DIY: Exterminate pests without the expense

Carpenter bees drilled holes through the exterior of Katherine Selin’s house like machines this spring. Resembling bumble bees, these exacted far more damage, boring into wood to lay eggs.

“We had holes everywhere,” said Selin, exasperation still in her voice. “They were horrible. They were ruining our house.”

Making matters worse, Selin and her husband Roger couldn’t get a guarantee for the bees’ removal despite estimates of $400-$500 from professional pest control companies.

So, the Selins took their chances. They called Do My Own Pest Control, a national company based in Norcross, to get advice and eventually, products to exterminate the bees. A $16 can of CB Waterbury D-Foam, a gallon sprayer and a container of Demand CS — a general use insecticide — and their problem was solved.

“The whole thing cost us about $50,” she said. She used the same insecticide to spray around the house, instead of paying $90 every three months for routine pest control. “I know it’s working because I can see the dead bugs around the house,” she said.
As consumers cut costs, pest control is just one of the do-it-yourself projects growing in popularity.

Whether it’s finding home remedies for pesky problems, or using companies that sell products stronger than what’s available over the counter — but equally potent as professional products — people are fighting critters on their own. In the process, they are saving hundreds of dollars and as much as 50, 70 or 90 percent.

“You think this guy is spraying something that’s so much better than what you can buy,” said store owner, Michael Gossling. “It’s just not true. People are most concerned about whether the products are dangerous. Is it safe to use around my house, around my children or pets? The EPA has gotten rid of the products that used to be around; they’re not legal anymore. What we’re left with, when you mix it properly, are very safe products.”

Gossling should know. He owned a pest control company for five years, and has been in the business for 12 years. Now, he gets countless calls about some of the same issues: ants, bed bugs and termites. Do Your Own Pest Control in Atlanta also sells extermination products used by the pros. Companies like these, many of which also offering environmentally-friendly options, are busy. When termite treatments easily climb over $1,000 with a termite bond, consumers demand options.

It was a lot more than Kevin Grady wanted to pay. So, he hired a Marine back just back from Iraq to dig a 6-inch-by-6-inch trench around the perimeter of his house. Grady bought Termidor SC and carefully poured it.

“I followed the instructions step by step,” he said. “I paid the guy to do the trenches, and ended up spending $220, not counting my own sweat equity.”

Harold Tuthill had problems with roof rats. The pest control company he called said there was nothing they could do about it, he said. That answer wasn’t sufficient. Tuthill bought a Trapper T-Rex rat trap that ranges from about $25 to $55.

“It was incredible,” he said. “Better than any trap you can get. You can mount it almost anywhere. They’ve been eradicated.”

Gossling said pest control isn’t “rocket science.” Translation: In many cases, you don’t have to hire an exterminator. There are times when a profesional is best. If the pests are in difficult to reach spaces or the issue has escalated, you may need additional help. But many times, you can handle it yourself.

“You can research the pest in question and get the appropriate item to take care of it,” Tuthill said.

Do It Yourself Pest Control
2823 Chamblee Tucker Rd., Atlanta
Phone: 800-476-3378

Do My Own Pest Control
5730 Oakbrook Pkwy., Norcross
Phone: 866-581-7378 or 770-840-8831

Some people stand by home remedies to control pests. Among the most popular:

Insects: Doityourself.com suggests this formula:
• 2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• Liquid soap
• 1 qt water
Simply grind the pepper and garlic together with the water and a little soap. Strain the mixture and pour it into a spray bottle. Although the mixture must be re-applied after every rainfall, its strong contents ward off many insects. It’s a great way for keeping rabbits out of the garden as well.

Ants: Many people suggest laying out grits that will cause the ants to bloat and die; sprinkling coffee grounds or pepper around the kitchen; pouring boiling water and soap on ant beds; laying out cucumber peelings; and mixing bay leaves and Listerine mouth wash to entice and kill ants inside the house.

Snails: They despise sand, ashes, lime and copper.

Roaches: Planetnatural.com suggests mixing equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar, and spreading it around the infested area. You can also use Boric Acid.

Helpful tips: Keep water and moisture away from the house. Trim bushes and tree limbs near the home. Contact the Cooperative Extension Office and do research to properly identify troublesome pests. Try to seal cracks and crevices.

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