How to Get Rid of Insects & Rodents

Instructions Step 1: Examine your home Examine your home to determine where bed bugs are hiding. Bed bugs live in warm places, like mattresses, sofa seams, and narrow crevices and cracks. TIP: Areas that are infested with bed bugs are marked by dark spotting. Step 2: Clean your home Thoroughly clean your home. Get rid …

Instructions Step 1: Plan your garden Plan your plants. Grow plants that shelter aphid predators, like Queen Anne’s lace, sweet fennel, spearmint, and white sweet clover. Step 2: Put on gloves and remove aphids Put on soft cotton gloves and remove the aphids from plant leaves by hand. Step 3: Dip in water Dip the …

Instructions Step 1: Draw the blade Remove the bottom lid of a coffee can with a can opener. On the lid, draw the outline of a double fan blade measuring 3 inches across. Step 2: Cut the lid Cut out the blade with metal shears. Then, punch a small hole in the center with a …

Instructions Step 1: Buy bugs for pets Buy pet bugs — scorpions, centipedes, hissing cockroaches, spiders, and mantises — from online retailers. A simple keyword search can result in dozens of outlets that sell pet bugs. TIP: Check local pet stores for common pet bugs, such as spiders and scorpions, and pick up a book …

Instructions Step 1: Understand locusts Understand that locusts do not harm humans, and they do not carry diseases that can be spread to humans. Step 2: Close doors and windows Close your doors and windows at night time. Step 3: Join government programs Join government organized programs directed at locust attacks. Most action against locusts …

Instructions Step 1: Stop breeding You can kill fruit flies by using household insecticides (making sure to follow the instructions on the label) or purchasing fruit fly traps, but the best approach is to make sure they don’t reproduce. TIP: No need to freak out–fruit flies are harmless. So stay calm while eliminating the pests. …

Instructions Step 1: Remain calm Remain calm, keep children and pets away, and do not try to grab a bat with your bare hands. Step 2: Remove bats from your walls Wearing heavy gloves, place the plastic food container or shoebox over any bat resting on your walls. Slide the lid carefully underneath the bat …

Instructions Step 1: Remove food and water source Remove food or water sources, including garbage, pet food, birdbaths, compost piles, bird food, and fruit and berries from trees and shrubs. Step 2: Use metal garbage cans Dispose of garbage in metal garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent animal entry. Step 3: Add floodlights Add …

Instructions Step 1: Check the housing Examine the bug zapper’s housing. It should not allow children or pets to touch the electrified grids inside. Step 2: Check the light source Make sure the light source will attract the insects you are trying to get rid of — not harmless ones. TIP: Bug zappers use mercury, …

Instructions Step 1: Dig a trench Dig a trench around your garden that is at least 3 inches deep to prevent those pesky critters from burrowing under the fence. TIP: Use ground staples to hold the fence down and prevent the rabbits from crawling under if you cannot dig a trench. Step 2: Hammer in …

Instructions Step 1: Find the nest Find the carpenter ant nest. Look for wood shavings or ants foraging. Step 2: Apply dust Apply Drione or PyGanic Dust to this area with a hand duster. TIP: Use a drill with a 3/16-inch bit to drill a hole into hidden or enclosed areas. Step 3: Remove all …

Instructions Step 1: Catch problem Catch the problem early. At the first signs of fleas, aggressively treat your pet and home at the same time. Step 2: Talk to vet Talk to your veterinarian before purchasing a collar or any flea treatment. Step 3: Find best treatment Find the best, safest treatment available, and understand …

Instructions : Follow label instructions when using pesticides. Step 1: Eliminate weeds and debris Eliminate weeds and debris so outdoor areas don’t become breeding grounds for moths. Step 2: Apply pheromone strips Apply pheromone strips or burlap bands to tree trunks to lure and trap moth larvae. This will also detect the location of infestation. …

Instructions Step 1: Water and spray with soap mixture If you have an infested plant, water it with a mixture of 2 tablespoons liquid soap per gallon of water, thoroughly drenching the soil. Then spray the leaves with the mixture. TIP: Try a mixture of ½ cup vodka and 1½ cups water or 1 cup …

Instructions Step 1: Remove food source Remove food sources from the area, such as pet food, fruits from trees, birdseed, and dog manure. Step 2: Clean yard of debris Keep your yard free of debris, trash, and tall grass. Organize and elevate stored items. TIP: Stack firewood 18 inches off the ground. Step 3: Use …

Instructions Step 1: Place poison Place poison in areas accessible only to rodents, such as in your attic, between walls, and closed crawl spaces. Locate the poison close to walls and in dark corners. Step 2: Place in low traffic areas Place additional bait in low-traffic areas, such as in a basement or garage. TIP: …

Instructions Step 1: Sprinkle salt Sprinkle salt where ants are entering your home from outside to discourage them from intruding. Step 2: Draw Draw a chalk line around the yard and areas where ants are entering your home. The calcium carbonate in the chalk helps repel ants. TIP: Sprinkle powdered chalk around garden plants in …

Instructions Step 1: Vacuum carpets and windowsills Vacuum your floors on a regular basis to eliminate any spider eggs. Use an attachment to vacuum corners and windowsills. Step 2: Remove cobwebs Remove cobwebs whenever they appear. Step 3: Use a dehumidifier in the basement Use a dehumidifier to eliminate spiders from your basement. TIP: Maintain …

Instructions Step 1: Mix ingredients Crack the eggs into the mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly. Step 2: Add milk Add the milk, cooking oil, dish soap, and garlic and stir. TIP: For extra kick, add a couple drops of hot sauce. Step 3: Pour into sprayer Pour the mixture into your garden sprayer. Step 4: …

Instructions Step 1: Plant unappetizing flowers Minimize damage from deer by growing plants that deer find unappealing, like salvia, allium, ajuga, boxwood, and campsis. TIP: Avoid growing hostas, roses, impatiens, and tulips, which are plants deer favor. Step 2: Place hair around garden Place human or dog hair around your garden and trees to deter …

Instructions Step 1: Cut the bottle Cut off the top of the bottle just below the break in the bottle’s shoulder. Discard the cap and set the top part aside. Step 2: Place the bait Place the meat into the bottom of the bottle. TIP: You can use anything that attracts flies, so experiment with …

Instructions Step 1: Seal your home Keep rats away by sealing cracks and crevices, including underneath doors. Make sure vents and crawl spaces are covered with steel mesh or metal screening. TIP: Small rats can fit through holes the size of a quarter, so seal well. Step 2: Store food properly Don’t leave food out …

Instructions Step 1: Keep them out First, make sure you’re doing all you can to keep roaches out. Seal all cracks and crevices, repair loose wallpaper and plaster, and make sure all of your exterior doors have door sweeps. Fix any leaks and keep your drains clean and clear. Step 2: Clean house Thoroughly clean …

Instructions Step 1: Find the source Inspect your home for larvae or shed skin. Carpet beetles like to feed in dark, secluded areas. If the infestation is contained, remove infested material. Step 2: Vacuum frequently Vacuum your carpets, drapes, closets, and under furniture frequently. Eggs that are laid indoors occur in lint accumulations. TIP: Vacuum …

Instructions Step 1: Know your bees. Nonsocial bees include carpenter bees, which are large, have a black abdomen, and nest in wood, and digger bees, which are large and nest in the ground. Nonsocial bees don’t live in colonies and won’t sting unless extremely provoked. Step 2: Know your social bee. Honeybees are social bees, …

Instructions Step 1: Remove slugs and snails by hand. Check in shady and moist areas around the plant – under the leaves and in the soil. Step 2: Drown removed pests in warm, soapy water. Step 3: Spread diatomaceous earth around individual flower or vegetable plants – it cuts the bodies of snails and slugs. …

Instructions Step 1: With a tape measure, determine the dimensions of your garden. Get lightweight polyester row covers big enough to cover your entire garden. TIP: Add an extra foot to the garden dimensions when buying row covers. Step 2: Dress in a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, safety glasses, and gloves. Step 3: Mix 8 …

Instructions Step 1: Remove food or water source Rid your yard of any food or water source, including a running hose, bird feeders, fruits, and berries. Step 2: Double-bag your garbage Double-bag your garbage to eliminate food odors. TIP: For added protection, pour ammonia on top of the garbage bags. Step 3: Place trash in …

Instructions Step 1: Seal attic openings Locate any openings through which squirrels are accessing your attic. Seal with caulk, steel, and wire mesh. TIP: Squirrels can chew through wood, so avoid using wood to seal openings. Step 2: Recheck the attic Check the attic for nests and baby squirrels. Step 3: Use mothballs or fox …

Instructions Step 1: Know your enemy Know your bed bugs. They’re flat, oval-shaped, wingless, brownish–but will swell and be a bit reddish after feeding–and grow to be about the size of an apple seed. They prefer human blood, but will feed on some animals–and can live for up to 18 months without feeding. TIP: Though …

Instructions : Products like moth balls, flakes, or crystals can be toxic and should be kept away from pets and children. Step 1: Clean all food preparation and storage areas to help eradicate indoor pests. Vacuum food particles out of cracks and crevices in all dried food storage areas. TIP: Keep your doors closed and …

Instructions Step 1: Clean up To avoid an infestation, store firewood and other wood above ground and away from your home’s exterior. Remove old trees stumps and roots near your house. Step 2: Prevent moisture Since termites are attracted to moisture, it’s important to prevent moisture from accumulating beneath your foundation by filling all your …

Instructions Step 1: Pour witch hazel into spray bottle Pour the witch hazel into the spray bottle. This is the base for your bug spray. TIP: Apply witch hazel directly to mosquito bites for instant relief. Step 2: Add cider vinegar Add the cider vinegar. Step 3: Add eucalyptus oil Add five to 10 drops …

Instructions Step 1: Figure out what kind of ants you have. Step 2: If you spot some ants, don’t panic and immediately kill all the ones you see. Step 3: If possible, locate the ants’ nests in and around your house. TIP: Carpenter ants nest in wood, pharaoh ants nest anywhere, pyramid ants nest in …

Instructions Step 1: Set traps Set traps in areas where you’ve seen mice. Put a dab of peanut butter or a bit of chocolate on each. And don’t be stingy—put out a lot of traps. TIP: Snap traps and glue boards work equally well, but snap traps are more humane because death is instant. Step …

Instructions Step 1: Seal trashcans Yellow jackets are looking for protein and sugars to feed on, so the first thing to do is to make sure you’ve tightly sealed all outdoor trashcans. TIP: If you have a compost heap, make sure it’s in a sealed container or far from the part of the yard you …

Instructions Step 1: Position trash can Put an empty trash can below the edge of a table or counter, add a garbage can liner, and fill the bottom with crumpled newspaper. Step 2: Set the trap Place an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll on the end the counter or table, letting one side …

Instructions : Always use extreme caution when using insecticides, and follow the directions on the label. Step 1: Get rid of standing water To get rid of mosquitoes, you must eliminate any standing water near your home—that’s where they breed. Things like flowerpots, recycling bins, puddles, or even a overturned lid can result in thousands …

Instructions Step 1: Eat by candlelight Light candles when you’re outside; research shows that people who are near candles get fewer bug bites than those without protection. Step 2: Sprinkle herbs Sprinkle some basil, mint, and thyme around your garden. These herbs are so good at repelling ants that many countries put them in bags …