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. You can replace your old, worn out screens with a new custom Woven Wire mesh.
- 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
- HOME PEST CONTROL
- PEST CONTROL EQUIPMENT
