DIY Pest Control

Your home is a sanctuary; it is where you go to relax and seek shelter from poor weather and wild animals. But what happens when some of these outdoor critters make their way into your home? Thousands of pest control calls are placed each year for animals that range from insects to moles. Save yourself some time and money with these DIY pest control tips.

Mice

The house mouse is a cute critter, but not when it invades your home. If your house is infested by mice, chances are it will only get worse. One female mouse can produce up to 35 offspring per year, and all of these rodents can spread disease and cause structural damage to your home. If you have a mouse in your house, here's how you can rid the problem:

• Bait the mice using a bait station to feed it poison.
• Use mouse traps to kill the mice or capture them to be released.
• Place all food in tightly-sealed containers.
• Seal any potential areas where mice are entering.

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

Bees, wasps, and hornets are enemies to everyone who has ever had the unfortunate experience of being stung by one. These insects can nest in your home and cause damage to the structure, as well as causing terror on everyone who lives in it. Here are some DIY bee removal tips for your home:

• Poke a bee-sized hole in the lid of a jar. Fill the jar halfway with orange juice to attract the bees, which will be able to crawl into the jar and will drown in the liquid.
• If you know where the bees are nesting, destroy the nest using an insecticide spray. If you are using this method, always wear protective clothing and have an escape plan ready for when the bees react.
• Screen your chimney, all windows, and air vents to prevent bees from entering your home.

Ants

Ants are among the most common pests found in homes across the country. There are two types of ant problems; ants which have colonized in your home and ants which live outside and scrounge for food inside. Here's how to control these pests without hiring a professional:

• Use ant baits to lure and kill ants which have infested your home.
• Make sure all food items are tightly sealed and quickly clean all spills and crumbs to prevent attracting ants.
• Thoroughly caulk and seal all cracks on your home's exterior.
• Trim all trees and shrubs so branches don't touch the house.

Garden Pests

Garden pests is a blanket term used to describe a variety of insects which can be harmful to your garden plants. The damage caused by these pests ranges from mild to severe, and you do not want them anywhere near that garden you have been working so hard on. Here are some safe pest control solutions for your garden:

• Pull out any weak plants. If they are not already infected, they will attract pests.
• Use an organic, homemade gardening spray. Here are fifteen natural recipes you can follow. 

As the old adage goes – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your home is by keeping it clean – a spotless house has nothing to attract these animals. Keep your home clean with The Maids of Dallas; our cleaning teams use only the highest-quality cleaning products and equipment to keep your house sparkling. For more information about The Maids of Dallas, call 972-437-6253 or click here to visit our Facebook page.