How to get rid of mice and roaches

Whenever you see a mouse, cockroach, bed bug, or another pest in your house, you want it gone and should be done quick but unfortunately, many DIY methods you’ve read about online are ineffective, a waste of money, and even on top of that, seriously dangerous.

Let’s talk about the problems with do-it-yourself pest control and how you can get pests out of your home quickly, safely, and cost effectively.

#1 Do It Yourself METHODS ARE INEFFECTIVE

There are Thousands of Internet articles online that recommend a variety of DIY approaches to pest control; however, the vast majority of these DIY methods are completely ineffective.

For example:

• Spraying peppermint oil to repel mice
• Using mothballs to kill roaches
• Sprinkling baking soda around the house to kill bed bugs

In some cases, well-meaning people are trying to help others, but their information is flawed. When researching pest control online, it’s important to keep in mind that if a DIY method seems too good to be true, it probably is. If someone is promising that a particular spray, essential oil, or kitchen ingredient will “solve all your pest problems,” it won’t. Truly eliminating a pest infestation requires a multi-faceted approach that includes identifying the type of pest, locating its hideouts, eliminating all pests, and preventing them from returning.

#2 Do It Yourself IS MISAPPLIED

Among all of the inaccurate DIY articles on the Internet, there are a few that actually have a grain of truth to them. For example, boric acid will kill cockroaches. When cockroaches walk through boric acid, the powder clings to their body. Later, when the cockroaches groom their legs, the powder is ingested and poisons the cockroach.

In this case, you might be thinking, What’s the problem? It works! But even when the DIY treatment is effective, it’s easy for the average homeowner to misapply it.

Let’s continue with the boric acid example. First, boric acid is easy to apply incorrectly. (Unless it is applied in very, very thin layers, the cockroaches will just walk around it. Boric acid also becomes ineffective when wet.) Second, it’s impossible to apply boric acid everywhere that cockroaches are. Cockroaches can hide just about anywhere in your home—including in your walls. If you don’t apply boric acid where the roaches are, they will continue to multiply.

On top of the problems mentioned above, there is another big issue with DIY treatments for a specific pest: what if the pest you think is in your home is actually a different pest? Most people can identify a cockroach, but it’s not as easy to identify a bed bug or tell the difference between a flying ant and a termite. A DIY treatment that’s effective for one bug won’t be effective for all bugs.

#3 Do It Yourself IS A WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME

We understand that everyone has a budget, and that pest control can seem like it’s too expensive or not worth the money. However, for many homeowners, DIY can actually be more expensive in the long run.

Depending on how long you’ve been trying to do it yourself—the infestation in your home could be much, much worse. As a result, you’ll have to spend even more time getting rid of it.

#4 DIY IS DANGEROUS

On top of all points, here are few DIY treatments that can be so dangerous. Homeowners and their families have been seriously injured and even killed using dangerous DIY pest control methods.

Even seemingly harmless pest control treatments can be dangerous: essential oils can be deadly to pets and harmful to humans if swallowed.

Dangerous DIY treatments should either be avoided at all costs (like using rubbing alcohol) or used only under the supervision of a licensed, experienced professional (like using insecticides or foggers).

It’s so important to do your research, always follow the directions for pest control treatments, and get help from a professional if you find yourself out of your depth. Don’t let a pest problem drive you to risk the health and safety of you and your family.

Final Solution

If your home has an actual infestation of mice, bed bugs, termites, cockroaches, or another stubborn pest, it’s best to have expert help. A professional pest control expert has the experience and knowledge to assess the situation, come up with a treatment plan and follow through to make sure the pests don’t come back.

Wondering how to get rid of rats, mice and other pesky rodents on your own? It’s possible, but you’ll have to stay vigilant to ensure they don’t creep back in once you let your guard down. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the best ways to get rid of rodents on your own.

Method One: Set Traps

Never underestimate the usefulness of a plain old mousetrap when it comes to getting rid of mice and other small rodents. Mouse traps work best when you have a good idea of where the mice are living; perhaps you’ve seen droppings along your baseboards or in your cabinets. Place the traps there to begin with.

Mice don’t travel far, so if you’re seeing signs of mice, there’s a good chance that’s where they’re hanging out. While keeping your traps in the same general area is wise, it’s a good idea to change up their exact location every few days. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common mouse traps.

• Snap Traps: By far the most common type of mouse trap, this type of trap uses a trigger that causes a bar to snap down and catch the mouse. While simple, this type of mouse trap can be extremely effective, especially if you have a mild to moderate mouse problem.
• Sticky Traps: These large, adhesive pads contain glue that immediately adheres to a rodent’s foot once they step on them. The bad news with sticky traps is that you’ll be responsible for disposing of or killing anything you catch. Note that sticky traps may not be strong enough to trap large rodents like rats or possum.
• Electric Traps: These mouse traps lure mice into an enclosed chamber before shocking them with electric shocks. While fatal for mice and other small rodents, these traps are safe for children, and make a good alternative to poisons.

Method Two: Get a Cat

Everyone knows that cats and mice are sworn enemies, and that can come in handy when it comes to getting rid of rodents. Adding a cat to your home can not only help assuage a current rodent problem, but is a great way to prevent future infestations as well. While any cat will do, barn cats or cats that have grown up as predominantly outdoor cats are typically the best hunters.

Method Three: Use Essential Oils

Looking for a very natural method for how to get rid of mice? It doesn’t get any more chemical-free than essential oils. Pungent, strongly scented oils like tea tree, eucalyptus and peppermint are your best bet. According to the Wildlife Informer site, “The intense menthol smell covers up the pheromone trails mice use to navigate, and irritates their noses.”

Try mixing about 10 drops of essential oil with a cup of water, then spraying the mixture along baseboards and door jams. For maximum effectiveness, this method should be combined with another method, like setting traps for the mice.

WARNING: If you have other pets in your house, we recommend avoiding using essential oils, or at the very least talking with your vet before going forward, to ensure the safety of your pets.

Method Four: Use Bait Stations

Professional mice and rodent exterminators use bait stations alongside traps when getting rid of mice and rats. A bait station is an enclosed box, often plastic, that contains rodent killer inside. The poison is covered so as to be safe for kids and pets, but is very effective at killing rodents. You can use bait stations alone or with any of the other methods listed above.

Your Home. Your Decisions. Our Support.

Get expert advice on your home, design tips, how much to pay for pros and hiring experts, delivered to you daily.

{{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }}

Thanks & Welcome to the Forbes Home Improvement Community!

{{ newsletterState.emailErrorMsg }}

I agree to receive the Forbes Home newsletter via e-mail. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information and details on how to opt out.

Is it worse to have mice or roaches?

Why do I have mice and roaches?

Can roaches and mice coexist?

What is the number one way to get rid of mice?