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How to get rid of house pests and insects

12th Jan '23 • By Service.com.au

Are you sick of dealing with household pests every time you open the windows or cook a meal? Not only can they be a nuisance, but they can also put your family's health and safety at risk. If you're struggling to get rid of common insects and pests in your home, here are some tips to help.

First things first, if you want the best results, it's best to contact a professional pest control service. They can quickly and effectively deal with your bug issues. But, if you want to try some DIY solutions, here are a few options for you!

silhouette of a mosquito on arm

Article Summary

  1. Use sandalwood sticks as a natural mosquito repellent
  2. Try a ThermaCELL mosquito repeller
  3. Use an electronic bug zapper
  4. Install a magnetic fly screen
  5. Add mosquito coils
  6. Use citronella burners or candles
  7. Apply an outdoor barrier spray
  8. Place cockroach baits
  9. Conceal and seal the interior of your home
  10. Remove bright lights
  11. Reduce clutter and moisture in your home
  12. Prevention

1. Use Sandalwood Sticks as a Natural Mosquito Repellent

Sandalwood sticks make for a natural and chemical-free mosquito repellent. Not only do they smell sweet, but they also contribute to a calm atmosphere.

2. Try a ThermaCELL Mosquito Repeller

The ThermaCELL mosquito repellent is a portable, butane-powered device that creates a force field around mosquitoes in a 25-metre radius. Perfect for taking camping, to a BBQ, or to the beach.

3. Use an Electronic Bug Zapper

Electronic bug zappers are a great option for keeping your outdoor spaces pest-free. They attract and exterminate flying insects and look great on balconies and in courtyards. Many are waterproof and come with self-cleaning grids and insect catcher trays.

fly screen close up with water droplets

4. Install a Magnetic Fly Screen

Magnetic fly screens are a breeze to install and are perfect for keeping flies and other insects out of your home while allowing fresh air in. They can be easily attached to any metal doorframe and close automatically.

5.Add Mosquito Coils

Mosquito coils made from dried pyrethrum powder mixture, when lighted, release a smoke that repels mosquitoes. If it doesn’t work, you may want to consider hiring a professional pest control service for your problem.

6. Use Citronella Burners or Candles

Citronella candles or oil burners are an excellent insect repellent. Citronella is a natural repellent that conceals odours that insects find appealing.

person in khaki shirt holding cleaning cloth and spray

7. Apply an Outdoor Barrier Spray

An outdoor barrier spray can be used as a professional product. Be sure to wear gloves and follow the safety instructions on the packaging. Spray the exterior of your home, including windows and entryways, to deter spiders, cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, paper-nest wasps, flies, and fleas.

8. Place Cockroach Baits

Place cockroach baits behind appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and sinks. The baits attract cockroaches who bring it back to their nest, killing other roaches.

9. Conceal and Seal the Interior of Your Home

Conceal and seal the interior of your home by making sure all doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and seal gaps. Weatherstripping and adhesive-backed foam around doors and windows can help keep the heat in and pests out.

light bulb pendant

10. Remove Bright Lights

Remove bright lights or replace them with yellow-hued insect lights, as crickets are drawn to light. Make sure all shades are closed at night and invest in bug screens to keep potential intruders out.

11. Reduce Clutter and Moisture in Your Home

Reduce clutter and moisture in your home. Crickets may hide under piles of rubbish or waste, so keep your home clean and tidy, vacuum carpets, and sweep floors regularly.

12. Prevention

Another tip to keep in mind when trying to get rid of pests and insects in your home is to focus on prevention. This means taking steps to make your home less inviting to pests in the first place.

One way to do this is by keeping food stored properly. Make sure that all food is sealed in airtight containers, and that you clean up any spills or crumbs immediately. Also, keep garbage in sealed containers and take it out regularly.

Another preventive measure is to keep your home well-ventilated. Make sure that your home is well-insulated and that there are no leaks or drafts that might let pests in.

Additionally, you can also make use of natural pest repellent plants around your home. Some plants, like marigold, chrysanthemum, or eucalyptus, are known to repel mosquitoes and other pests, which could help reduce the amount of insects that enter your home.

It's also important to ensure that your home is kept clean and dry. Pests thrive in moist environments, so fix any leaks or water damage immediately, and make sure to dry any areas that become wet. Consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air dry and make it less hospitable for pests.

Last but not least, it's also important to address any outdoor factors that might be contributing to your pest problem. Trim back any bushes or trees that are close to your home and remove any standing water from your property, which can attract mosquitoes.

By following these tips, you can effectively get rid of most pests around the home. If you need further advice, get in touch with the professional to find out the cost of pest control services.

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