What Are Pesticides?
Pesticides are often assumed to be a bug killer or insecticide. However, pesticides include other products with ingredients designed to destroy, deter or mitigate any type of pest. Pesticide products include not just bug sprays and bug repellents that kill or keep bugs away but also products such as:
- Herbicides that kill unwanted plants
- Mildewcides and fungicides that are effective against mildew
- Fungicides that are designed to kill fungi
- Rodenticides that are used to control rats and mice as well as kill other rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks
- Germicides, such as disinfectants and antiseptics, designed to kill microorganisms
In addition to pesticides that use synthetic chemicals for pest control, you can also find products with natural active ingredients to control fungi, insects, spiders, rodents and weeds for natural pest prevention and control such as:
- Neem oil
- Milky spore
- Diatomaceous earth
- Mineral oil
- Garlic
- Potassium salts of fatty acids
- Ammoniated soap of fatty acids
- Corn gluten
- Essential oils such as lemon grass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, citronella
Look at our Pesticide Buying Guide to learn more about finding the right pesticide for your pest management situation and using the product correctly. See Control Pests Without Chemicals for tips on controlling pests in the lawn and garden without synthetic chemicals.
DIY Pest Control
While pesticides can be effective when used properly, remember that part of DIY pest management is making your home less attractive and less accessible to pests. This can reduce pests and the need for pesticides or an exterminator. Inspect your home and address issues such as:
- Tree branches, shrubbery and other plants that touch your home
- Gaps that rodents, insects and birds can enter
- Poor drainage from the roof and lawn that creates attractive environments for insects
- Clutter in storage buildings and garages that provide shelter for rodents and insects
Some of the steps you can take to keep rats and mice out of your home can be effective against other pests as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you need insect repellent to keep bugs way at a campsite or the best spray for bugs at home, selecting the right kind of pest control can be tricky. Here are some questions that come up frequently while trying to find the right product. Before you apply any kind of pesticide and repellent, read instructions or warning labels carefully as many contain chemicals that could threaten your health.
- I just applied a repellent to my yard. How long will that repellent work?
That depends on what kind of repellent you're using. Most dry, granular repellents will work for two to three months before requiring reapplication. Liquid repellents will require more frequent applications, usually monthly. - Will the repellent I'm using have an odor?
Many of them do. Confusing an animal's sense of smell or mimicking the scent of a predator is a great way to repel pests. However, there are odorless repellents and traps as well. - Can this repellent or pesticide be used indoors?
Some very effective repellents and pesticides are designed for indoor use. That doesn't mean that all will be safe for children, pets and plants. - How long do we need to stay away from an area that's recently been sprayed with pesticide?
The length of time will vary by product, but a safe guideline is to avoid direct contact for at least 24 hours. - I just used a pesticide. How long will that application last?
Many pesticides, like sprays and foggers, dissipate very quickly and require contact with the pest to be effective. Others, like bait traps and strips, can be effective for 90 to 120 days. It just depends on the product you're using. - When's the best time to apply pesticides?
While many bugs are beneficial to your lawn and garden, some choose to spray pesticides to protect their plants. Late-spring applications will last through most of the summer, but it's a good idea to wait until pests are present to use pesticide. - Can bug zappers get wet?
It's best to keep them in places where they won't get wet. If you can't do that, try to turn them off when storms are in the forecast. - Can my bug zapper kill fleas?
No, bug zappers are for larger insects.
How to Get Rid of the Top 10 Pest Insects
Every insect has its weaknesses you can exploit or preventative measures you can take to keep your home, lawn or garden from becoming infested. Use these top tips for the 10 most popular pest insects if you find yourself overrun by any of these bugs.
1. Ants
Although there are more than 20 species of house ants in the United States, most can be eliminated by setting out traps or bait that contains boric acid, which is often listed as orthoboric acid on packaging.
2. Centipedes
Dry out all damp areas in which these leggy critters typically thrive, including garages, porches and basements. Fix any plumbing leaks, seal foundation cracks, and consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
3. Cockroaches
You'll need to break out a chemical control for these resilient bugs. Look for bait or traps that contain boric acid or other chemical poisons.
4. Crickets
Place a strip of duct tape, sticky side up, on the floor near where you hear crickets. The bugs will be attracted and get stuck.
5. Fleas
Although airborne and hopping fleas are annoying, focus on killing flea eggs in carpets and fabrics. Launder all fabric items in hot water, especially pet bedding, rugs, pillow covers, and slip-covers. If laundering doesn't fix the problem, move on to chemical solutions. Bathe pets with flea-killing shampoo and apply a flea-preventing treatment recommended by your veterinarian.
6. Houseflies
Rely on old-fashioned fly swatters and sticky strips. Avoid toxic chemical sprays if possible, but if you choose to use them, follow the directions to the letter.
7. Mosquitoes
Because mosquitoes breed rapidly in standing water, get rid of anything that can collect and hold rain water, and dry out pools of water inside and outside your home. Fill uneven patches of ground in your yard with well-draining top soil.
8. Moths
If you see white moths inside, larvae are probably living elsewhere in your home, eating fabrics and creating "moth holes." Use pheromone traps to catch any flying moths and then kill larvae in fabrics with extreme heat by washing in hot water and drying in a hot dryer, or use extreme cold by putting fabric in the freezer for at least four hours. Store garments alongside cedar accessories or mothballs to prevent future infestations.
9. Spiders
Don't kill spiders, if possible. Although some species, such as black widow and brown recluse, are venomous, the vast majority are beneficial, killing and consuming their weight in other insects daily. Instead:
- Vacuum webs and egg sacs. Shake the vacuum canister outdoors and run water through any removable vacuum hoses. Or wrap the vacuum's filter bag in a plastic garbage sack and discard.
- Capture a spider under an inverted glass and slide a sheet of paper underneath. Carry the trapped spider outside and release it.
10. Termites
Termite infestations are typically in your home's wood structures and deep in the ground that surrounds your home. Seek professional advice as soon as you see a termite or any sign of termite damage, especially weak wood, shed wings and termite tubes.
Bedbugs are small, brown insects that create itchy bug bites. You can find bedbug spray or treatment products that are effective against adults, nymphs and eggs. Look for products that you can use on mattress seams, box springs and bed frames, as well as walls, baseboard crevices and even luggage.
Most insects are harmless. For their sake and everyone's, always use pesticides safely.
Bug Zappers
Bug zappers electrocute flying insects — such as flies and wasps — on a metal grid, reducing the need for aerosol insect killers. You can find bug zappers for indoor use and outdoor use. Most attract insects with ultraviolet (UV) light. You can also find handheld insect zapper rackets that kill flying insects on contact. As with any pest control solution, make sure the device is effective for the kind of insects that are causing problems at your home.
If mosquitoes are a problem, look for optional lures that work with many types of bug zappers to attract mosquitoes to the device.
Pest Prevention
As you move through the process of ridding your home of pests, you may be wondering what steps you can take to keep your home pest-free. So, what is the best way to prevent pest infestation?
Pest prevention means being proactive. There’s no one way to prevent pests from becoming a problem in your home. However, there are things you can do to minimize the chances of pests taking over your home. Below are some pest prevention tips to get you started.
- Remove easy sources of food by closing garbage bags, wiping up crumbs, properly sealing cereal boxes, etc. Store food in airtight containers if possible.
- Regularly sweep and/or vacuum the floors.
- Caulk and seal entry points to the home, including doors, windows, plumbing, dryer vents, etc.
- Repair any broken window frames and/or door screens.
- Clean the home on a regular basis.
- Use a dehumidifier to remove damp areas in the home.
- Remove standing water from your yard.
- Check firewood for insects before bringing it indoors.
- Get rid of clutter.
If you want to know how to keep insects away from the home naturally, here are some methods that may work for you:
- Many essential oils have strong scents which repels some insects. Oils like tea tree, lavender, clove, peppermint and eucalyptus can be diluted with water and sprayed around your home’s entry points, cracks and crevices.
- Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from fossilized algae that’s deadly to insects with an exoskeleton, like stink bugs, roaches, ants, fleas, spiders, flies, etc. Sprinkle it lightly wherever you see pests. Follow the product instructions for application and safety.
- Planting insect-repelling plants and herbs like mint and basil which are effective against flies; lemongrass and citronella which repel mosquitos; rubbing citrus peels along doorways and windowsills will keep spiders and some insects out; as well as catnip, marigolds, rosemary and other herbs.
- Cinnamon or cinnamon sticks are effective against ants and mosquitoes. Sprinkle powder or sticks wherever you want to deter insects.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it on surfaces where you’ve spotted insects. While this may not seem like a preventative measure, you’re breaking the trail, especially when dealing with ants, and preventing other pests from following the trail.
Some plants and herbs that act as mosquito repellents are toxic to pets, including lavender, mint and garlic. Use caution if you have a pet and are considering adding one of these plants or herbs to your landscape. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about the suitability of specific plants.