DIY Pest Control: Effective Strategies and Techniques

Here are some effective DIY strategies to control common household pests:

General Pest Prevention:

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps, especially in walls, doors, windows, and around vents. Use mesh or caulk to seal larger openings and prevent pests from entering.
2. Protect Your Foundation: Use copper mesh and expanding foam to seal gaps in the foundation or siding joints to stop pests from crawling in.
3. Moisture Control: Insects are drawn to moisture, so keep your yard and foundation dry. Move mulch away from window frames, trim back bushes, and rake moisture-wicking soil.

Specific Pest Solutions:

1. Mice: Place snap-type mousetraps along walls where you’ve seen droppings. Use peanut butter or chocolate syrup as bait. Be sure to check traps regularly and dispose of remains immediately.
2. Spiders: Reduce humidity in basements using a dehumidifier and regularly sweep down cobwebs. Keep basement windowsills clean.
3. Cockroaches: Clean up crumbs, store food in airtight containers, and eliminate moisture sources. Use sealed bait containers like Roach Motel and sprinkle boric acid powder in cracks and crevices.
4. Box Elder Bugs: Spray congregations of bugs with soapy water and continue spraying as they reappear.

Yard and Outdoor Pests:

1. Moles: Trap moles by setting up live traps or spring-loaded prong traps in active tunnels. Check traps daily and relocate trapped moles if needed.
2. Raccoons: Block entry points to your home, such as chimneys and crawl spaces. Secure trash cans, cover fish ponds, and keep pet food indoors to discourage raccoons from entering.

By implementing these strategies, you can minimize pest problems around your home effectively and naturally.