How to Remove Bugs from Your Home

Just as people seem to come out of dormancy when the temperature rises, so do all of the bugs that share our indoor and outdoor spaces.

How many times have you been sitting watching television at night and noticed something long-legged nestled high where the ceiling and walls meet? What about the times you've ventured into the basement, turned on the light and seen something scurry quickly across the floor?

Many of the insects people encounter are relatively harmless and are more than content to stay out of individuals' ways. That doesn't negate the fact that there are plenty of people who are extremely skittish when it comes to bugs -- especially when they are inside the house. Therefore they seek out any and all ways to rid bugs from the premises. Here are some methods to consider.

Call an exterminator: If bugs are a major issue, the choice is available to call in a professional exterminator. He or she will assess the insect problem and make a recommendation for a type of treatment. While many insect repellants have become much safer over the years, the potent products the exterminator uses may not be the best idea for houses where there are young children or pets, or you may have to stay out of the house for a few hours. The exterminator will be able to better inform you of the risks/benefits to treatment.

Self-applied products: If bugs are a minor nuisance, spot treatments with over-the-counter insect sprays, powders, etc. could be sufficient to keep bugs at bay. Target the areas where you often see bugs, and also treat areas to prevent access to other rooms, such as around doorways or by room thresholds.

Try greener approaches: There are products on the market today that attempt to control insects in a way that is safer to the environment and the residents of a home. Substances like diatomaceous earth, boric acid, pyrethrin, and others may be safer for use if you're concerned about chemical applications. Many of these items serve as a descicant, drying out an insect to extinguish it. Others repel insects with a smell or taste.

For those who are against harming the insects at all, but simply do not want them inside of the house, consider any number of bug vacuums. These devices safely suck up insects (the telescoping nozzles ensure you don't have to be too close) and store them inside. The insect can be safely released outdoors afterward. These items go by the name of Bug Vacuum, Super Bug Vacuum, BugZooka, Insect Vacuum, and more.

Make household changes:Many insects prefer a certain temperature or condition to thrive. Changing that condition could cause the bug to vacate the premises. If you discover a particular insect likes the damp areas of your basement (such as house centipedes or silverfish), invest in a dehumidifier to dry out that area. Some bugs, even roaches, come inside and hide in cardboard boxes. Others feed upon paper products. Take some time to do spring cleaning and rid storage areas of these items -- switching to plastic sealed containers. Go around and seal window and door openings. Insects can venture inside by way of the smallest crevices. While you can't hermetically seal your entire home, you can limit the number of bugs that get inside.

Household pet: Some cats like to stalk and kill insects, so you may have an effective exterminator on your hands and not even know it. There have also been instances where homeowners or store owners have allowed a gecko or chameleon to run free to keep indoor populations in check. But you should weigh your squeamishness about having a lizard versus insects.