Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellents Really Work?
November 14, 2024
Pest Control Products and Services: Keeping Pests Out of Your Home 2024
Dealing with pests that invade your home can be frustrating and worrying. Cockroaches, mice, termites, and other unwelcome critters not only damage your property, they also pose health risks for your family. Getting rid of them and keeping them away requires using the right pest control products and professional services. This comprehensive guide covers DIY and professional options to safely, effectively, and affordably manage common household pests.
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4.6
Over 90 years of experience
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Free retreatments if pests return
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4.7
Treats 20 types of pests
Offers instant online quotes
30-day money-back guarantee
Limited Time:
$50 Off First Service (GET50)
Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Products
For minor infestations, many homeowners choose to use readily available do-it-yourself treatment products you can purchase at home improvement stores, superstores, hardware stores, and online. These provide an economical and convenient first line of defense you can deploy on your own schedule. DIY pest control products come in ready-to-use aerosol cans, hose-end sprayers, concentrated solutions you dilute with water, powders, granules, bait traps, and more. The most common active ingredients to look for include:
Insecticide Sprays, Foggers, and Dusts
- Pyrethrins and pyrethroids: These synthetic versions of botanical pyrethrins derived from chrysanthemum flowers work on contact to paralyze and kill insects. Pyrethroids last longer indoors than natural pyrethrins. Look for pyrethroid-based sprays, foggers, and dusts formulated for indoor use against ants, cockroaches, stink bugs, houseflies, spiders, and other household insect pests.
- Carbaryl: This common carbamate insecticide kills insects by inhibiting their nervous systems. Carbaryl products are effective against a wide range of pests. Sevin is one common brand.
- DDVP/Dichlorvos: DDVP insecticide strips and foggers containing dichlorvos work against flying and crawling insects including mosquitoes, wasps, moths, and roaches by inactivating their nervous systems. Use with caution in enclosed spaces.
Our Recommend DIY Product Reviews
Rodenticides
Rodenticides are poisons designed to kill mice, rats, gophers, and other rodents. Look for products containing:
- Bromethalin: Causes central nervous system and respiratory failure in rodents.
- Warfarin: An anticoagulant that causes internal bleeding and death in rodents several days after ingestion.
Use bait stations or placements that minimize the risk of children, pets, or wildlife accessing the bait. Follow all label safety directions carefully.
Insect Growth Regulators
Insect growth regulator (IGR) products like pyriproxyfen and hydroprene disrupt insects' normal development and ability to reproduce. IGRs are effective against fleas, ticks, cockroaches, carpet beetles, and other pests. They often come in combination formulas with insecticides for improved control.
Traps and Repellents
For pest control without insecticides, options include:
- Pheromone traps: Lure pests like clothes moths, beetles, bed bugs, and cockroaches into sticky traps using sex pheromones.
- Glue boards: Mice and insects get stuck on these cardboard trays coated with adhesive. Place where pests travel.
- Electronic traps: Zappers, ultrasonic devices, and other electronic options vary in effectiveness depending on the pest.
- Diatomaceous earth: The sharp edges of this powder made from fossils cut and damage insects' exoskeletons and causes dehydration. Use food-grade D.E.
- Repellents: Catnip, essential oils, smoke, and other natural repellents deter some insect pests.
When using any DIY pest control products, carefully read and follow label directions for effective and safe application. Pay close attention to any protective equipment needed, places to avoid spraying, ventilation requirements, and first aid information. Improper use can harm people, pets, and plants.
Our Recommended Pest Repellents
Professional Pest Control Services
For more severe, extensive, or persistent infestations, it is best to have pest extermination performed by a qualified professional exterminator. Licensed pest control technicians have the necessary training, experience, access to more potent pesticides and fumigants, and application equipment to treat infestations beyond what DIY products can manage. Professional pest control services include:
Inspection
A thorough inspection by an experienced technician is crucial for an effective treatment plan. They will identify exactly what pests you are dealing with and pinpoint their nesting and entry points that need to be addressed. For termites, they may poke around foundations and crawlspaces looking for signs of mud tubes or wood damage.
Sanitation and Exclusion Services
Pest control companies can provide sanitation and home exclusion services along with or prior to chemical treatments to remove food sources and close off pest access. This includes sealing cracks and crevices, installing door sweeps and screens, clearing clutter, trimming overgrown vegetation, and addressing moisture issues like leaks that attract pests.
Conventional Insecticide and Rodenticide Application
Having a professional correctly apply the appropriate pesticides or rodenticides at the necessary concentrations and locations is far more effective than attempting this yourself. They have access to stronger and longer-lasting pesticides and know how to use them safely and effectively based on the specifics of your property and the pests you are dealing with.
Fumigation
For severe termite infestations or pest problems that have spread throughout a structure, fumigation "tents" and seals a home to fill it with a penetrating lethal gas like sulfuryl fluoride. The gas eliminates all pests at every life stage. The home must be vacated during treatment.
Heat Treatments
Some pest control companies can super-heat a home's interior to 130-140°F using propane or electric heating equipment to kill all bed bugs, cockroaches, termites, and other pests through thermal heat exposure without any chemicals. You must leave your home unoccupied for several days for this treatment.
Bait Stations and Traps
Professional pest control plans may utilize bait boxes and traps as part of an integrated pest management strategy. These allow for ongoing, targeted control of specific pests. Rodent bait stations around the exterior can eliminate mice and rats out of structures.
Follow-Up Visits and Monitoring
Reputable pest control technicians schedule follow-up visits to check monitoring traps, listen for rodent activity, and look for any signs of renewed pest activity. They will re-apply treatments promptly if needed until the infestation is fully resolved.
When hiring any pest control company, check that they are licensed in your state. Look for an established local company with training certification and liability insurance. Obtain at least three estimates, ask about their treatment plans and products, and check online reviews. Avoid companies that pressure you to sign an expensive ongoing contract.
Pest Control Costs
Professional pest control does come at a cost. Prices vary depending on the size of your home, the extent of the infestation, and the types of services needed. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 for limited spot treatments to over $1,000 for whole-home termite fumigation or bed bug heat treatments. Get quotes from at least 3 companies to compare rates for the services you need. Some providers offer more affordable monthly or annual pest control service agreements. Make sure you understand exactly what is covered by any contract before signing.
Professional Pest Control Reviews
When selecting a pest control company, it helps to read reviews from other homeowners who have used their services. Reviews give you insights into companies' quality of work, effectiveness at resolving infestations, technician professionalism, pricing, warranties, and more.
Today's Homeowner has compiled pest control services reviews based on customer experiences with top national and local providers. Reviews cover key factors like upfront pricing, thoroughness of inspection and treatment, effectiveness at exterminating issues like termites or bed bugs, customer service responsiveness, and satisfaction guarantees. The pest control services review section provides informative first-hand accounts to aid your search for the right provider.
Our Recommended Pest Control Providers
When you need professional pest control services, two national companies to consider are Terminix and Orkin.
Terminix
With nearly 100 years of experience, Terminix is the largest pest control provider in the United States. They offer comprehensive extermination services for termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, mice, and more. Terminix provides thorough home inspections to identify your specific issues and customized treatment plans. Their technicians are well-trained and stay up to date on the latest products and methods. Terminix services come with satisfaction guarantees. They have a reputation for effective pest elimination with excellent customer service. Their national reach means you can rely on them for consistent service across the country. Read our review of Terminix to learn more.
Orkin
Orkin is another established pest control leader that has been in business since 1901. They are known for their "Orkin Man" technicians performing thorough pest-by-pest treatments. Orkin offers specifically tailored programs for common pests and provides free re-treatments if needed. Their inspectors look for conducive conditions attracting pests in addition to treating active infestations. Orkin emphasizes using a combination of approaches like sanitation, exclusion, traps, and targeted insecticide application for comprehensive control. They have extensive experience managing termites, bed bugs, cockroaches, and other stubborn pest problems. As a national company, Orkin delivers reliable service in locations across the country. Read our review of Orkin to learn more.
Both Terminix and Orkin provide the expertise, in-depth inspections, specialized equipment, and follow-up to address difficult infestation issues. They have the tools and knowledge to eradicate pests and keep them away long-term. When reaching out to pest control companies for quotes, include these two reputable providers in your list of options. If you'd like to compare the two brands offerings please read our Terminix vs. Orkin article.
Our Pick
4.6
Over 90 years of experience
Nationwide service area
Free retreatments if pests return
Limited Time:
Get $50 OFF Pest Control Plan
Best Service Selection
4.7
Treats 20 types of pests
Offers instant online quotes
30-day money-back guarantee
Limited Time:
$50 Off First Service (GET50)
Addressing Specific Pest Problems
Here are some pointers on products and services to use against some of the most common annoying and damaging household pests:
For outdoor ants coming inside, spray perimeter insecticide around foundations and entry points. Use baits with boric acid or microbial poisons that worker ants take back to the colony. Indoors, apply gel baits in cracks along foraging trails. If ants persist, hire a pro to inject insecticide into the nest or use a broadcast bait treatment outdoors.
Some ant species like Carpenter ants can damage wood structural elements in a home. If you see them, get a pest control technician to come inject pesticide into their galleries and nest location. Trim any shrubs or trees touching the house that may provide access. Caulk and seal any exterior cracks ants could enter through.
Catch bed bugs early before they spread and get professional heat treatment if affordable. Otherwise, repeatedly apply targeted sprays, dusts, or diatomaceous earth into crevices on and around the bed. Encase mattresses and box springs. Remove or seal headboards.
Inspect secondhand beds and furniture carefully before bringing them home to avoid importing bed bugs. Do not try to treat bed bugs yourself in adjoining apartments as this often makes the infestation spread. Let the landlord bring in professional bed bug elimination services. Reduce clutter and vacuum frequently to remove potential bed bug hiding spots.
Use boric acid powder and gel baits in kitchen and bathroom cracks and crevices. An insect growth regulator like hydroprene will break their life cycle. Have a pest control technician do professional wall void and crack and crevice spraying if you continually see large roaches.
Fix any water leaks or moisture sources roaches may use. Clean up food spills and crumbs quickly and store food in sealed containers to reduce roach food sources. Traps and boric acid dust around appliance legs, under sinks, and other spots can help control roach populations. Reduce clutter where roaches can hide.
Seal any interior gaps and holes then set snap traps or bait stations. For a serious infestation, a professional exterior perimeter rodenticide treatment may be needed to remove all mice from the structure. Tackle entry points and food sources to keep mice out.
Mice can squeeze through amazingly small openings. Caulk and seal even tiny cracks and holes inside and out. Trim vegetation touching the home. Install weatherstripping around doors. Keep pet food put away and clean up any crumbs or food spills to avoid attracting mice.
Apply pyrethroid insecticide spray to vegetation and areas where mosquitoes rest. Repellents, citronella torches, and screens also help keep mosquitoes at bay. Wear protective clothing when outside. Remove standing water sources on your property.
Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside. Use oscillating fans on patios and porches to deter mosquitoes. Keep grass cut short and trim vegetation back from the house. Mosquito zappers and traps provide some control but have limitations.
Completely eradicating termites requires drilling, soil treatment, wood treatment, and fumigation which pest control professionals are trained to perform. DIY pretreatments and baits have limited effectiveness. Get multiple professional opinions, as treatment costs vary significantly.
Signs of termites include mud tubes on foundations, hollowed wood, swarmers, frass, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Address any wood-to-ground contact around the home. Preventative treatment when pouring concrete or finishing a basement can help avoid future problems.
Trim vegetation back from the house and apply pesticide sprays or granules right along the foundation and areas ticks traverse. Diatomaceous earth and pyrethroid sprays work against ticks in lawns. Do frequent tick checks when outside.
Create a gravel or wood chip buffer between lawns and wooded areas. Mow the lawn frequently and clear tall grasses and brush around the home. Use deer-resistant plants in landscaping. Ask a pest control technician to treat your yard with professional acaricide sprays to reduce ticks.
By assessing the type and extent of pest problem and choosing the right combination of DIY products and professional services, you can eliminate current infestations and prevent recurrence. Safely getting rid of household pests takes vigilance, patience, and persistence.
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