 All homes are subject to infiltration of insects and rodents. The most common visitors are ants, roaches, mice, and rats. Nobody likes to talk about any of these or even admit that such unwelcome visitors have even been guests. Depending on property location and age it may be a fact of life. Fear not, the expense of an exterminator is not always warranted because there are home remedies. Here are a few that are low cost and toxicity:
Ants Most people make the mistake and use sprays, liquids and traps where the ants are seen inside the house. The liquid ant traps are very effective but they are best placed outside, directly beneath the window or wherever they are seen coming in inside. I struggled with ants for months and out of exasperation placed the trap outside at the foundation and the ants disappeared the next day! Roaches These are ugly robust creatures but they can be kept at bay using one of many recipes found on-line using Borax. Borax is a wonderful low toxicity product. Simply mix equal amounts of sugar and borax and sprinkle sparingly in the corners near water supplies (under the sink). Adding a little flower and water to make a paste creates dough balls that can be set on counter tops or under refrigerators (roaches like the hum of the compressor transformer). Water the balls periodically to keep pliable. City dwellers are often plagued by these and the most effective way to treat them is to call a professional to treat the entire row of townhomes at one time. After treatment wash all your clothes to rid the eggs that might be attached. Also vacuum the carpets regularly and throw out the bag. Mice Mice are typical visitors at seasonal weather changes, but once inside they may set up baby hospitals! The key is a two-step process: Block entrances from the outside and trap those living inside. If you can see light under or around the door then that is a possible entrance. First replace the worn door sweeps, thresholds, and door weather-stripping. Also look for holes in the exterior walls. Caulk around hose bibs, broken bricks, rotting doorjambs. Dryer vents not connected to a dryer are also entry points. Inside, use old-fashion traps. Bait with peanut butter and place the trap in a corner of the room or along a wall (mice are corner runners). Place a 2x4 block along the long side of the trap so the mouse must approach the trap from only one end and then step on the paddle to reach the bait. Rats Ugly is their middle name. Keep your trashcan lids on tight and tie the can to a fence so the rats can’t push it over (they are smart!). Also keep the grass cut short. Bait the yard with poison (not for yards with pets or children) or use bait houses. If they persist call a professional. All of these are easy inexpensive safeguards or tools against these visitors. The key is to deny them what they want: Easy food and water or shelter. 77th Meridian, LLC manages residential property in Anne Arundel and surrounding counties, and parts of Baltimore City for a monthly fee of 7.7% of the collected rent. Why pay the 10% others charge? We save you TIME and WORRY. . . . |
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