Family Owned Pest Control in Washington & Utah
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- License # 101704
When pests invade your space, you have options. Professional pest control is always the most reliable choice, especially for stubborn or aggressive infestations. But if you’re looking for quick relief, DIY pest control can help you manage the problem until the experts arrive. The trick is knowing which methods work and which ones are just a waste of time.
From boric acid spray to diatomaceous earth, there are plenty of DIY pest control products out there that claim to get the job done. You might be tempted to try a wasp bomb for the attic or wonder if foggers for pests are worth a shot. But some of these methods aren’t what they’re cracked up to be.
DIY solutions can help you keep pests at bay, but they rarely offer the lasting protection you get from professional pest control. Still, knowing your options and understanding how to use them can make a difference. Ready to dive into the best DIY pest control tips and find out what really works? Here’s what you need to know.
When pests start making themselves at home, DIY pest control can feel like the fastest way to deal with the problem. DIY pest control can come in many forms: sprays, traps, baits, powders, etc. Depending on the pest you’re dealing with, the possibilities are limitless when figuring out the best pest control option.
Some alternatives work better for different pests. A spray or chemical pesticide can eliminate a visible anthill but may not help an out-of-reach cockroach nest. Consider the habits of your pest before choosing the best DIY option for you, and be sure to reach out to a pest control agency if the problem is too tough to handle alone.
If you’re taking the do it yourself pest control route, safety should always come first. Many DIY options involve strong chemicals or powdery substances. If ingested, these could cause irritation and breathing difficulties.
Professionals always use protective gear, and you should, too. Here’s what to keep in mind before getting started:
You can find pest control options anywhere you go. Even a corner store should have a humble rack of bug repellent or sprays. Hardware stores and garden centers have multiple alternatives for you to choose from, and online retailers can have a package at your front door in less than a week.
The challenge is sorting through all the options. What’s the best DIY pest control spray? Will a roach fogger for the house actually work? With so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you figure out what works best, here are some of the most common DIY pest control methods and how they stack up.
Spray and aerosol pesticides work in the same way by destroying an insect’s nervous system. Whether you’re spraying directly or treating areas around your home, insects will eventually die after coming into contact with the chemicals.
Sprays usually come in bottles or containers equipped with battery-powered or pump nozzles, similar to what you’d expect from a professional pest control technician. They’re often used outdoors, creating a protective barrier around your home to keep pests from sneaking in.
Some brands offer indoor sprays to combat insects that live within your home. Most sprays shouldn’t damage the paint or flooring in your home, but check out the instructions before using them on any delicate materials.
For immediate results, aerosols are your best bet. The concentrated chemicals will quickly eliminate the individual pests that you spot. Just remember to be cautious. Inhaling chemicals for an extended period of time could make you nauseous or lightheaded, so open up doors or windows to encourage airflow.
Baits are another staple in the world of DIY pest control, especially when dealing with insects like ants and roaches. Rather than killing pests on contact, baits work by attracting them to consume poisoned food, which they then carry back to their nests. Over time, the poison spreads throughout the colony or nest, gradually eliminating the population.
However, bait isn’t perfect. There’s no guarantee that you can target all the insects in your home. Oftentimes, baits are used in conjunction with other methods like sprays to impact the pests in multiple ways. Frequently check the areas you place the bait for signs of insects and reapply the bait as it dries out.
Traps are another great DIY solution that can make a dent in a tough pest infestation. Sticky traps are the most common, coated with adhesive that captures crawling insects as they move across the surface. They’re great for monitoring activity and catching stragglers, but rarely effective as a standalone solution.
Others like “roach motels” are enclosed boxes that hide the insects within. The traps work the same, but you won’t have to look at the insects if you opt for a confined option. Because many insects can accumulate on these traps, check these areas and empty them often.
Try hanging traps to capture annoying flying insects. Hanging fly and yellowjacket traps typically contain a bait activated by water. As the insects enter the trap, they fall and drown in the liquid.
If you’re dealing with mice, rodent traps are the most popular way to handle these pests. Snap traps remain the most popular, delivering a quick, lethal result when triggered. They’re effective but require careful placement and consistent monitoring. If you are interested in using these traps, carefully apply a bait like cheese or peanut butter and place it in areas where mice frequent.
Sticky traps are another option, but they can be tricky. They work by catching rodents as they crawl over the adhesive surface, but you’ll have to deal with the animal afterward. If you haven’t used poison on the trap, there’s a good chance you’ll find a live mouse. Freeing a stuck mouse isn’t always easy, but applying vegetable oil to the glue can help release it.
But before you try this approach, make sure to check out your state's rules on releasing wild animals. According to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, you can’t just relocate trapped animals to a new location without permission. They need to be released right on-site or humanely euthanized; moving them somewhere else isn’t allowed without a special permit. It’s always a good idea to double-check local guidelines to make sure you’re handling things properly.
DIY options might not work unless the mice primarily populate accessible places in your home. Some rodents, like roof rats, will nest in your walls, attic, or roof rafters. Many of these areas are out of reach, so it can be difficult to place traps.
If you’re dealing with a persistent infestation, calling in the professionals is the way to go. Zunex offers expert rodent control services with a full warranty, so you can feel confident that your home is protected for the long haul.
You can also purchase poisons to combat your rodent infestation. It can be effective, especially if mice or rats have limited access to other food sources. But while poison can knock down your rodent problem, it’s not always the perfect fix.
If you have pets, using poison can be risky. Cats, dogs, and other animals might mistake poison pellets for food, which can quickly turn dangerous. Signs of poisoning in pets include vomiting, weakness, or bleeding, and they’ll need immediate veterinary care if they’ve ingested anything toxic.
It’s just as important to keep rodent poison out of reach of children. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues if accidentally consumed, so make sure to place it only in areas your kids and pets can’t access.
While rat poison is an often dependable way to dispose of rodents, you’ll be left on the hook for finding them afterward. Because these tiny pests will nest in different places in your home, the rats may die in inaccessible areas and emit a foul odor.
Usually found in powder form, boric acid is commonly marketed for roaches but works well on other insects like ants and wasps. It attacks their nervous systems and dehydrates their bodies, making it a reliable choice for persistent infestations.
For tight spaces where pests like cockroaches hide, consider sprinkling boric acid powder into these cracks and crevices to combat the unseen pests. If you prefer a liquid application, you can make a DIY pest control spray by mixing about 1-2 teaspoons of boric acid with a cup of water in a spray bottle. Apply it wherever you’ve noticed pest activity, but be cautious about using it near food or water sources.
Borax works in a similar way, and you might already have some stored with your laundry supplies. To create a homemade bait, add the borax to boiling water and mix in sugar or honey. Place the mixture in a small bowl, or pour it into a spray bottle.
Check out this video for an in-depth demonstration of how to make a borax ant killer.
Boric acid and borax can be toxic, so keep these substances away from your children and pets. Avoid spraying the mixture near food and water sources.
Did you know that you may have ingredients for a pest control solution in your house? Just check your pantry!
Many at-home pest control options also start by changing your habits. If you’re struggling with pests, check out these tips.
Cleaning your home is the best way to prevent an insect infestation and even combat a current problem. Insects typically gravitate to areas with plentiful food sources, so if your kitchen or backyard has easily accessible nutrition, you will notice an increase in insect populations.
Of course, even tidy homes can struggle with pests, but keeping your home clean will mitigate the risk of a severe problem.
After cooking, make sure you thoroughly clean your counters and stove. Avoid leaving your dishes in the sink and thoroughly clean off the remaining food before placing them in a dishwasher. Cockroaches and ants will occasionally climb into appliances in search of leftover food.
Sweep your floors to clean up any unseen crumbs and dispose of your trash often. Many insects will flock toward old food in garbage cans, so use cans with tightly fitting tops to prevent the insects from climbing inside.
Also, ensure that all the food in your pantry is tightly sealed or fastened. If you struggle with mice or other pests chewing through packages, you can place items in containers.
Because indoor pests need water to survive, keep damp spots like sinks, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers dry. Removing the insects' water source will significantly reduce the number of pests in your home.
Keeping pests out starts with sealing up the little cracks and gaps they use to get in. Mice can even squeeze through gaps as small as the width of a pencil. To prevent pests from entering your home, repair any noticeable damages. Keep an eye out for any small cracks, holes, or gaps in your windows and doors.
The Center for Disease Control suggests filling small holes with steel wool. If you’re dealing with larger gaps, you may need to invest in more expansive materials like cement or metal sheets to cover up the damaged area.
It's also important to repair areas with water damage. Damaged wood could become hotspots for termites or carpenter ants, who nest in damp wooden structures.
Many of the pests that homeowners struggle with spend most of their time outdoors. Wasps, ants, ticks, and other pests thrive in cluttered, messy outdoor spaces where food, shelter, and moisture are easy to find.
Clearing away debris like fallen leaves, branches, and logs can make a big difference. Pests like yellowjacket queens often hide in these areas to hibernate or start building nests. Watch out for other pests like ticks as you clean your yard.
If you have outside parties or barbeques, dispose of all leftover food and clean dirty plates and utensils. Insects, especially ants, will feast on anything left behind.
It’s also important to eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes, in particular, are drawn to stagnant water in birdbaths, rainwater buckets, or even puddles. Refresh water sources regularly and make sure your yard drains properly to avoid turning it into a pest paradise.
Did you know that baking soda can help combat a roach infestation? While it’s not a complete solution for eliminating a large nest, it can be useful for targeting roaches that wander into common areas of your home.
To try this out, mix together baking soda and some sugar in a shallow bowl or plate. The sugar should attract roaches to feast on the mixture. Supposedly, the baking soda will expand inside the roaches after drinking water, killing them quickly. If you have any baking soda on hand, try this technique for any stray roaches in your home.
If you struggle with wasps, like aggressive yellowjackets, you can make your own wasp trap out of a bottle. Grab a two-liter bottle and cut off the top half. Position a banana peel at the bottom and fill it with water, vinegar, and sugar.
Place the other part of your bottle inside the larger half with the open mouth of the bottle facing the liquid mixture. As the wasps fly into the bottle, they will fall into the sticky mixture and struggle to get out.
Eventually, the insects will drown in the liquid. Empty the bottle as the wasps pile up, and replace the mixture every few days. Check out this article to learn more about creating a DIY wasp trap.
While this method works best as a preventative measure, you can use essential oils to repel pests. Peppermint oil is particularly effective. Mice, cockroaches, and even wasps can’t stand the strong scent. Try dropping a bit of diluted oil onto cotton swabs and place them in areas you struggle with pests.
For a simple approach, dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in water and spray it around entry points and areas where pests are active. You can also soak cotton balls in the oil and place them in problem spots.
The oil you use depends on the pests in your home. Peppermint oil may work against mice, cockroaches, and wasps, but don’t be afraid to try out different combinations to see what works best for you.
Keep in mind that essential oils work best as a deterrent rather than a complete solution. They’re great for supplementing other DIY pest control efforts but shouldn’t be your only line of defense if you’re dealing with a serious infestation.
Sprays, baits, and powders can be effective for tackling insects in your home, but they can also pose risks to your family and pets. Breathing in certain pesticides or powders can cause respiratory issues or nausea, especially if you’re using them in poorly ventilated areas.
Certain pesticides are also marketed as full coverage options. While this can be effective, it’s important to consider the broader impact. Beneficial insects like bees and earthworms play crucial roles in your local ecosystem. Wiping them out along with pests can throw things off balance and even harm your garden’s health. Research the best option for your home and yard that won’t negatively impact your property.
Bug bombs or foggers are popular for quick, widespread fumigation. These products release a heavy dose of pesticides all at once, aiming to wipe out large numbers of insects fast.
While this method can eliminate exposed pests, it’s not a guaranteed fix for full infestations. If you’re using a fogger for cockroaches, for example, you’re likely to miss hidden nests buried deep in cracks, walls, or hard-to-reach cabinets. Most DIY pest control methods like this can’t penetrate the areas where pests are really nesting.
Since bug bombs release large amounts of chemicals, you’ll need to vacate your home until the dust settles. You will still need to air out your house to avoid ingesting any of the toxic chemicals. Unfortunately, the chemicals don’t just vanish. The pesticide could settle onto your furniture and appliances, so you will have to clean up afterward.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, bug bombs can pose a significant risk to your health. The fumes can cause nausea or difficulty breathing, but people with asthma are at risk of severe complications if they ingest large amounts of the chemicals.
If you choose to use a bug bomb, be aware that these products are flammable. Do not use multiple chemicals at once, or you could cause a fire in your home as it interacts with electronic devices and appliances.
It’s best to leave this DIY pest control product on the shelf. While the ease of use makes it an attractive solution for your bug problem, there are many risks associated with bug bombs. We suggest choosing another DIY alternative to protect your health and home.
Keep in mind that DIY pest control has its limitations. Products you buy from the store may not be strong enough to combat large infestations or even make a dent in a population that has built up resistance to certain pesticides.
For example, if you routinely use the same methods, cockroaches could become immune to the products. Cockroaches are already difficult to kill, and this could allow a population to quickly breed.
If you are still struggling with your pest problem after trying out a few DIY methods, it could be time to contact a pest control agency. DIY options are great for small infestations or for prevention, but these pests can quickly get out of control.
If you still have trouble with pests entering your home, contact a pest control agency to discuss a more intensive regime.
With our environmentally friendly products, Zunex can fix your insect problem without harming the environment or other insects. Our pest control technicians can also track down the source of your pest infestation and correctly apply the right products to eliminate them from your home.
Contact Zunex today to get rid of pests and find peace of mind again!
By: Allison Clayton
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