Are you not happy about the little crawlies popping up all over your house?Maybe it started as a single bug.There are many ways to kill pests in your home, like ants, roaches, spiders, flies, fleas, and bed bugs.Go ahead and show those bugs who are in charge.
Step 1: You can wash away the ants' trail by vacuuming them up.
If you are lucky, that line of ants is following a scout into your home.You might be able to wipe them out before they get established.If you see ants, grab your vacuum and suck them up.To scrub the trail the ants were following, use soapy water.Take the vacuum cleaner bag and dispose of it outdoors.If you want the ants in the vacuum cleaner bag to survive, you should sprinkle some cornstarch inside the bag.It kills ants by getting dusted with cornstarch.Over the next few days, keep an eye out for ants.They are already established in your home if you are still seeing them.If you want to kill individual ants with bug spray, move on to colony-killing measures like poison bait.
Step 2: Instead of vacuuming, spray ants with soapy water.
Put equal amounts of tap water and liquid dish soap in an empty spray bottle.If you see ants, give the bottle a shake and spray them.The soapy water sticks to the ants and suffocates them, so they should die within a minute or two.Their pheromone trails are disrupted by dish soap.If you want to kill ants, you can either use a commercial ant spray or smash them with your thumb.Try ant baits if more ants show up.
Step 3: The ant colony can be killed with baits enclosed or gel bait.
The worker ants will pick up the poison and take it back to the colony if you put it out wherever you see ant activity.If kids and pets aren't a concern, opt for the more effective gel bait, which comes in a tube.In the high activity areas, squeeze out some of the gel.When you put out the bait, don't kill individual ants.They need to be alive so they can bring the poison back to their colony.It can take up to 2 weeks for the poison bait to kill the colony.This method is more effective than trying to kill millions of ants at the same time.
Step 4: Baking soda and powdered sugar can be used as ant bait.
You can make your own ant baits with items from your pantry.Dust the areas where the ants are active by mixing equal parts of baking soda and powdered sugar.The sugar will attract them and they will bring their bounty back to the colony to share, but the baking soda will kill off the colonies within a few days.If you're short on baking soda, you can use cornstarch.Commercial ant baits may be more effective than homemade ones.
Step 5: Food sources and ant entry points should be sealed.
If you have killed off the ant colony that invaded your home, do what you can to keep other ants out.caulk around doors, windows, electrical outlets and other potential ant entry pointsEven though it is impossible to seal off every entryway for ants, you can reduce their food supply in your home by cleaning the inside of the cans or bins with soapy water or a household cleaner.As soon as possible, sweep or suck up spills.The worst offenders are spills like soda.Keep your food in sealed containers, like zip-close bags and lidded jars, instead of in cardboard boxes.Sugary food is attractive to ants.
Step 6: The roaches should be vacuumed up to kill them.
This is a less messy alternative to smashing a roaches with a shoe.roaches can sometimes survive being sucked into a vacuum cleaner.One option is to put the vacuum bag in a plastic bag and then throw it away.The other option is to put the vacuum bag in the freezer for a few hours.Killing individual bugs won't solve your problem.You can be sure that there are many others hiding in the shadows if you see a few roaches.
Step 7: To kill roaches, set out glue traps.
Use roach glue traps if you can't figure out where the rest of them are.You can place traps in areas where you have seen roaches, as well as places where roaches tend to hang out, such as in cabinets, corners, and crevices.To find out where you have the most roach activity, check the traps daily.Check the traps for droppings from the roaches.They look like black pepper.A glue trap is a piece of cardboard with a sticky surface that attracts bugs.You can buy them at any pest control store.Glue traps should not be used in areas where pets or small children can access.
Step 8: A soda bottle roach trap is a low-cost option.
Take a clean, empty soda bottle and cut off the top section.Wrap masking tape around the bottom piece of the bottle, then rub cooking oil on the inside of it.You can put a piece of bread in the base of the bottle.Take the top piece of the bottle and put it in the bottom piece to make a funnel.Place multiple traps in high activity areas.The scent of the beer-soaked bread will attract cockroaches and they will get trapped inside the bottle.The bottle should be checked each morning.If the roaches are still alive, pour hot water into the funnel, then flush everything down the toilet.Re-set the trap with a new piece of bread.It is likely that you will kill a lot of roaches this way, but it may not eliminate all of them.The odds of complete success can be increased by using poison baits or boric acid.
Step 9: Poison baits are a less disruptive elimination option.
If you are using bait stations, place them in areas where you have found activity.If you use gel-based bait, squeeze out as much gel as you can from the target areas.It may take 2 weeks for the poison to kill off the entire problem, but you don't have to empty out your cabinets like you would if you were using an insecticidal agent.Gel bait should be kept away from food and food preparation surfaces.Don't use gel in areas that are accessible to kids or pets.Pick poison baits that are specifically designed for roaches.
Step 10: Boric acid is a disruptive elimination option.
Boric acid is usually sold in a plastic container as a bulb duster.Special attention should be paid to corners, crevices, and sheltered areas, like beneath kitchen appliances, when dusting areas with insect activity.Your cockroaches may be solved within days if they die quickly.Boric acid needs to be kept away from food preparation surfaces and cabinets where it will be applied.You can clean off the surface of the kitchen countertop if you use soap and water or a household cleaner.Boric acid can be used in the same way as diatomaceous earth, but experts think it's more effective against roaches.The industrial version of the earth can be toxic to people and pets, so make sure it's food grade.
Step 11: Once you have eliminated the problem, focus on prevention.
If you want to prevent your home from being overrun by roaches, make it harder for them to do so in the first place.caulk can be used to seal off cracks and crevices that give access from outside and those that provide hiding spots inside.Food can be stored in glass, ceramic, metal, or rigid plastic containers.Use dishes right away and clean up spills.Don't forget to vacuum your floors and clean your countertops and cabinets.Water sources for roaches can be found in leaking pipes.You can empty your kitchen trash can by putting a tight-fitting lid on it.
Step 12: Spiders, webs and egg sacs can be sucked up with your vacuum.
When you suck up a spider, look for egg sacs on the web or in the area.The egg sacs are similar in size to a spider.Make sure to get these as well.To prevent spiders from escaping from the vacuum bag, seal it up and put it in the freezer for several hours.It is less messy to vacuum up spiders than it is to kill them with a pesticide.Spider pesticides are effective at killing pests.
Step 13: Glue traps can be used to catch and kill crawling spiders.
Spiders don't like to travel in the open, so place the glue traps along baseboards, in corners, and under cabinets and furniture in areas where you've seen spider activity.If there are stuck-on spiders, check the traps daily, then relocate and replace them if necessary.Glue traps contain no pesticides and are safe to place near food.Keep traps out of the reach of small children or pets.
Step 14: A barrier spray can be applied around the perimeter of the home.
If you choose a barrier insecticide that contains bifenthrin, you should apply it according to the instructions.It's a good idea to spray it around the exterior of your home.It should be applied to the interior side of these entry points, as well as along baseboards, under appliances, and other areas where spiders are likely to travel.Every few months, barriers need to be reapplied.Follow the application and safety instructions for your product.
Step 15: A mint-based barrier spray is a natural alternative.
If you don't want to use a chemical barrier, buy a spray that uses peppermint oil as the primary ingredient.It won't work as well or last as long if you spray it around interior and exterior entry points.It is possible to discourage spiders from hanging out in a specific area by growing a mint plant inside.
Step 16: A classic fly swatter can be used to kill individual flies.
Some tools don't need to be improved.The trick to success with a fly swatter is to move stealthily.Wait for the fly to land, then slowly approach from behind with the swatter in front of you.You don't need to swing hard in order to kill a fly.The best way to sneak up on the flies is to attack directly behind them.The dead fly should not be used as bait for other pests.
Step 17: Flypaper can be hung to attract and kill flies.
There is no way around it: strips of fly paper with dead flies stuck to them don't make for the prettiest kitchen or bath decor.Flypaper works well!You can hang the paper above your trash can if you want to attract flies.Remove the paper and replace it with something else.Store-bought flypaper works great.Alternatively, make your own flypaper by brushing strips of craft paper with a mixture of warm water and honey.
Step 18: There is a light-based trap that shocks houseflies.
Bug zappers use a blue light to lure flying insects in for a shocking surprise.You can buy traps that use the same blue light lure.The indoor version uses either a concealed sticky surface or a lower-voltage zapper.The trap should be off the ground in a high-activity area, but not in front of a window.There is a light trap near a window that will lure in flies.The product guide says to empty the trap every 1-2 days.
Step 19: Kill fruit flies with a homemade trap.
Grab a shallow bowl and pour apple cider vinegar into it.Stir everything together with a tiny squirt of liquid dish soap and about 15 grams of sugar.If you want, you can add a few fruit scraps.There is a lot of fly activity near the trap.The mix of sugar and apple cider vinegar will draw flies in because they love the scent of overripe fruit.The flies will drown if they land on it if the surface tension of the water is broken by dish soap.When the trap is full of flies, replace it every few days.This is an ideal trap for fruit flies, but don't sell it short as a housefly trap.
Step 20: You should bathe and treat your pets outside.
It's best to treat them and your home at the same time.If you want to get the best results, bathe your pet with a flea-control product.After the bath, brush your pet's fur thoroughly with a flea comb, dipping the comb in rubbing alcohol every few strokes to rinse and kill fleas and eggs.For up to 3 months, kill remaining eggs and larvae with an IGR such as Frontline or Advantage.While you clean and treat your pet, keep it out of your home for several hours.If you can, have someone treat your pet while another person does the same for you.If you want to use the best flea control products for your pet, you should consult a vet.
Step 21: In hot water, wash bedding and clothing.
All bedding, towels, and clothing for humans should be washed and laundered.Put the items in the dryer or hang them outdoors if the fabrics can handle it if you wash them on the hottest setting.Spot clean the dog bed with hot, soapy water or use a steam cleaner if you can't wash it yourself.You should not put these items back until you have cleaned and treated your home and pets.
Step 22: It's important to vacuum, mop, and clean your home thoroughly.
Start by vacuuming every carpet, rug, piece of furniture, corner, and everything else you can reach!All countertops, table tops and legs should be cleaned thoroughly with warm or hot soapy water.Follow up your vacuuming with a steam cleaning of your carpets and rugs.Flea control depends onThorough vacuuming.For at least several weeks, keep vacuuming your home.Although vacuuming kills fleas and destroys their eggs, play it safe by bagging up and disposing of the vacuum bag outdoors.
Step 23: Flea-prone areas should be treated with a commercial fleaicide.
Don't use "bug bomb" devices, even if they're marketed for fleas, if you choose a liquid spray or aerosol flea insecticide.Follow all safety precautions listed on the package if you put on gloves, a mask, and eye protection.The treatment should be applied to carpets, pet bedding, and other places where flea-prone pets hang out.Before pets and kids can enter the home, follow the product instructions for the drying time.If you prefer a lower toxicity option, choose an insecticidal agent that contains limonene or linalool.Keep in mind that these are not as effective as pyrethrins.
Step 24: Flea traps can be used to check for new activity.
The little pests that get stuck to the sticky flea traps can't be eliminated.They can alert you to new or increased flea activity.Don't put the traps in areas where a pet can get stuck to them, but instead check them daily.This method is low tech and can be used to check for flea activity.Pull on a pair of long white socks and put them over your pants.When you walk around your home, make sure to move your feet over rugs and carpets that have been used for flea activity.Fleas can be seen against the white of the socks.
Step 25: Clothes that are bed bugs should be thrown in the dryer.
If you have bed bugs on clothing, bed sheets, or other items that can go in the dryer, this method works.The temperature dial should be turned all the way up to the highest heat setting.The heat will kill off bed bugs.If you wash the items first, you should wash them on high heat as well.To kill bed bugs, the dryer temperature needs to reach 120–130 F.You can set the item out in the sun for several hours on a hot day if you seal it in a black plastic bag.The temperature inside the bag needs to reach at least 120 F and ideally 130.
Step 26: It's a heat alternative to put the items in the freezer.
You can freeze the bed bugs if you don't have a dryer or a sunny day that can heat your items.Put the items in zip close bags, make sure the freezer temperature is set to 0 F, and wait 4 days to ensure all the bed bugs freeze to death.If there is a severe cold snap in the middle of winter, leave the sealed items outside for 4 days.All the bed bugs and their eggs will be killed off if you don't have access to extreme heat or extreme cold.
Step 27: Bed bugs can be killed with a wet or dry steamer.
The bugs and their eggs will be killed by any type of fabric steamer that hits a temperature of 130 F.For a few seconds, hold the steamer over the mattress.Bed bugs can be killed by steamers along baseboards, on carpets, and in crevices.If your steamer forcefully blasts out heated air, make sure it doesn't scatter the bed bugs instead of killing them.
Step 28: For bed bug peace of mind, contact a pest control professional.
It is difficult to eradicate a bed bug problem on your own.There will be bed bugs hiding in the shadows, but all the methods listed in this section will help.Powerful pesticides that target bed bugs can be used by professionals.It is possible to warm rooms to 120–130 F for several hours.Hard-to-reach bed bugs can be eliminated with professional steamers and vacuums.