Pest control professionals are recommending specific products to combat common household pests like ants, mice, and cockroaches, emphasizing the effectiveness of bait systems and strategic placement of traps over general sprays. These experts suggest that while sprays can kill visible insects, they often fail to address the root of the infestation, such as the colony.
For ant control, liquid ant bait, such as Terro's offering, is frequently advised. According to Jeff Schumacher, owner of All-Safe Pest & Termite in Texas, these slow-acting baits are effective because ants carry them back to the colony, ultimately eliminating the queen and the entire group. This approach is contrasted with sprays, which only target visible ants.
Similarly, for cockroach elimination, gel bait products like Combat Max are favored over sprays. Schumacher explains that roaches will share the poisoned bait with their colony, leading to a more comprehensive solution. Kyle Turner, founder, president, and CEO of Pro Active Pest Control, also endorses professional-grade gel baits, stating that a small application in cracks and crevices can be more effective than sprays, which may only scatter the pests.
When dealing with mice, traditional snap traps, particularly classic wooden ones like Victor traps, remain a top recommendation. Joel Miller, owner of Miller Pest Solutions, advocates for these traps, suggesting baiting them with peanut butter and placing them along walls where mice naturally travel. Schumacher also stresses the importance of placement, advising that traps should be set along walls and baseboards where mice are likely to run.
Beyond trapping and baiting, experts also highlight the importance of prevention and sealing entry points. Nicole Carpenter, President of Black Pest Prevention, recommends using a combination of steel wool or copper mesh followed by exterior-grade caulk to seal gaps. She notes that pests like mice and rats can chew through materials other than metal, making this two-layer approach a reliable method for preventing their entry.
For ongoing protection of a home's perimeter, products like Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer are suggested. Turner notes that this spray can be applied once a year, creating a barrier around foundations, windows, and entry points that remains effective between treatments. For gardens and plants, natural solutions like neem oil are recommended to repel insects such as aphids and ants, according to Ralph Masferrer, Aruza Pest Control director of technical and training. Diatomaceous earth, a fine powder that damages the outer cuticle of insects, causing dehydration, is another natural option for treating ants, roaches, and fleas. Masferrer personally uses this food-grade product, which is safe for use on fruits and vegetables.
These recommendations were gathered from pest control experts who were contacted via LinkedIn and journalist platforms. All experts have verifiable credentials and have used the recommended products.