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Looking for effective pest control methods? Our comprehensive guide covers every type there is, plus the pros and cons of professional versus DIY pest control.
ByStephanie Koncewicz01/14/2024
Are you tired of dealing with pest problems in your home or garden? Whether it’s a swarm of aphids, a co*ckroach infestation, or a termite colony, pests can be a nuisance and a health hazard. Before you reach for pesticides or call a professional pest control service, it’s important to understand the types of pest control methods available and what each is best suited for.
In this article, the This Old House Reviews Team will guide you through the world of pest control and provide an overview of the most common techniques for managing pest populations. Whether you’re a DIYer looking for natural solutions or a homeowner needing professional services, we’ll help you decide on the best way to tackle your pest problem.
Natural Pest Control Methods
If you want an eco-friendly, humane, and sustainable approach to pest control, natural methods are the way to go. These methods rely on preventative measures and nontoxic solutions to keep pests at bay rather than sprays and traps. Here are a few options to consider.
Keeping your home clean and tidy is a simple yet effective way to discourage pests from entering and multiplying. Be sure to regularly clean and sanitize your kitchen, dispose of food waste properly, and store food in airtight containers. This can help deter common pests, including co*ckroaches, ants, and rodents, by making your home less hospitable for them. Maintaining a clutter-free environment can also help prevent pests from hiding and breeding in piles of clutter.
Seal any cracks or holes in your walls, floors, and foundation to prevent pests from entering your home. Repair leaks and remove standing water to avoid attracting mosquitos, roaches, and other water-loving insects.
Encouraging the presence of natural predators in your garden can help control pest populations. For example, ladybugs and praying mantises are natural enemies of aphids and other common garden pests. You can attract these beneficial insects by planting flowers and herbs that provide nectar and pollen.
Biological Pest Control Methods
Biological pest control methods utilize living organisms to control pest populations. These methods rely on introducing natural enemies or pathogens to the pest population, which can help reduce their numbers. Here are some examples.
Predators
As mentioned earlier, the presence of natural enemies in your garden can be an effective way to control pest populations. In a residential context, it’s best to focus on predators native to your area and encourage their presence rather than actively introduce them. Otherwise, you may create a new problem, such as introducing an invasive species.
Below are a few predators that help keep pest populations in check. Next to each one, we have listed examples of its natural prey:
- Bats: Mosquitos, moths, and other flying insects
- Birds: Caterpillars, beetles, and other insects
- Frogs and toads: Flies, mosquitos, and other insects
- Lacewings: Aphids, whiteflies, mites, and thrips
- Ladybugs: Aphids, whiteflies, mites, and scale insects
- Nematodes: Grubs, weevils, and other soil-dwelling pests
- Parasitic wasps: Caterpillars, beetles, and flies
- Praying mantises: Flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and caterpillars
- Snakes: Rodents and other small mammals
Make sure that any snakes you see on your property are of a nonvenomous variety, such as garter snakes and king snakes. The best bird species for insect control include chickadees, bluebirds, goldfinches, sparrows, swallows, titmice, and wrens. Owls, meanwhile, prey on rodents and other small mammals.
Pathogens
Certain microorganisms can be used to control pest populations. Bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is one example. Bt produces a protein that is toxic to certain pest insects, including caterpillars, when ingested. However, Bt generally does not harm humans, mammals, and non-target insects.
Physical Pest Control Methods
Physical pest control methods use traps or physical barriers to prevent or capture pests. These methods are often non-toxic and can be effective for small-scale pest problems. We’ve listed a few examples below.
Insect and rodent traps can be used to capture and monitor pest populations. For example, sticky traps can be used to capture flies and other flying insects, while pheromone traps can be used to capture moths or other insects attracted to a specific scent.
Physical barriers can prevent pests from entering your home or garden. Here are a few barrier types:
- Copper tape: Place copper tape around the base of garden plants to deter slugs and snails.
- Fencing: Use netting or fencing to protect plants from birds or other wildlife that may feed on them.
- Mesh screens: Install mesh screens on windows and doors to keep flying insects outside.
- Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulking or weatherstripping.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms. It can be sprinkled around the perimeter of your home and garden to act as a physical barrier. It works by physically dehydrating and damaging the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to die. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is not toxic to humans or pets when used properly. However, it can irritate the lungs if inhaled in large amounts.
Heat treatment can be a highly effective pest control method, particularly for bed bug infestations. This method involves heating the affected area to a temperature that is lethal to pests, usually around 120–140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Chemical Pest Control Methods
Chemical pest control methods involve using synthetic or natural compounds to kill or repel pests. While these methods can be effective, they may also negatively impact the environment and human health. Here are a few examples of chemical pest control methods.
Chemical Pesticides
Chemical pesticides are one of the most common forms of pest control. They work by targeting specific pests and disrupting their nervous systems, killing them or preventing them from reproducing. However, some pesticides can also harm beneficial insects and may leave harmful residues in the environment.
Fumigation
Fumigation involves sealing off an area and releasing a toxic gas to kill pests. This method is often used to control termite infestations, but it can be used to control other pests in homes and buildings. Fumigation can be dangerous if not done properly, and it may also leave behind harmful residues.
Rodenticides
Rodenticides are chemicals used to kill rodents, such as rats and mice. These chemicals can be highly toxic and can harm other animals if not used properly. They can also pose a risk to human health if ingested or inhaled.
Other Pest Control Methods
In addition to those outlined above, several other pest control methods can be effective for specific pests or situations. Here are some examples.
Repellents are substances that are applied to surfaces or clothing to repel pests. They work by creating an unpleasant odor, taste, or sensation for the pest, which in turn causes them to avoid the treated area. There are a variety of natural and synthetic repellents available for different pests, from essential oils such as peppermint and citronella to chemical repellents such as DEET.
Trap cropping involves planting a sacrificial crop that attracts pests away from the main crop. For example, you might plant marigolds around a vegetable garden to attract aphids away from the vegetables.
Cultural control involves modifying the environment or human practices to prevent pests from infesting crops or homes. For instance, you can choose pest-resistant plant varieties to reduce the need for other pest control measures and use soil-management techniques to reduce the risk of soil-borne pests.
Mechanical devices range from fly swatters to ultrasonic devices, bug zappers, and electronic repellents. Vacuuming can also be used as a form of mechanical pest control to remove pests from carpets and furniture.
Herbicides are chemicals used to kill weeds. While they are not typically used for pest control, they can help indirectly by controlling the weeds that provide a habitat for pests.
DIY vs. Professional Pest Control
You have two main pest control options: DIY or professional. While DIY methods can be effective for prevention and smaller, less urgent pest problems, larger infestations may require the help of a professional pest control service.
To help you decide which approach is right for you, we’ve listed the pros and cons of each approach, as well as which pest control methods are best for DIY versus professional use.
Professional Methods
Hiring a professional pest control company offers several advantages. Experienced exterminators have the training to identify the type of pest problem, locate the source of the infestation, and determine the most effective treatment method. They also have access to powerful, professional-grade products unavailable to the average homeowner.
Most professional pest control companies use an integrated pest management approach that combines multiple methods to address the root cause of the pest problem and prevent future infestations. They may also guarantee their work, providing peace of mind.
However, there are some potential downsides to using professional services, including the cost and potential chemical exposure. Professional pest control costs significantly more than DIY methods, particularly if your situation requires ongoing treatment. Additionally, some pest control companies use products that may pose risks to human health, pets, or the environment if not used properly.
QUICK Tip
Chemical treatments, including fumigation, should only be used by trained professionals. Heat treatments are also best left to the professionals.
DIY Methods
DIY pest control methods can be effective for smaller pest problems and are generally more affordable than professional services. DIY approaches allow you to take action on your own schedule without having to wait for an appointment. Because DIY pest control solutions are meant to be used by regular homeowners—many of whom have pets and children—they tend to be safer and simpler than professional methods.
However, DIY pest control is not without its drawbacks. DIY methods may not be effective for large or persistent problems, and they may only provide temporary relief. Some DIY pest control methods may risk human health or the environment if used improperly.
Traps, physical barriers, and good hygiene are the best options for DIYers. Nontoxic repellents and diatomaceous earth can also work well.
Our Conclusion
Pest control is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy and safe home environment. Natural and biological pest control methods use non-toxic, environmentally friendly means to prevent and control pests. Physical and chemical methods involve using physical barriers or chemical products to eliminate pests. Other methods, such as repellents, can also be effective.
Remember, some infestations require the help of a reputable pest control service. If DIY methods do not seem to be working, it’s time to call in a professional. Be sure to research and gather quotes from multiple companies before deciding which to hire.
FAQ About Pest Control Methods
What is the best method for pest control?
The best method for pest control is typically integrated pest management (IPM), which combines various physical, biological, and chemical methods for a tailored approach. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), IPM involves the following:
- Monitoring and identifying pests
- Taking control measures as needed
- Preventing pest problems
- Regularly evaluating the effectiveness
What are the three basic ways to control pests?
The three basic ways to control pests are through chemical, physical, or biological solutions. Here are a few examples of each method:
- Biological: Natural predators and pathogens
- Chemical: Pesticides, fumigation, and rodenticides
- Physical: Barriers, traps, diatomaceous earth, and heat treatment
What is the most common pest control method?
Chemical pest control is often cited as the most common pest control method due to the widespread use of pesticides. However, the use of traps, repellents, and physical barriers is also common.
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Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our pest control recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. We review pest control plans, navigate the provider website, speak with customer service representatives by phone and online chat (if available), request quotes, and analyze customer reviews for each provider. We then score the provider against our review standards for plans and services, reputation and customer responses, customer service offerings, workmanship guarantees, financing, and availability to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
