DIY Pest Control: A Natural Guide

Bugs in your home can quickly progress from a minor nuisance into a significant issue. While commercial chemical sprays are tempting, they often have unwanted health and environmental side effects. Fortunately, you can reclaim your home with DIY pest control methods using everyday household items. Here’s your comprehensive guide to practical and safe natural, organic pest control methods.

How to Get Rid of Ants: Send Them Packing

These busy, marching armies can show up quickly, in large numbers, and are challenging to eliminate. Sometimes, figuring out where they are coming from is even more difficult. Here are some DIY pest control methods that can help eliminate this common pest:

• Start by finding the outdoor source and maintaining cleanliness. Don’t leave pet food out in bowls. Keep trash in sealed containers. Be sure BBQ grills and surfaces are clean.
• Identify and seal entry points using weatherstripping and caulk. Keep your kitchen cabinets and surfaces clean and free of crumbs. Be sure all food is sealed or in airtight containers. Clean all sticky residues of jars and bottles, such as honey or syrup. If you have a kitchen composting container, be sure to remove food scraps daily and keep the container clean.
• Use a natural bug repellent (like white or cider vinegar) for ants. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and treat the locations where the ants are. Use natural deterrents like coffee grounds, cloves, cinnamon, or peppermint near entryways, or place them in areas where ants congregate or enter, such as pantries.

Related: Looking for healthier cleaning alternatives? See our blog on DIY Household Cleaners and Safer Cleaning Products.

How to Get Rid of Dust Mites (Without Harsh Chemicals)

Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments; although invisible, their presence is noticeable. Asthma and allergy sufferers are the most sensitive. They commonly live on mattresses, bedding, drapes, carpets, and upholstery and feed on shed skin from people and pets. You can’t completely eliminate dust mites, but here are some methods to help control them:

• Wash your bedding weekly. Launder in temperatures of 130º or higher. If you use cold water, dry the bedding in direct sunlight. If you have items that can’t be washed, like a favorite stuffed animal, a night in the freezer every week will eliminate dust mites.
• Invest in allergen-proof mattress and pillow encasements. These prevent dust mite penetration and can be found online or in most bedding stores.
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum. Throw the bag away after each vacuum, or if using a bagless vacuum, dump and clean the collection bin thoroughly.
• Maintain indoor humidity below 50% using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Use damp microfiber cloths for dusting. Any damp rag should work well, but dampening a microfiber cloth ensures you pick up the dust and not just spread it around.

Related: Want better indoor air quality? Check out our guide: How to Clean Air Ducts: A Step-by-Step Guide.

How to Get Rid of Fleas: DIY Solutions for Pets and Floors

Fleas aren't just a pet problem; they quickly become a household nightmare. These small insects live off the blood of mammals, which unfortunately means your family and pets. These natural pest control methods can help you manage fleas organically:

• Vacuum carpets thoroughly and frequently. When finished, throw the vacuum cleaner bags away outside your house.
• Set up a night-time flea trap. When you set up a shallow dish with soapy water near a light source, the warmth and light attract the fleas, and they cannot escape the water. You can also buy plug-in flea traps at your local hardware store.
• Use diatomaceous earth throughout your house. It looks and feels like talcum powder. It effectively kills fleas but is mostly harmless to humans and pets. However, it is a fine powder that could irritate the lungs of people with respiratory issues. Do not use it in areas with fans.
• Bathe pets regularly. Use mild or cedar-based shampoos, which are natural flea repellents. You can find these products at pet stores. For a quick DIY way to kill fleas, create a lemon flea rinse (this is ONLY for dogs, as citrus is toxic to cats). Add sliced lemon to boiling water, remove from heat, and let sit overnight. The following day, dip a sponge in the lemon rinse and apply it to your dog's coat to kill fleas. You can also find more tips on keeping a clean home with dogs and cats in our blog.

Learn More: Are your pets making more than flea trouble in your home? Use these tips to Neutralize Odors in Carpet.

How to Get Rid of Flies: Keep Them Away

Insects buzzing around and landing on your food can be annoying! As the weather warms up, it seems to get worse. Even if you try to keep doors closed and windows screened, they find a way to get in. If they get in, here are some easy methods to get rid of them:

• If you don’t want to use the tried-and-true fly swatter, you can knock flies out of the air with a simple spray of soapy water.
• You can make fly paper! It’s as simple as mixing equal parts honey, sugar, and water and heating gently. Dip strips of heavy paper (such as craft paper or a grocery bag) in the mixture, allow them to dry, and hang them in fly-prone areas. Dispose of when used.
• Many types of outdoor traps are available. Baited fly traps can be a safe and efficient way to control pesky flies outside. How do they work? These traps contain an attractant inside. The flies enter the trap and cannot escape. Disposable fly traps with non-poisonous bait and refillable/reusable products are available online and in stores.

Creating Bug-Free Outdoor Zones

When wondering how to get rid of mosquitoes in your backyard, focus on making your outdoor spaces less hospitable to these persistent pests. Since mosquitoes are weak fliers and are attracted to standing water, it is easier to create practical barriers using simple strategies that don't rely on harsh chemicals.

• Use fans strategically: Place outdoor fans near seating areas during evening hours, as mosquitoes struggle to fly and land in moving air.
• Install warm-colored LED lights: Replace standard outdoor bulbs with yellow bug lights or warm LED bulbs (16 to 20W range) that attract fewer insects.
• Eliminate breeding grounds: Remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, and yard debris, and keep grass trimmed to reduce mosquito habitat.
• Apply natural repellents: Use citronella oil, neem oil yard sprays, or food-grade diatomaceous earth around outdoor living areas.

When DIY May Not Be Enough

Embracing DIY pest control using natural bug repellents and organic methods keeps your home safe and pest-free, without harmful chemicals. While organic pest control methods are typically effective, an infestation may still require professional pest treatment.

Professional treatment becomes essential for serious pest issues like termite infestations. First American Home Warranty offers termite treatment coverage as an optional add-on in real estate home warranty plans. This optional coverage can help protect your budget as a new homebuyer if you need professional pest control services. While this coverage handles the treatment itself, it's essential to understand precisely what termite protection covers and doesn't cover to make the best decision.

Home Warranty Protection for Homeowners

Combining regular home maintenance with a comprehensive home warranty can help protect your home and your financial peace of mind. Find out how a First American home warranty helps protect your budget when covered appliances and home systems fail due to normal wear and tear. Get a quote today.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.