There are different ways to bait ants using a homemade Borax ant killer recipe. Because different species will be attracted to different types of bait you might need to adjust your bait solution accordingly to the species you are dealing with.
No one likes to be bothered by insects and pests. That’s why we’ve put together a series of pest control guides and reviews to let our readers know what they can do about their troublesome guests. Explore our range of pest control tips for mosquitos, cockroaches, wasps, and anything else that might be seeking shelter in your home.
Deter, Not Dispose
Understandably, some people don’t like the thought of killing animals and insects. They would rather use robust pest prevention to make sure that bugs and mice don’t get inside in the first place. It’s why we suggest pest control methods for deterring rather than killing in many of our reviews.
What follows are some key steps you can take to help deter specific pests from infesting your home.
Wasps
Not many people like wasps – they often seem to sting without reason and are a pain at barbecues. But there are certain green plants that seem to keep wasps away from your garden. You can plant eucalyptus, peppermint, and citronella plants, which seem to do a good job. Additionally, you can add peppermint oil around your home to prevent them from coming in. You can also set up a decoy wasp nest. If wasps see an existing nest in a location, they are less likely to build a new one nearby.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are a nightmare all-year-round, though they become particularly active as temperatures rise. As part of our mosquito safety tips guide, we offer several easy deterrents to try and prevent mosquitoes from causing mayhem.
Your yard plays an important part in how many mosquitoes appear. If it’s damp with pools of standing water and lots of shade, mosquitoes will favour these areas for breeding. So keep your yard well-maintained and as dry as possible. You can also use plants such as catnip, lemongrass and mint – all seem to have a detrimental effect on mosquitoes.
Ants
Ants in the home are tricky to get rid of once they’re in, simply because they’re so numerous. Discarded or leftover food will attract pests, including ants, so keep your kitchen area as clean as possible. Ants (and other insects) do not like bay leaves and are thrown off by coffee grounds, so keep these on hand if you want to prevent them from entering.
Mice
Mice are part and parcel of almost all homes, particularly older ones with slightly dated infrastructure. If there’s a way in, you can be sure a mouse will find it. However, mice are susceptible to ultrasonic sound waves. So you can purchase non-invasive devices that produce these sounds to try and keep them away. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned cat!
FAQ
Why is mint such a good pest repellent?
Mint produces menthol which overwhelms an insect's receptors. Mint plants, crushed leaves, and sprays, are all effective. Humans have no issue with the smell, but insects can't handle it. You should use mint as part of a range of plants, including citronella and lemongrass.
What is a bait station?
A bait station is a small set up intended to capture or eliminate pests such as mice and cockroaches. You make food easily accessible for the pest. But you should ensure that the food has been poisoned, or is positioned next to something like a glue trap. A humane trap will also work for keeping them alive and removing them later.
Is it true that cockroaches are hard to kill?
There is evidence to suggest that cockroaches are particularly difficult to kill in relation to other insects. They are protected by a strong exoskeleton and they are nimble. They can also survive a relatively long time without food or water. However, with the right methods and persistence, you can ensure that cockroaches entering your home is a thing of the past.
Are all pests seasonal?
Pest problems occur all year around. Though some, such as mice and cockroaches, will appear during all seasons. So if you’re looking for seasonal pest control, you’ll need to target the summer months more when pests are at their most active.
How do I remove fruit flies?
One of the best methods of getting rid of fruit flies is to use apple vinegar. This is something that fruit flies (and gnats) are really drawn to. You can create a trap by placing a plastic sealant with a small hole over the top of a bottle. The fruit flies will get in, but they won't be able to get back out.