In early summer as well as in late autumn, you notice that you have some new guests at home who have dropped in uninvited. They get in everywhere and you just end up running into them wherever you go. It can be quite irritating since you didn’t want them over in the first place, and they can destroy your house and furniture faster than you can believe. They feast on fabrics, gobble up your garden, and some of them can even literally suck your blood. Bugs can be pesky creatures and getting rid of them, especially when you have an infestation at home, can seem like a daunting task. However, the good news is that there are some simple ways of getting rid of bugs and keeping them out. Read on to know how to get rid of bugs in your home.
How To Get Rid Of Bugs In Your Home
- To begin with, you need to stop more bugs from getting in. Caulking and sealing is the first line of defense you can take against a bug infestation, in your house. This blocks the access routes that bugs have into your house. Seal up all cracks and crannies through which bugs could enter. It would also be good to weatherstrip windows and doors to ensure that they have no way in.
- Discourage bugs from coming back by cleaning and fixing. Clean up areas that are damp or that encourage bug infestation. If there is any rotting wood, repair it. Ensure that all liquids, food, and garbage are put into sealed containers.
- Early detection of bugs can go a long way in getting rid of them more easily. If you feel you have a bug infestation at home, get a professional to take a look at it. While you could do this yourself, chances exist of your missing out any nook or cranny and therefore giving the bugs a chance to multiply.
- If you notice a small bug infestation, you could get rid of them yourself. Use boric acid for this purpose. This is a powder that is safe to use indoors and will treat small, localized infestations of bugs. Ensure that you follow the directions on the label precisely.
- For larger infestations, there is a chemical pesticide called Chlorpyrifos which is available in powdered as well as liquid form, and which will kill bugs quickly. Carbaryl is also an effective bug-eliminating agent, available in powder or liquid form. However, this will kill honeybees as well, so it should be used with care.
- There are various sprays available. One among these is an insect soap spray, which penetrates the waxy covering on many bugs and kills them. You can make your own bug elimination spray by mixing 6 tablespoons of dishwashing soap with 1 gallon of water.
- While chemical sprays have the potential to harm humans or pets, there are many organic sprays available. These are generally considered safe, but require re-application every 10 days.