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Raccoons, rats, and squirrels are several species of wildlife that are commonly found in the Greater Pittsburgh area. While these critters generally keep their distance from humans, they can become a nuisance if they wander into your property in search of food. Here are some natural pest control repellents to help keep these pests away from your property.

Natural Pest Control Repellents for Invasive Critters

If you suspect raccoons, rats, or squirrels have made a home in your house or backyard, try some of the following natural, non-invasive methods.

• Keep your yard clean: Discourage local wildlife from taking a snack from your garden by quickly harvesting any ripe produce. Also, be sure to pick up any nuts, acorns, or rotting produce that falls off nearby trees. If you have pets, remove their bowls from your porch and keep their food in a sealed container inside your home. Your trash and compost bins should also be tightly sealed with lockable lids so critters can get inside them.
  
• Use pepper: Red pepper flakes can easily be sprinkled into your soil to keep unwanted wildlife away. The heat from the strong peppery scent will discourage pests with sensitive noses from digging around, and it won’t affect how your plants grow.
  
• Hang some soap: Strong-smelling soap or diluted dish detergent is overwhelming to several of these critters’ noses. Place a bar or cup of soap near their known nesting grounds to drive them off your property.
  
• Scare them off: Most wild animals are skittish and will run away if they feel threatened. Use this to your advantage by installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers that can catch them in the act. Rubber snakes and decoy owls can also mimic their natural predators and help to scare them away.

Benefits of Professional Pest Control Services

While the above natural pest control repellents may temporarily prevent pests like raccoons, rats, and squirrels from nesting on your property, such outdated DIY methods will do little to stop a full blown infestation. The only permanent way to keep pests away is by hiring professional pest control services. If you have a wildlife issue or want to prevent one from starting, rely on the professionals at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Your Greater Pittsburgh Area Pest Control Professionals

The licensed and experienced pest control technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh will quickly and safely remove invasive wildlife from your Pennsylvania property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate, call us today at 412-767-4067.

The last thing you want in your Pittsburgh home is unwelcome pests or wildlife. A pest infestation can interrupt your daily life, causing property damage and posing a health risk to you and your loved ones. Fortunately, there are some helpful home remedies for pest control that you can try.

Natural Home Remedies for Pest Control

Your kitchen is not only stocked with food for you and your family, but also with plenty of at-home pest control methods. Some effective home remedies for pest control include:

• Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are fatal to some insects and a strong deterrent for other unwanted wildlife. Instead of throwing out your coffee grounds, sprinkle them around areas that are frequented by pests.

• Essential oils: Several essential oils, including clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint, are a natural deterrent for common pests. Mix one of these oils with water and mist around your flower beds and window sills to keep nuisance pests at bay.

• Garlic and mint: If you’re seeing pests in your backyard, boil a mixture of mint leaves, garlic cloves, cayenne pepper with dish soap to create a spray mixture that will drive pests away. This natural solution is safe for your garden and will keep insects out while not interfering with your plants’ growth.

• Apple cider vinegar: Fruit flies are a common nuisance, especially during warmer months. Fill a funnel-shaped bottle with apple cider vinegar and dish soap to lure flies away from your kitchen and into this trap.

• Borax and sugar: If you’re dealing with ants, ½ cup of sugar mixed with a cup of warm water and two tablespoons of Borax will help combat the problem. However, make sure to keep this solution away from children and pets, as it can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.

While these home remedies for pest control may be temporarily effective, they won’t provide you with a long-term pest control solution. The best way to permanently get rid of unwanted pests is by calling the professionals at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Professional Pest Control Services Near You

At Critter Control® of Pittsburgh, we employ a proven, four-step, pest control process that uses non-toxic and eco-friendly methods to permanently eliminate nuisance pest infestations. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our pest control services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.