Here’s How Easy DIY Pest Control Can Be

Tired of spending $300 or more a year on pest control? You can cut that price by two-thirds by doing it yourself with professional-grade supplies.

Don’t Call the Exterminator!

Nobody likes to have bugs around the house. Ants, spiders and roaches just have a way of making your skin crawl.

Some people like taking the natural approach to ridding themselves of pests. That typically means using things like boric acid, vinegar and diatomaceous earth.

Other people like to use over-the-counter products you can buy at your local supermarket.

But sometimes, the situation gets a bit out of control and a can of Raid just won’t cut it. That’s when you’ve got to use the stuff professionals use.

If this is the route you want to go, you’ll need two simple things:

The Sprayer

No need to spend a fortune here! This $12 sprayer does the job for me and my family. Plus, it gets a ton of great reviews on Amazon.

The Chemicals

Here’s where you don’t want to skimp. But don’t worry: Quality pesticide doesn’t have to break the bank!

I use Talstar P. It’s a professional-grade chemical that sells for anywhere from $30 to $65 depending on how much of it you buy.

With just one bottle, you’ll get years of use. I bought a smaller bottle about four years ago and I’m nowhere near using it all up. And it doesn’t appear to have lost its potency with age. (There’s no expiration date printed on the bottle.)

Talstar is safe for kids and pets after it dries, and it’s non-irritating to your skin. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying. Or better yet, wear gloves.

Joel of Team Clark also does his own pest control. He’s been saving hundreds of dollars a year by doing it himself instead of hiring that task out.

This article was originally written by Theo Thimou and published on April 3, 2017.

More Money-Saving Resources Clark.com:

• 6 Tips for Hiring a Contractor
• Clark Howard’s Special Rule for Refinancing Your Mortgage
• Best and Worst Home Insurance Companies