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How to Get Rid of Pests

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No matter how welcoming you are, nobody wants to share their home with household pests. Living with pests can be embarrassing and frustrating. Insects, rodents, and other unwelcome pests are more than just annoying; they can cause diseases and damage your property. Don't wait for pests to go away on their own. Take control and follow these steps to send those pesky creatures packing.

Do Some Deep Cleaning

Before you contact a professional, try to solve the problem on your own. Many common pests are attracted to messes. Old garbage, leaky pipes, and food residue are magnets for insects and rodents. Life can get busy, and many people don't take the time to deep clean their houses. If you are experiencing a pest invasion, do some deep cleaning. Remove crumbs from cabinets, scrub out the garbage can, clean the sinks, and wash the floors. Take everything off of the counters and clean in between crevices. Thorough cleaning takes time, but it is a necessary part of keeping your home pest-free.

Try Natural Remedies

Many common pest repellents are toxic and can be harmful to children and pets. Before trying harsh chemicals, try using these natural remedies to eliminate pests.

Vinegar: A mixture of vinegar and water is a fantastic natural deterrent for ants.
Orange Oil: A great natural remedy for termites. Generously apply pure orange oil to surfaces where termites are visible. If the invasion is especially bad, drill a hole into the wall and fill it with oil.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sold online and in hardware stores, diatomaceous earth is a natural remedy for eliminating termites, ants, and countless other insects. It kills pests by breaking down their shells while remaining nontoxic to humans and pets.
Neem Oil: This natural oil helps deter a whole host of unwanted pests, including cockroaches, bedbugs, ants, fleas, ticks, and fruit flies. Apply it directly to the site of pest invasions on a regular basis.

Focus on Prevention

Even if you are currently dealing with a home invasion, pest-proofing your house is a smart solution to prevent future problems. Simple ways to pest-proof your home include:

Eliminate sources of standing water, such as pet bowls, dirty dishes, and plants. Let plants dry out completely between waterings and don't leave trays underneath them.
Don't leave food out in the open. Ensure that all food is stored in secure plastic or glass containers. Securely cover pet food overnight.
Purchase a tightly sealed trash can.
Keep piles of outdoor wood far away from windows and doors.
Seal any visible holes in the walls and gaps between windows.
Regularly wash curtains and bedding.

Contact an Exterminator

If you've tried unsuccessfully tackling the pest problem on your own, it's time to call in the experts. You can search for a reputable exterminator using Yelp or the Better Business Bureau. Even though you want to get rid of the problem immediately, take your time when selecting an exterminator. Compare prices and be sure to ask for references and evidence of licensure.