How do I get rid of a bug infestation in my house?

Author: Dr. Charity Powlowski  |  Last update: Thursday, August 28, 2025

While it seems nearly impossible to keep bugs out all the time, here are some easy ways to help eliminate.
  1. Seal Up Cracks & Openings. Take a close look at your screens, windows, and doors. ...
  2. Clean Up the Kitchen. ...
  3. Dry Up Damp Areas. ...
  4. Clean & Sweep Regularly. ...
  5. Keep the Outside Free of Debris. ...
  6. Kill the Bugs You See.

How to get rid of bugs in the house quickly?

If you want to manage a pest infestation, you will want to use the household products that kill pests. Cornmeal or borax baits for ants, diatomaceous earth dusting for crawling pests, vinegar traps for flies, Windex for spiders, and other lethal solutions will give you the chance for getting rid of pests.

Why are there suddenly so many bugs in my house?

Having a lot of insects in your house can be attributed to several factors: Food Sources: Insects are often attracted to food. Crumbs, spills, and unsealed food containers can draw them in. Shelter: Homes provide warm and sheltered environments, making them ideal for many insects, especially during colder months.

How long does it take to get rid of a bug infestation?

It can take several days or even weeks to eliminate a pest infestation completely, depending on how many pests are present and how serious the infestation is. In small apartments, this could mean two days or more of treatment time. However, in larger homes, the process might take just one day.

What is the hardest bug to get rid of in your house?

Cockroaches. As a common symbol of disgust and unkempt spaces, roaches fulfill their unsightly reputation by being tough to eliminate. They survive the most dire of conditions, avoid common pest treatments, and reproduce quicker than other pests.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs | DIY Pest Control | The Home Depot

What is the most common bug in your house?

Flies, spiders, and ants top the list of pests that Americans are most likely to notice in their homes; at least eight in 10 say they are aware of the presence of each of these on at least rare occasions, and nearly all people see at least one of these species. Mosquitos and gnats also are common.

How do you get a bug out of your house without killing it?

An easy way to remove them is by using a cup and a sheet of paper. Place the cup over them, gently slide the piece of paper under the cup, and then release them outside.

What causes bug infestation?

Pests enter a home for three reasons: food, moisture, and protection. The easier it is for them to obtain these three items, the more likely they are to want to move in. As a result, denying them of these things is the most effective strategy to keep them out. Food is the simplest thing to deprive them of.

How many times should you spray your house for bugs?

We recommend that you spray your home or business for pests frequently; ideally, on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly basis. It's best to schedule your pest control treatments for the morning or evening, whether you subscribe to a pest control plan or are only spraying your home once a year in early Spring.

Why do I have bugs if my house is clean?

Question: I have a clean house but still have bugs — why? Answer: Pests want what we have — food, water and shelter. Many pests such as roaches and even rodents can fit through tiny cracks and crevices in search of these resources. This can happen no matter how clean your house may be.

How to spray for bugs inside a house?

Spray a thin mist along the surfaces where insects are likely to come into touch with or hide. Pay special attention to baseboards, corners, access spots, and crevices. Spraying directly onto furniture, bedding, or other surfaces that come into contact with human flesh is not recommended.

What does it mean when you see a lot of bugs in your house?

Bugs are not only seeking food, they are also searching for water. And some home invading pests, such as silverfish, springtails and house centipedes, prefer to hang out in damp places. Fix any leaky faucets, drains, or pipes. Make sure your air conditioner, washing machine, and dryer are all working properly.

What smell makes bugs go away?

Eucalyptus and Citronella

Citronella oil has a yellowish-brown color and smells of grass and trees. On the other hand, eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of a eucalyptus tree. Citronella and eucalyptus oil may differ in color and source but share the same insect-repelling properties.

How do I make my house completely bug free?

CREATE BUG BARRIERS
  1. Caulk foundation cracks and gaps around windows and doors where bugs can enter from the outside.
  2. Add weather stripping and door sweeps. ...
  3. Repair any holes in drywall and caulk gaps around floor molding where insects can invade your home from neighboring units.

What do bugs hate the most?

The Science Behind Smells: Why Do Bugs Hate Them?
  • Citronella Oil: The Classic Mosquito Repellant. ...
  • Peppermint Oil: A Broad-Spectrum Bug Deterrent. ...
  • Tea Tree Oil: The Antimicrobial Insect Repellant. ...
  • Lavender Oil: The Soothing Insect Repellent. ...
  • Neem Oil: A Potent Plant-Based Insecticide. ...
  • Dealing With Persistent Pests.

Can you 100% get rid of roaches?

There's no instant or overnight solution for a cockroach infestation, but there is one fix that's more effective than all the others: calling a pest control specialist. Because cockroaches are so difficult to kill and infestations are tough to control, it's best to rely on the pros to get rid of them.

Is pest control a waste of money?

Cost-effective.

As you can see, pest control is not a waste of money. In fact, it's a wise investment that can protect your health, property, and peace of mind. The benefits of pest control far outweigh the cost, making it a smart choice for any homeowner or business owner.

How long does it take for an exterminator to spray for roaches?

Preventative treatment for ants, cockroaches, and other common pests: 15 to 30 minutes. Removal of active ant or cockroach infestations: 90 to 120 minutes or more depending on the extent of the infestation.

What is the hardest bug infestation to get rid of?

In conclusion, termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches are the most challenging pests to eliminate from your home. Their ability to hide, reproduce quickly, and withstand many extermination methods make professional pest control services essential for effective pest management.

Why are there suddenly more bugs in my house?

Keep an eye out around the house for any morsels of food that could act as unintentional pest magnets. Leaky pipes, bowls of water for your four-legged friends, and even the drips from a faulty faucet can entice bothersome bugs — especially those who are attracted to moist, damp areas.

Why do I feel like I'm bitten by invisible bugs?

This could be the condition known as Ekbom syndrome, delusory parasitosis, or DP for short. People who have DP have an unshakable, yet false, belief that they are infested with insects, mites, worms or some other parasitic organism, when none can be found.

How do I get rid of bugs ASAP?

6 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Common Household Bugs
  1. Peppermint Oil. Besides making your house smell wonderful, mint plants and peppermint oil naturally repel ants, spiders, mosquitoes and even mice. ...
  2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) ...
  3. Neem Oil. ...
  4. Flypaper and Insect Traps.

Do bugs hate clean house?

Many pests that could infest your home appreciate unclean, cluttered homes. Ants, flies, and cockroaches, for instance, love a home with food waste sitting about. They can also target your pet's food. Spiders and scorpions love a nice place to hide inside your home.

How to quickly get rid of roaches?

Basic steps:
  1. Remove clutter.
  2. Vacuum well and often. ...
  3. Wash hard washable surfaces with cleanser (ammonia and water works well).
  4. Dust out of sight spaces with boric acid powder. ...
  5. Use roach baits near hiding places like behind pictures and wall hangings, under sinks and undersides of furniture.

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