DIY Pest Control

Alternative solutions to everyday pest issues

At-Home Mini IPM Plan

What is IPM? IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management, a science-based approach to managing pests that uses a combination of techniques and strategies:

  • Prevention: Don't attract pests, and keep them out of your home

  • Reduction: Use the safest and most effective methods to get rid of pests

  • Elimination: Remove the conditions that lead to pest infestations 

Indoor environments can attract a variety of pests into your home. You can make your home a little less appealing to uninvited pests by using IPM and using pesticides only as a last resort.

Make Your Home Less Welcoming to Pests

  • Close up the entrances and exits – Closing up your house is one of the best ways to keep pests out. Check near windows, doors, and piping for small holes or cracks where pests can enter.

  • Remove clutter around the home – A little clutter may not attract pests, but it provides places to hide.

  • Find and eliminate possible food sources – Store food for people and pets in sealed containers.  Pests, such as moths, are also attracted to dried grains and legumes if not properly stored in a sealed container. Fit the garbage can with a tight lid. Repair faucet leaks to prevent conditions that can attract pests.

  • Keep humidity relatively low – Less moisture in the air can reduce mold and other pests.

  • Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly – Regular vacuuming can clean up any crumbs/food, bugs, and eggs that you may not see.

  • Inspect and clean items before bringing them into your home – Used furniture, rugs, and clothing can bring in bug hitchhikers.

DIY Chemical Alternatives for Insects

Aphid Repellant

Essential Oils DIY:

  • Mix 10 drops of peppermint, thyme, and rosemary oil with water in a spray bottle.

  • Spray mixture around your garden to repel (not kill) aphids.

Homemade Insecticidal Soaps:

  • Mix 1 cup of vegetable oil with 1 tablespoon of liquid soap.

  • To apply the soap, mix 2 tablespoods of the oil and soap mixture with 1 quart of water and shake.

  • Spray directly on the affected plants but avoid spraying during the heat of the day.

Wasp Repellant

DIY Traps/Deterrants:

  • Take a large empty soda bottle, remove the cap, fill the bottom of the bottle with a mixture of soda or fruit juice with liquid soap. Turn the bottle upside down with the top back on and hang in your yard.

  • Wasps are repelled by clove, geranium, and lemongrass essential oils.

  • Mix a couple drops of each of the essential oils in a spray bottle mixed with a few tablespoons of dish soap and fill the rest of the bottle up with water. Spray on any wasp nests or any spots where there have been nests in the past.

  • Set up bait traps that use sugary liquids or meat to lure wasps. You can also set up light traps that use UV lights to attract wasps.

  • Place these traps where the wasps are most active but away from where people may be or any outdoor living spaces.

Mosquito Repellant

  • Place a few drops of peppermint oil in a shallow dish of water.

  • Place in the room where mosquito deterrent is needed.

Spider and Ant Repellant

  • Mix about 5-7 drops of peppermint oil and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle filled with warm water and shake well.

  • Spray along windows, doors, and other places you might find spiders or ants.

DIY Chemical Alternatives for Insects (PDF)

DIY Chemical Alternatives for Weeds

DIY Herbicidal Spray

  • Vinegar's active ingredient is acetic acid. Acetic acids kills the weed from the top down.

  • Mix 1 gallon of vinegar with 1 quart of water and 1 ounce of dish soap, then funnel into a spray bottle.

  • For a stronger mixture, add 1 cup of salt to the formula. Note that salt will have a longer lasting impact on the soil and may affect the roots of other plants nearby.

  • On a dry day, apply mixture only on plants that you do not want. The spray will draw out the moisture of any plant that it comes in contact with.

  • If the mixture is too strong, add more water. If the mixture is not strong enough, reduce the amount of water. Please be mindful of the plants and animals around when determining what strength is best.

  • Rake and dig out the weeds to dispose of them outside of your yard in the proper receptacles.

DIY Chemical Alternatives for Weeds (PDF)

“In terms of household cleaners, neither ingredients nor products must meet any sort of safety standard, nor is any testing data or notification required before bringing a product to market.”
— Rebecca Sutton, PhD, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group