Tools

Supplies

Reasons to Control Insects at Home

  • Some insects have an unpleasant bite.
  • Insects can put a damper on meals and other outside activities.
  • You can create a barrier around your home with sprays that last for months.

Before You Begin

  • Fix torn screens and seal cracks and insect entry points around doors and windows.
  • Pay close attention to instructions and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
  • Check temperature requirements and watering instructions.

How to Protect Your Yard from Bugs

Step 1 Treat

Use a lawn spreader to dispense granulated insect control products. Be sure to set the dial on the spreader to the correct setting, per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Lawn Spreader
Use a lawn spreader to dispense granulated treatments.

Step 2 Spray

There are many different types of insect repellents you can spray around your yard to keep bugs away. Some products are for hard surfaces, while others can be sprayed directly on bushes and plants that harbor insects.

Bug Sprays
Some products can be applied directly to plants.
PRO TIP
Make sure to note if the manufacturer requires watering after product application or a drying period before water contact. Also, spraying in the correct outside temperature range is also a consideration.

How to Protect Your Home from Insects

Step 1 Repel

Products like Ortho Home Defense spray can create a bug barrier around your home that keeps ticks and other insects away for up to 12 months.

Bug Barrier
Some products can give months of protection from insects.

Step 2 Spray

Spray the product around the foundation of your home, one foot above ground level, and in a 12-inch border on the ground around your foundation. You can also treat around doors and windows and other potential insect entry points.

perimeter spray
Spray around the foundation to keep bugs out of your home.

How to Kill Insects on Contact

Step 1 Traps and Baits

Place traps and baits in areas where insects commonly travel, including under sinks and in damp, dark corners. These are especially useful for ants and cockroaches.

Insect Trap
Place insect traps in areas where bugs travel.

Step 2 Sprays

Sprays are good for getting rid of crawling insects, and also flying insects like wasps. Pressurized sprays let you keep your distance from potentially dangerous hornet nests.

Wasp spray
Pressurized wasp sprays allow you to stay far away from dangerous insects.
PRO TIP
Spray at night when the insects are less active.