Do It Yourself Pest Control

Homeowners and gardeners who face intimidating pest control issues can help themselves immensely by acting proactively in some very common sense ways. Of course, I can advise a person to consult the Internet at any point in time but, then, that’s always a good idea anyway when researching methods used by others.

There are a raft of home remedies and “wives tales” which can entertain as well as provide some real answers. But the best “do it yourself pest control” devices are to know - first - “Who’s coming to dinner” and - secondly - “Why they chose my place?”

Who’s Coming To Dinner? - The Garden

If one is a gardener, he has become acquainted already with critters and bugs and crawly things of all sorts. They simply go with the territory. Aphids, slugs, beetles of all sorts - the list is long indeed. Then of course, there are the moles. Ironically, in nearly all cases, some preventative measures can work to hold off the population to a more manageable number.

A bit of research can help here. For example, some plants such as Marigolds can deter certain species of critters - including rabbits - from interest in your garden. Garlic, mint and a few other choices can act the same to deter some beetle species and flies.

For aphids, I suggest preemptive spraying if insecticidal soap all over the leaves of the plants you wish to protect. Non toxic and natural, these soaps act to prevent their landing. A strip of copper will not be crossed by a slug. These are readily available at many garden centers, particularly in the Pacific North West. Peppers, cayenne and the likes can be used to discourage larger animals, as well as urines - believe it or not - from such animals as coyotes and cats of various types.

Ladybugs are a huge friend who eat larvae from pests. These can even be purchased! Since the “Do It Yourself Pest Control” is such a massive title, these very general examples might help in further and more specific research.

Who’s Coming To Dinner? - The Home

In almost every case, a clean and crumb- and water-free environment is the ticket to pest-free life. In the case of flying things, merely shutting doors and access prohibits mosquito’s from coming inside. In the case of flies, hanging Eucalyptus or Mint potpourri’s can be incredibly effective.

Flies are easily repelled bu\y these odors which are actually quite pleasant anyway. In the end, having a clean home deters roaches, ants and all crawling insects. Shutting off water completely does the same thing.

Why They Chose My Place?

Chances are you did not act proactively to begin with. Each year gives us a new opportunity to get even more efficient at prohibiting critters and pests from disrupting our homes and gardens. Fortunately, for all of us who arrived late at pro-activity, there are abundant researches into the best organic and natural methods of dealing with pests.

Citrus products, Boric Acid and many items found in Nature can do everything the more poisonous and obnoxious chemical remedies warranted in the past. “But “knowing the enemy” is the first clear step to take.