With the COVID-19 outbreak, the majority of people have been spending a lot more time at home. While you work at your makeshift desk, entertain your kids, or clean the house, you may be more inclined to notice unwanted visitors. Pests never belong in your home. However, it’s especially important to make your space as comfortable and as safe as possible during these difficult times.
Professional pest control companies, like Plunkett’s, are open during the coronavirus outbreak. However, it’s understandable if you want to try and take care of pests on your own. Don’t let pests take over your space. Whether you’re dealing with spiders or an ant infestation, there are several things you can do to get rid of pesky pests.
How to get rid of pests in your home
Keep your home clean and dry
This is especially important when it comes to your kitchen. Pests are in your home looking for food and water. If they can find crumbs and damp spots in your kitchen, they’ll definitely set up shop there. Make sure your food is stored in tightly sealed containers, too! Be sure to empty trash can regularly, wipe up any puddles or damp spots, and use drain cleaner regularly to keep away drain flies.
Clear your yard of debris
Bugs often hide in firewood and compost bins, for example. Ensure that these hiding spots are placed away from your home’s perimeter. Just like in your home, it’s important to remove standing water from your yard because they can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests.
Seal up cracks and openings
Inspect your home for any openings. There’s a good chance that pests are entering your home through cracks by your windows and doors. If you find any, caulk or repair them.
Use DIY repellents
Once you’ve cleaned up your home and sealed any gaps and cracks, try de-bugging your home with these DIY solutions.
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Peppermint essential oil. Peppermint oil is a natural, and pleasant smelling, way to rid your home of ants, spiders, and mosquitoes. Put approximately 10 drops of peppermint oil in 8 oz of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture around doorways, vents, and windows
- Lavender. Dried lavender oil repels moths, flies, fleas, and mosquitoes. You can either place dried lavender in your home's closet or use a spray mixture—similar to the peppermint mixture—around your home.
- Coffee grounds. Luckily, ants don't like coffee as much as you do. In fact, it is deadly for them. Place recycled coffee grounds in spots where you've seen ants or you think they may be emerging from.
If you’ve tried the steps above and you just can’t seem to rid your space of pests, get in touch with Plunkett’s Pest Control! We understand that having pest control in your home during this difficult time might be scary, but the safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. The Plunkett’s staff is following all state, federal, and local CDC guidelines during this outbreak. Our pest management technicians will wash their hands frequently, practice social distancing, and be equipped with all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE). If you have any questions or you want to schedule a pest control appointment, get in touch today!
