Living in an older house is a unique experience. You get to enjoy the character of a vintage home while also encountering some headaches, such as pest problems. While these can be daunting, there are ways to combat your pest problem that don’t involve calling in an exterminator. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the best DIY solutions for dealing with a pest problem in an old house. We will also discuss what to do if the issue persists, and you need to call in a professional. So if you’re living in an old house and have a pest problem, read on!

1) Identify Pest Type

The first step is to identify the type of pest you are dealing with. This will help you determine which solution will be most effective in eliminating the problem. Common pests in older homes include ants, termites, cockroaches, rodents, and bedbugs. So if you want to get rid of termites, you’ll need a different solution than if you were trying to get rid of mice. Once you have identified the type of pest you are dealing with, you can look up specific solutions for that pest.

2) Remove Food Sources

Removing food sources is among the most effective ways to prevent and get rid of pests. This means thoroughly inspecting your home for any potential food sources that the pest can access. Secure containers with airtight seals, including those holding pet food or human foods like cereal and chips, as these often attract mice and other rodents. Make sure there are no leaks from plumbing fixtures, trash cans, or pipes that could be providing a water source for pests. And lastly, make sure there are no crumbs or other leftovers lying around that could draw pests in.

3) Exclusion Tactics

Exclusion tactics involve sealing off entry points in order to keep out pests. This includes closing up any openings such as cracks in walls and foundations, gaps under doors and windows, and unsealed vents. Inspect the exterior of the home for any possible entry points, such as loose shingles or broken window screens. By sealing off these openings you will drastically reduce the likelihood that pests can enter your home.

4) Traps and Baits

If exclusion tactics are not enough to keep out pests, traps and baits may be necessary. Traps come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different types of pests, so it’s important to choose one designed specifically for the pest you have identified. Additionally, bait should also be chosen based on the type of pest you are dealing with. When using traps and baits it is best to place them in areas where they are likely to be encountered by the pest, such as entry points or areas near food sources.

5) Professional Exterminator

If your DIY solutions are not enough to deal with your pest problem, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator. An experienced exterminator will be able to identify the type of pest you have and provide tailored treatments that can get rid of them quickly and effectively. They will also be able to inform you of additional steps you can take in order to prevent pests from getting into your home in the future. Furthermore, they will be able to provide advice on how to maintain a pest-free home for the long term. For instance, they may recommend having your home treated for termites every few years. 

6) Maintenance

Finally, once you have dealt with your pest problem it is important to take steps to maintain a pest-free home. This means continuing the exclusion tactics and keeping food sources secured in airtight containers. Additionally, regularly inspect your home for any entry points that could be providing access for pests as well as traps or baits to ensure they are functioning properly. You should conduct regular maintenance to ensure that your home is properly protected and any pests that enter are quickly eliminated. Taking these steps will help keep your home free of any future pest invasions.

Although dealing with a pest issue can be stressful, there are many DIY solutions that you can use before calling in an exterminator. Identifying the type of pest you have, removing food sources, exclusion tactics, traps and baits, and regular maintenance are all effective ways to get rid of pests. With the right knowledge and tools, you can eliminate any pest issue you may have in your home!

We hope this guide has provided you with some useful information to help you tackle your pest problem. Good luck!