What Actually Works to Keep Bugs Away? Proven Pest Control Tips

Seal entry points – Use caulk, weather stripping, and mesh screens to block pests from getting inside.

Keep your home clean – Wipe surfaces, store food properly, and take out the trash regularly to avoid attracting bugs.

Eliminate moisture – Fix leaks and reduce humidity to prevent roaches, termites, and mosquitoes from thriving.

Use proven natural repellents – Cedarwood oil, vinegar sprays, citrus peels, and diatomaceous earth can help deter pests.

Maintain your yard – Trim bushes, remove standing water, secure trash bins, and keep firewood away from your home.

Know what does not work – Avoid relying on mothballs, ultrasonic repellents, and other ineffective pest control myths.

Call the professionals when needed – Forterra Pest Control provides expert, eco-friendly pest control solutions with guaranteed results.

No one likes unexpected guests, especially the kind with six legs and a knack for ruining your day. Whether it is ants marching across your kitchen counter, mosquitoes turning your backyard into a no-go zone, or roaches scurrying around at night, dealing with bugs is just part of life in Texas.

The good news is that you do not have to just accept it. There are real, proven ways to keep bugs away without wasting time on gimmicks or ineffective DIY tricks. This guide covers what actually works, why some methods fail, and how a professional pest control service like Forterra Pest Control can make all the difference.

1. Seal Up Your Home Like a Fortress

Bugs do not appear out of nowhere—they find ways in. The best way to stop an infestation is to block their entry points.

• Check your windows and doors. Tiny gaps and cracks are an open invitation for bugs. Install weather stripping and use caulk to seal any openings.
• Inspect your walls and foundation. Cracks in your walls, especially near pipes or wiring, can be entry points for ants, roaches, and even mice.
• Do not forget vents and chimneys. Cover vents with mesh screens to keep critters out while maintaining airflow.

Personal Experience

I once had a persistent ant problem in my kitchen, and after trying every spray on the market, I finally discovered the issue—a small crack behind my sink. Once I sealed it up, the ants disappeared within days. Prevention is always better than reaction.

2. Keep Your Kitchen (and Home) Less Inviting

Bugs are always on the lookout for food and water. If your home provides easy access to either, you are essentially running an all-you-can-eat buffet for pests.

How to Make Your Home Unattractive to Bugs

• Wipe down counters and tables. Even tiny crumbs can attract an army of ants.
• Store food properly. Keep dry goods in airtight containers and do not leave fruit sitting out too long.
• Take out the trash regularly. Leftover food scraps in the garbage are a major bug magnet.
• Fix leaks and standing water. Roaches, mosquitoes, and other pests thrive in damp environments.

A Real-Life Example

A friend of mine kept finding roaches in her kitchen, no matter how much she cleaned. Eventually, she discovered a slow-dripping pipe under her sink that was creating a damp hiding spot. Once she got the leak fixed and dried out the space, the roaches stopped showing up.

3. Use Natural Repellents That Work

Some natural methods are surprisingly effective in repelling pests.

• Cedarwood oil works well against ants, moths, and even roaches. Using cedarwood sachets in closets and pantries can help.
• Vinegar and water spray disrupts ant scent trails and is a great non-toxic option.
• Citrus peels repel spiders and some insects due to their strong scent. Rubbing orange or lemon peels near windows and doorways can help.
• Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder that is highly effective in killing pests such as roaches and ants. And while it is considered "organic," it can still pose risks if not used correctly. It’s not a repellent but a lethal substance for insects. Always handle it with care and follow safety guidelines to ensure it is used safely around your home, especially when applying it under sinks or along baseboards.

What Does Not Work?

• Mothballs are often recommended but are not safe for home use due to their toxic fumes.
• Ultrasonic bug repellents have been marketed as an easy solution, but studies show they do not work effectively against most pests.

4. Keep Your Yard Pest-Free

Outdoor pests like mosquitoes, termites, and rodents can quickly become indoor problems if the yard is not maintained properly.

• Trim overgrown bushes and trees, which provide hiding spots for spiders, ants, and other pests.
• Eliminate standing water, as mosquitoes lay their eggs in water. Regularly check for puddles, clogged gutters, or neglected pet bowls.
• Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent rodents and roaches from accessing food.
• Avoid stacking firewood near your home, as it attracts termites and ants.

For more detailed mosquito control tips, check out Forterra Pest Control’s Mosquito Services.

5. When DIY Is Not Enough, Call in the Experts

While natural repellents and home maintenance go a long way, sometimes pests become a persistent problem that requires professional intervention.

Why Choose Forterra Pest Control?

• Experienced professionals who understand Texas pests and their habits.
• Eco-friendly options that are safe for children and pets while remaining effective.
• Customized pest control plans that do not just treat the problem but find its source.
• Guaranteed results, meaning if pests come back, so do they—at no extra cost.

Personal Take

I used to think professional pest control was unnecessary, but after struggling with a roach problem for months, I finally called in the experts. After just one visit, the problem was solved. Sometimes, DIY efforts are simply not enough.

Final Thoughts: A Bug-Free Home Is Possible

Keeping bugs away is not about quick fixes but smart prevention and knowing when to call in reinforcements.

• Seal up cracks and entry points.
• Keep your home clean and dry.
• Use proven natural repellents.
• Maintain your yard to reduce pest habitats.
• Call in professionals when needed.

If you are tired of dealing with pests, Forterra Pest Control offers expert solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you are battling ants, mosquitoes, termites, or roaches, they have the experience to eliminate the problem for good.