DIY Pest Control Guide for Homeowners

Tired of pests taking over your home?

DIY pest control is a great way to get rid of whatever is bugging you and save money in the process.

Here at the Pest Dude, we’ve been helping people learn to do their own pest control for more than 20 years.

In this guide, we’ve collected all the knowledge and tips you need to manage common household pests like ants and rodents.

How To Do Pest Control At Home By Yourself

1. Inspect for and Identify Pests

The first step in effective DIY pest control is to conduct a thorough pest inspection of your home.

After all, you need to figure out what kind of pests you’re dealing with before you can get rid of them.

The reason is simple:

Different pests require different treatments.

With this in mind, start by conducting a thorough inspection of pest-proof areas of the home, including your kitchen (behind appliances, inside cupboards, along pantry shelves – look for any signs of moths, beetles, larvae, or droppings in food products and transfer open carbohydrate products to sealed containers if possible.), and your bathrooms (especially under sinks and around baseboards).

You should also check your bedrooms (especially near and under your bed), basement and attic (especially in dark corners, storage boxes, and insulation), and outside—near foundation walls, under decks, and in and around your garden beds.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Ants: Look for small dirt piles or entry points near windows and doors.
• Cockroaches: Check for droppings, egg cases, and a musky odor in dark, wet areas.
• Rodents: Notice gnaw marks, droppings, or shredded nesting materials.
• Termites: Watch for discarded wings, mud tubes on exterior walls, or hollow-sounding wood.
• Spiders: Look for webs in corners, behind furniture, and other undisturbed spots.
• Bed Bugs: Inspect mattress seams, headboards, and furniture for small reddish-brown bugs or dark droppings.
• Fleas: Check pets for excessive scratching and carpets/upholstery for tiny jumping insects.
• Silverfish: Look for these quick, silver-gray bugs in humid areas like bathrooms and basements.
• Wasps: Be aware of nests under eaves, in trees, or in sheltered outdoor areas. Some species of yellow jackets and wasps also build nests in holes in the ground.
• Mosquitoes: Identify standing water sources like ponds, clogged gutters, or unused flower pots where they breed.

2. Prepare the Area

Next, you’ll need to get the space ready for treatment.

Here’s how:

• Put away any children’s toys, pet toys, and pet food bowls.
• If possible, move appliances away from the walls, beds away from the walls, and dressers so that treatment can be applied behind and under these fixtures.

3. Choose the Appropriate Pest Control Treatment

Based on the type of pest present on your property, you can choose from the following options:

Tips for Treatment:

• Always follow the instructions on the product label.
• Wear protective gear, like gloves, masks, and long pants and shirts.
• Keep children and pets away from treated areas.
• Consider combining methods for more comprehensive control (e.g., using baits and traps together).

4. Prevention

Preventing pests from entering your home in the first place is the best strategy.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Focus on Cleanliness: Regularly clean your home, especially the kitchen and dining areas, to remove food crumbs and spills.
• Store Food Properly: Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving it out overnight.
• Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation. Seal any entry points you find with expandable foam or caulk.
• Maintain Your Landscaping: Trim bushes, trees, and shrubs away from your home to reduce hiding spots for pests. To limit harborage areas, get rid of yard clippings, debris, and leaves in your outdoor spaces.
• Plan for Seasonal Pest Control: Schedule inspections and treatments at the start of each season to prevent pest problems.
• Control Moisture. Pests need moisture to survive, so fixing leaky drains, pipes, or faucets is a great way to get rid of them. Regulaly clean and dry areas where moisture can accumulate, such as under sinks and in the basement, run vent fans in bathrooms, and consider adding dehumidifiers to basements and crawl spaces.

DIY Pest Control Mistakes to Avoid

When doing DIY pest control, avoid common mistakes that can be harmful or ineffective.

Here’s what NOT to do:

• Using Too Much Pesticide: Over Applying pesticides can be harmful to your family’s health and the environment. With this in mind, stick to the amount specified on the product label.
• Mixing Chemicals or Pesticides: Combining different chemicals can cause dangerous reactions. Only mix products if the manufacturer says it’s safe.
• Ignoring Label Directions: Product labels have important instructions and safety warnings. Not following them can result in ineffective treatment or accidental poisoning.
• Treating All Pests the Same: Different pests need different treatments. A one-size-fits-all approach can be ineffective and may even make the problem worse.
• Not Calling an Exterminator When Needed: DIY methods aren’t always enough for severe infestations. Call a professional if the situation is out of control.
• Inconsistent Applications: Regular and timely applications are key. Skipping treatments or not following a schedule can lead to re infestations.
• Ignoring Safety Precautions: To avoid health risks, always wear protective gear and ensure proper ventilation when using pest control products.
• Using Outdoor Products Indoors: Outdoor pesticides can be too strong or unsuitable for indoor use.
• Failing to Identify the Source: Treating visible pests without addressing the root cause (like nests or entry points) is only a short-term solution. Unless you treat the root cause of the infestation, you won’t get rid of the pests.

When to Call an Exterminator

DIY pest control can work for minor issues, but there are times you really need to call in the pros:

• Severe infestations usually require expert help
• If you keep seeing pests or signs of damage despite your efforts, there might be a hidden infestation, nest, or colony only an exterminator can find and address
• If you’re dealing with pests like termites, bed bugs, and rodents, it’s best to call a pest pro because these critters can all cause serious damage and health risks.

Connect With a Trusted Pest Pro in Your Area

Living with pests can be frustrating, but hiring a pest control expert can help control even severe infestations.

Not sure who to call?

Here at Pest Dude, we work with an extensive network of exterminators nationwide.

Call us today, and we’ll connect you with a team in your area: (844) 532-0076.