Effective home pest control tips and home remedy to kill ants

We all love the desert. It's why we live here. Life is good as long as we have a successful home remedy to kill ants and know how to get rid of roaches. Unfortunately, one downside to desert living is pests: roaches, crickets, scorpions, ants, rats, etc. These creatures were here before us and they will be here after us, and unlike other parts of the US, we don't have a winter season to reduce pest numbers.

Your professional pest control technician can help you reduce and eliminate pests from your home. But did you know there are a number of simple things you can do outside your home, which don't require pesticides, that can contribute to your pest control effort?

Here are a few ideas to get you started including a home remedy to kill ants and some ideas on how to get rid of roaches.

Exclusion (keep the pests from getting in)

• Ensure all doors and windows close properly.
• Weather strip all doors and windows.
• Ensure all screens (on doors and windows) are intact with no holes.
• Ensure the garage door seals tight against the ground; if not weatherstrip it.
• Caulk cracks, crevices and around utility and roof penetrations around the outside of your home; if a gap is too large, stuff it with steel wool.
• Check grout around bathtubs and toilets.
• Check under sinks, often the drywall has large gaps around the pipes.

Clean Up (eliminate food and harborage)

• Prune vegetation so it does not touch the home.
• Prune dead branches.
• Pick up plant debris and fallen fruit.
• Remove old firewood; stack good wood away from the house.
• Keep rain gutters clear.
• Clean up barbecue areas after each use.
• Keep garbage cans clean and lids secured.
• Remove debris and clutter from around the exterior and the garage.
• Pick up pet dishes at night.
• Keep grass cut low.
• Store all open food in the refrigerator or in tightly sealed containers.

Water (water attracts and supports pest populations)

• Ensure irrigation sprinklers are not spraying on home or causing puddles near the foundation.
• Check for plumbing leaks; water that is not where it is supposed to be is almost always a problem.
• Ensure rain gutters are diverting water away from the foundation.
• Eliminate standing water outside the home.

Other

• Check for pests in boxes or packages before bringing them into your home.
• Keep exterior light brightness to a minimum.
• Keep mulch to a minimum depth.
• Always read and follow pesticide label instructions.

If you would like a referral to a Pest Control Professional or information on Do-It-Yourself products, please contact the author.

Andrew Greess
www.qspray.com
andrew@qspray.com
602.371.1993