Are you bothered by the presence of insects in your house? Sometimes, insects will multiply so that the number increases. Oftentimes, killing and exterminating insects is quite scary. Fortunately, there are several ways to control and eradicate insects from your home.
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Method 1 of 4: Killing Insects by Crushing Them
Step 1. Find the insect
Some insects roam in open spaces and are easy to find. However, some insects, such as cockroaches, are nocturnal animals that generally roam in dark and enclosed places. If you want to get rid of a specific insect species, find out where the insects usually live. Start looking for insects in the kitchen. Insects love the smell of food. Therefore, make sure the food is stored in a safe place for the next few days.
Step 2. Find objects that can be used to kill insects
Once the bug is found, you need an object to hit and kill it. Newspapers, cardboard, books, or fly swatters are objects commonly used to kill insects. Roll up the newspaper or grip the fly swatter until it is comfortable. Place the swatter 30 cm above the insect. Alternatively, if the bug is on the floor, you can step on it to death. Make sure you wear shoes with strong soles.
Step 3. Hit the insects
Approach the insect and then beat it with a newspaper or bug swatter until it dies. If using your feet, step on the insect with the center of the sole of the shoe. Make sure your movements are fast and steady. Most insects, such as flies, are very sensitive to their surroundings, and will immediately move when threatened. Therefore, it is important that you kill the insects quickly!
Step 4. Clean the insect carcasses
You must clean the carcass of insects after killing them. You can use a napkin or tissue to clean the insect carcass. After the carcass is removed, use a cleaner like Mr. Clean to wipe the surface where insects are killed.
Method 2 of 4: Using Insect Sprays or Remedy
Step 1. Use bug spray
One effective way to kill insects is to use bug spray. Insect sprays, such as Hit, can kill a wide variety of insect species effectively. You can buy bug spray at your nearest pharmacy or convenience store. Insect spray can be used to directly kill insects. In addition, this tool can be sprayed into crevices, windows and doors, or places where insects usually enter the house.
- To use bug spray, place it about 50 cm from the insect, then spray until the insect is dead.
- If you are going to kill a strong insect, such as a cockroach, bug spray will not be enough. Once sprayed, the best way to kill the insect is to hit it with a book or other hard object. This is done to make sure the insect is completely dead.
Step 2. Use essential oils to prevent and kill insects
While commercial bug sprays are quite effective, some people prefer to use natural bug sprays that are safe for humans, especially for spraying large areas. Insects such as cockroaches, termites, and ants can be repelled using pungent odors and essential oils.
- Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil can repel or even kill insects.
- To make an essential oil spray, mix 6-10 drops of essential oil, 60 ml of water, and 60 ml of vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray in the kitchen or around windows to repel insects.
Step 3. Use natural pesticides
Natural pesticides are powerful and safe insect repellents for humans. Buy natural pesticides containing citrus oil at the nearest store.
- To make your own at home, mix 5% orange oil with 95% water or 10% orange oil with 90% water (not an orange-based cleanser) in a small spray bottle.
- Spray an orange oil-based pesticide directly on the insects or around the areas they inhabit. This pesticide is effective in killing single insects or colonies.
Step 4. Use boric acid powder
Boric acid is one of the natural ingredients that can kill insects and is safe for humans. You can buy boric acid at your nearest pharmacy and home supply store. To apply, sprinkle boric acid around the refrigerator, stove, or other places where insects pass. The powder will stick to the legs or body of the insect when it is passed. When insects clean their bodies, boric acid powder will be swallowed. Insects will die from consuming boric acid.
Step 5. Use diatomaceous earth
One of the organic products that are safe for human consumption is diatomaceous earth (not calcined). Diatomaceous earth is an absorbent abrasive that can dehydrate insects and die. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in kitchens and places where insects live.
Method 3 of 4: Using Insect Traps
Step 1. Use insect trap glue
Glue traps are quite effective at getting rid of insects. Glue traps generally emit an odor that can attract insects. Insects that are trapped will stick to it and die. Apply this glue in the kitchen or any place inhabited by insects. Leave the trap for a few days and then check for trapped insects.
Step 2. Use a vinegar trap
Vinegar traps can effectively kill fruit flies. To make it, pour vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a bottle (you don't need too much). After opening the bottle cap, cover the bottle cap with plastic and tie it with rubber. Use a toothpick to punch holes in the plastic. The smell of vinegar will attract flies. The fly will enter through the plastic hole and drown or cannot get out of the bottle.
Step 3. Use specially designed traps to kill certain insects
Borma or other department stores sell a variety of traps specifically designed to kill certain insects, such as wasps and stink bugs. If there are insects that are difficult to kill in your home, buy a trap made specifically for fishing and killing them.
Method 4 of 4: Stopping the Insect Outbreak
Step 1. Eliminate insect-infested areas
Sometimes, insects can attack in large numbers. A swarm of insects can invade and take over furniture or areas of your home. To counter this problem, eradication will be more effective if targeted at areas inhabited by insects and their larvae.
- A swarm of fleas usually lives on the carpet. If there is an outbreak of fleas in your home, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet. After use, remove dust and fleas that have been sucked out of the house.
- Bed bugs usually attack bedding and mattresses. To kill it, buy bed bugs specifically for bed bugs. You can find these sheets at the nearest convenience store. Apart from being a preventative, these sheets can also isolate bed bugs and kill them.
- There are several species of insects that attack plants and become plagues. To prevent insects from attacking your plants, you can use sterile soil instead of regular soil and remove dead leaves and stems. When a swarm of insects begins to attack a plant, the best method of getting rid of it will depend on the species of the insect. Use a magnifying glass to identify the insect species that are attacking your plants. Most insects can be eradicated using an insecticide spray. Purchase and use an insecticidal spray on your plants.
Step 2. Clean your furniture and home
After removing the insect-infested area, it is important that you clean the surrounding area and any objects that the insects have touched. Even if all the insects are dead, some may be able to escape and spread to other areas. These spreading insects can multiply and return to being a plague.
- After the area is cleaned, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the area around it. Clean carpets, sofas, chairs, and other soft objects. After using the vacuum cleaner, make sure that the dust and insects that are sucked in are removed from the house.
- Wash and dry clothes. This is a very important step because bed bugs often live and spread on your clothes. To kill it, wash all clothes and dry for 30 minutes on high heat.
- Bathe your pet. Insects, such as fleas, usually live on pet dander. You can get rid of fleas by combing your pet with a brush, and washing and drying their bedding.
Step 3. Use an insect repellent smoke bomb
This smoke bomb can kill insects by spreading pesticide fumes over certain areas. Since insect repellent smoke bombs are not good for human health and toxic to insects, this method should be used as a last resort. Follow the directions for use on the label and use it in a well-ventilated area.
Tips
- Prevention is the best way to keep insect pests away from your home. Keeping the house clean is the most effective way to keep insects out. Clean the house (especially the kitchen) and make sure there is no food, not even sugar, on the kitchen table. Remove accumulated trash and remove overripe fruit. This method can prevent insects from coming in the future.
- You don't have to kill every insect. If there's only one insect and you're not too uncomfortable, it can be caught.
- If you have followed this guide but still fail, contact a professional for help. There are many services that can eradicate insect plague. If you are feeling stressed and the insect problem is out of control, the best option is to contact a pest control service.
Warning
- Orange oil is not toxic to humans, but like other essential oils, don't ingest it or get it in your eyes. Don't inhale the oil for too long and make sure there is good ventilation in the room you're living in.
- Insects that do not sting (flies, fleas, and mosquitoes) can spread quite dangerous diseases (bacteria/viruses, fever, malaria, Lyme disease, sleeping sickness, etc.) Some of these diseases are usually found in the tropics. Recognize the health risks caused by pests in your home and consult your doctor if you have any complaints.
