DIY Pest (insect) control

ezmobee

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Mar 26, 2007
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We live on the edge of some woods so we get our fair share of creepy crawlies. Our main problem is with spiders. They trash the house so bad with webs it would look like a haunted house plus there's their poop all over everything. Couple years ago we got an annual contract with an exterminator (Ehrlich) to come out and spray. It's pretty effective. They come twice a year and you can call for additional visits if needed. Pretty standard.

Problem is, they keep raising their prices like every 6 months. And my wife has noticed that when they come out, they are really only at the house for like 10 minutes tops. No disrespect at all to any exterminators on here, but it just seems to me that something that only takes 10 minutes to do, I should probably be doing myself instead of paying someone else $160 (or whatever it's up to now) to do.

So to control spiders and other insects around the outside of my house (we don't really have issues with them on the inside and we don't ever have the exterminator do any inside treatments) what pesticide should I use, where should I get it, and how should I apply it? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 

PiratePast40

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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Why not try asking the exterminator for recommendations? I know that's getting close to taking food out of his mouth but he may be able to offer suggestions. Might even ask about lowering the prices. They are the experts after all.
 

ezmobee

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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Why not try asking the exterminator for recommendations? I know that's getting close to taking food out of his mouth but he may be able to offer suggestions. Might even ask about lowering the prices. They are the experts after all.

Because if I was him, I would be insulted.
 

jeffnick

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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

We have an actual Do It Yourself Pest Control store nearby.
 

sasto

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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Consult your local Lesco Co, ezmobee. I owned a pest control company several years ago. Spiders need a direct shot, residuals don't do the job very well. I like a wetable powder for spiders and an oil for the other crawlers. Treat window and door frames. Granuals work well around the outside perimeter of the home.

There is a sprayable product on the market that contains teflon, which the spiders cannot attach a web to.

Good Luck!
 

Pierutrus

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Mar 25, 2007
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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Spiders need a direct shot, residuals don't do the job very well.

I'll second that! The spiders are tough to get. If you don't shoot them direct when their out.
My back block wall use to have spiders galore a few months ago. Then I noticed a few gecko's running around and I haven't seen a spider since. The neighbor on that side of the wall is one of the green/all natural types, so I figured he released a few on the wall.
I would have never thought of that...........But it's working.;)
 

puddle jumper

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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

I to live in an area that has spiders of all kinds coming out of every crack possible. Every one told me to put out walnuts around doors and windows. We tried it an it did work some what but I don't think that anything will work %100.
 

mommicked

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Dec 15, 2009
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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Spiders kill and eat alot of other creepy, crawly, bitey, stingy, etc. bugs. I remove and relocate them w a broom when they build webs that cause problems. They will mass around lights left on all night and other places w lots of bugs to eat. I'd rather see a spider in the house than a roach! Not including the poisonous ones. A Jumping Spider is the best exterminator IMO, but they don't spin those damb webs. Try removing the web makers and leaving the outside lights off, if thats where most of the problem is. Use an old broom or stick to remove the web and spider and transfer them away from the house on some leaves or branches.
 

reddogg

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jun 3, 2011
Messages
379
Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

I get a product called Bug Stop at Wally World. It is very effective at controlling insects, kills well on direct contact an has a residual effect. I use it about twice a year and it seams to work very well on everything as far as I can tell.

Red
 

mscher

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Apr 21, 2004
Messages
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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Why not try asking the exterminator for recommendations? I know that's getting close to taking food out of his mouth but he may be able to offer suggestions. Might even ask about lowering the prices. They are the experts after all.

Those that do their own mechanical work on their cars, boats and homes, are probably taking food out of the mouths, of professional mechaincs and carpenters, also.

The OP was just looking for more ways to save some money.

Isn't that what we are all doing?
 

OldePharte

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Aug 17, 2008
Messages
633
Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Ya may also try to look through "domyownpestcontroldotcom"
 

sasto

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Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

Good stuff from the site if it is simular to Demon WP. WP is wetable powder, if sprayed on dark baseboards, or any dark area, over a period of time, the powder will start to show up. If this poses to be a problem, use an oil based product.

Good Luck!
 

ezmobee

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Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: DIY Pest (insect) control

This only outside sasto and on my vinyl house.
 
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