestation in their home, but the idea of spraying chemicals all over is not that appealing to most families. If you are tired of dealing with seasonal infestations, then take a look at these few tips for keeping rats, mice, mosquitoes, bed bugs, ants, and other critters off your property.
Essential Oils
Many animals have a very acute sense of smell, and they might be repelled by the strong odors coming from various essential oils. While you can experiment with different combinations of essential oils to see which work the best, peppermint tends to be one of the most popular options for repelling rodents.
Deterrent Sprays
A homemade deterrent spray can often be just as effective as a toxic pesticide spray. To make your own spray, you will need to blend some of the hottest peppers you can find with an even mixture of vinegar and water. When handling this spray, be sure to wear gloves and protective glasses to avoid burning yourself.
Water Traps
Not only are mosquitoes annoying, but they can also transmit diseases to your loved ones. While some repellants are mildly effective, you should also try to kill these bugs where they breed. A mosquito water trap with conditioning tablets will not only get rid of adult insects, but it will also kill the larvae before they are able to fly.
Seal Up Cracks
Sealing up cracks and holes in your home will never be 100 percent effective, but it could drastically cut down on how many critters you need to exterminate. A caulking gun filled with some all-purpose caulking is a simple solution for cracks around vents, windows, doors, and pipes going through the walls.
Fix Your Leaks
Animals need water to survive, and that is why many of them find their way into areas such as basements and cabinets under sinks. Every homeowner should inspect all of their taps, faucets, toilets, showers, and sinks at least a few times a year to catch any leaks that could be providing bugs and rodents with a water source.
Keeping unwanted insects and rodents out of your home doesn’t always require dangerous chemicals and pesticides. These five simple tips should drastically reduce your risk of a critter infestation without putting your children or pets at risk.
