Whenever a cockroach or mosquito roams around the house, the first thing many of us do is to reach for the nearest pesticide and spray it all over the place.

Nobody wants pests in their homes, but not everyone is careful enough to keep them away in a harmless way. While these chemical pesticides are effective pest control products, they can do more harm than good to use.

Fortunately, many environmentally friendly pest control methods aren’t just non-toxic to the mother earth but also safe for you, your children, and pets. 

Follow our safe pest control tips to get rid of your pest problems at home harmlessly.

Tips for Safe Pest Control at Home

1. Practice Pest Prevention

a mouse in a dirty kitchen

Prevention is always the best pest control technique. Make sure to regularly clean and sanitize your home. Check for any possible entry points of pests too. Here are some tips:

  • Clean surfaces after eating
  • Throw away all food scraps and crumbs
  • Keep your kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms clean
  • Clean your tables, floors, and workspaces
  • Store your food in tightly sealed containers
  • Install fly screens
  • Have a regular cleaning schedule
  • Check and fix any holes and cracks in your internal and external walls
  • Check your home’s foundation and seal any openings larger than one-quarter of an inch.

2. Choose chemical free-pest control products

There are natural and organic pest control products that are harmful to pests but harmless to humans. Here are a few eco-friendly, effective, and safe to use products that you can use around your home:

  • Neem Oil. Neem oil extract comes from the fruits and seeds of a neem tree. It is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, sedative, and skin aid product. 

Once sprayed to infested areas, you’ll notice insects, like bugs and beetles, dying and unable to reproduce in just a few days. 

  • Diatomaceous Earth. Diatomaceous Earth is a small, sharp-type fossilized diatoms powder that can cut and kill an insect’s body in 2 weeks.

This powder is highly recommended to use against bugs, flies, crickets, cutworks, and beetles in dry areas.

  • Beneficial Insects. Insects like a ladybug, beetle, praying mantis, and parasitic wasp are considered beneficial. They can attack, feed on, and win against troublesome pests in your yard. 
  • Water. Water is probably the most natural ingredient you can use to create toxic-free pest control products. Depending on the species of pests you’re dealing with, you can mix water with vinegar, organic oils, pepper, or soap to make an eco-friendly pest spray.

You can also use boiling water alone to get rid of ants near your home.

3. Use pesticides properly

Identify the species of pests invading your place and research their lifestyle, habits, and the right pest control method to get rid of them effectively. Follow the correct instructions and safety warnings for your chosen pesticide, and avoid overusing it.

As a precautionary measure, keep your children and pets away from your target areas and wear protective gear before proceeding with the pest control.

Dispose of leftover pesticides and containers properly. Avoid transferring the leftovers to other containers. Do not reuse empty pesticide containers also to store anything else.

Hire a licensed pest exterminator

Unless you have enough skills and experience in pest control, hiring a licensed pest control professional is one of the best ways to ensure effective and safe pest control in your household.

Licensed exterminators have the know-how and the right equipment to help you say goodbye to these unwanted species.

If you’re looking for a trusted pest control expert in Arizona, Patriot Pest and Termite Control is here to help you. 
We are a Prescott pest control company composed of qualified licensed and insured professionals with over 25 years of service experience. Give us a call today to know more about our services!