What’s the Best Way to Deal With Pest Infestations When You’re Selling a House?

If you’re a homeowner who’s interested in selling their home, realtors and inspectors alike would advise that you only sell your home once you’ve achieved pest-free status. Most homeowners assume that chemical-based pesticides are preferred in a successful pest control strategy, as they ensure that the house is completely 100% pest-free. 

Despite their potency, these chemical-based pesticides can be harmful and toxic to your loved ones if they accidentally ingest these solutions. If young children are living in your home, health experts recommend that you opt for natural options like essential oils that won’t lead to accidental contaminations. 

To learn more about how to deal with pest infestations, talk to a local pest control expert like this. If you’re competing in the tug of war between natural and chemical-based pest control solutions, you’ll need to research the best methods for eliminating pests in your home. As you conduct research, you should account for your household’s unique needs. 

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are widely-known as vectors of disease that thrive in unsanitary conditions. Different products can come in handy when exterminating cockroaches, but they may be too toxic for the young children running around your home. 

The most natural and affordable pest control method is mixing a chopped onion and baking soda. Once the baking soda and the chopped onion are combined, you should apply this mixture in the dark corners of the home. The procedure should be repeated daily. Over time, you may start to notice a decline in cockroaches. 

Garden pests

Some of the common garden pests homeowners suffer from include spider mites and aphids. These garden pests can damage your garden and soil the aesthetic appeal of your bountiful flower garden. 

While some chemical-based pesticides might come in handy in your pest control strategy, they may inflict unnecessary harm on your delicate plant life. For a more natural approach, you can mix half a cup of garlic and hot pepper. Blend both ingredients until they form a thick paste. Once a paste has developed, add about a half a liter of warm water. Allow the mixture to settle for at least 24 hours upon completion. After these 24 hours, strain the mixture, and spray it directly on your plants. 

If you own a lawn or a small garden, the potential buyer will be pleased to know there are no garden pests wreaking havoc on your tomato plants or daffodils. When caring for an investment property, the aesthetic appeal of your garden should be a top priority. 

Spiders

There are a variety of different spider species that can infest your home. Some of these spiders may be poisonous, reemphasizing the importance of thorough pest control. As a homeowner, you should focus on ensuring that there are no spiders in the house before you sell your home. If a potential buyer spots a recognizably-poisonous breed of spider, they may back-out of their offer. 

Despite your best efforts, natural repellents might fail to eradicate existing spiders. Nevertheless, these natural methods will still ward off spiders due to their strong, repelling scents. 

For optimal results, a homeowner should mix liquid detergent, peppermint oil, and some water. Shake the mixture well, and spray it on the affected areas at least once a week. The spiders will scurry away at the first whiff of these potent detergents and oils. If you don’t have access to peppermint oil, you can opt for lavender or eucalyptus oil, instead. 

Ants

Ants can appear from any number of places around your home. These household pests can sneak around your home using unsealed entry points such as cracks, holes, and crevices. 

If ants have invaded your kitchen, you can sprinkle cinnamon on these unsealed entries to minimize the spread of bacteria-transmitting ant colonies. The smell of this cinnamon powder repels ants, so they seek refuge elsewhere.

To ward off ants, apply the cinnamon along entryways that funnel ants from one place to another. You can also add some essential oils to combine the pest-fighting effects of cinnamon with the repelling scent of cinnamon powder. 

The only downside of natural pest control methods is the unpleasant scent that may linger around the house. Before showings, light a candle or spray an air freshener to mask these potent scents. When your home is filled with an inviting scent, you’ll be able to attract potential buyers in no time. If you’re able to declare a pest-free state, the value of your property will skyrocket. Remember, no buyer wants to purchase a home with a laundry list of to-dos. They’re looking for a move-in-ready home equipped with all the bells and whistles.