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Your home is your castle so the last thing you want is a bug invasion. Roaches, ants, silverfish... none of them are welcome guests, so don't treat them as such. The first and most important step in a bug-free home is to make sure you aren't providing breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bugs go where there is food. Take away their food and usually they will go away as well. This does require some effort however. It means you must vacuum or sweep crumbs up regularly and keep your counters clean. You should also keep all food tightly closed or sealed. Leaving out fresh fruit can also attract bugs. Trash cans are another buffet for bugs, empty them regularly and spray them out at least once a month.
Although you can't prevent all bugs from entering your home, one way to keep many out is to make sure that your window and door screens don't have holes. Also, don't leave doors open for extended periods of time.
If your house has been invaded, it's time to take action. Some people opt to use pest strips, glue strips which bugs will stick to and die. Be careful of using these strips if you have pets or children. They are extremely sticky and are painful to pull off if someone accidentally gets stuck. The downside to pest strips is having to replace them fairly frequently. Unless you don't mind having a strip loaded with dead bugs on it, you will have to put out a new one on a regular basis.
Another pest control option is an electric bug zapper. Recent studies have shown these not to be a sanitary option of pest control. Bug zappers also tend not to be effective on mosquitoes and bees.
If you use a pesticide, make sure to follow a few basic rules:
- Read the directions carefully and follow them exactly.
- Wear rubber gloves and a face mask when spraying or mixing pesticides. Wash your hands after handling any type of chemical.
- Remove pets and children from any area where you are spraying pesticide or bombing.
- Do not leave food or utensils out if you are spraying. Make sure to wipe down kitchen counters after spraying or bombing.
- Be extremely careful when discarding any unused pesticides. Remember that pesticides are poisonous and can harm people and animals.
- Stay out of a room for an hour after spraying pesticides.
If you have used an insect "bomb," you may have to stay out of the house longer. Make sure to read and follow the instructions printed on the packaging.
If you are having a problem with a specific type of bug, you may have to specialize your attack. For many insects including ants, roaches, silverfish and spiders, you need to identify how they are getting into your home. Spray cracks around pipes, on windowsills and in the foundation of your home with a pesticide. Sprinkling bay leaves near the problem area is another good way to stop ant problems. For mosquitoes, make sure to drain any standing water. You should also wear a bug repellant spray (not a pesticide spray) when you are outdoors. With a few exceptions, the black widow and brown recluse, most spiders are harmless. If you see a spider web in your home, use the vacuum attachment to remove it. For wasps or hornets, use a spray specifically designed for the purpose to spray their nests.
If all else fails, it may be time to call in professional help to show your unwanted guests the door.
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