Pest Control Tips: How to Avoid Pests Around Your Home

Ever since working-from-home started, people gave more attention to their households. From room makeovers to home tech upgrades, we're making sure that we are surrounded by things that make everyday life a little bit easier and more comfortable for us.

One of the things my family gave attention to earlier this year is pest control. Cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes and ants not only damage properties, but they are also carriers of germs and diseases. We tried a professional pest control service, but for the meantime we're trying to avoid letting in other people inside the house. 

In case you're dealing with pests at home, here are measures that you can take aside from calling for professional help:

1. If you're a plantito / plantita, try growing plants and herbs that repel pests! Here are some of these natural mosquito repellents that you can put in a pot and spread around your home: Citronella, mint, lemongrass, rosemary, basil, and flowers such as marigold, lavender, and calendula. This page listed 12 plants that can be used as natural mosquito repellent. 

2. Double check all your screens. We've always had these nets as barriers on our windows and swinging doors to prevent house flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and other pests from coming inside the house. If there are holes and small tears, repair or replace them as soon as possible. Also, check on those small, unsealed gaps around your doors or electrical line pipes. Preventing pests from coming inside your home is still the best solution!

3. Make your own mosquito traps. You can actually create this simple but effective ovitrap (or "egg trap") using things you already have at home. These traps stop mosquitoes by targeting their source. If you want to make one, check the instructions for an ovitrap here. This is safe even for pet owners, as ovitraps do not contain dangerous poisons to rid mosquitoes. 

4. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so make sure to eliminate places in your yard where water can collect. Check trash can lids, empty pots and buckets. Places to check: pool / inflatables, old tires, roof gutters, fountains, bird baths.

5. Aside from plants, you can also use their oil alternatives to repel insects like fleas and mosquitoes. Light those citronella candles, or use oils such as lavender, lemon eucalyptus, or lemongrass on your diffusers. You can also make your own DIY bug sprays using some of these oils and other accessible ingredients found on every kitchen.

These are just some measures that you can apply to your own homes to ensure the safety of your family. At the end of the day, make sure to keep your house clean and well-maintained inside and out. By having general cleanups, you can avoid pests before they become a problem.