How do I get rid of bothersome bugs?

CLEAN, REPAIR, and TREAT

It’s not always possible to completely get rid of bugs indoors, but a combination of the right products, some good old-fashioned cleaning, and home repairs can go a long way. No single product can do everything to solve your bug problem, which is why it’s important to take a multifaceted approach. Also, keep in mind that bugs come into the home for a variety of reasons: food, water, or shelter. Correctly identifying the bugs you are fighting—and then eliminating the things that attract them—will help prevent them from coming inside. The harder you make it for bugs to come indoors, the less likely it will be that they invade.

Know Your Enemy

The first step in alleviating your problem is knowing which bugs you’re fighting. Use our Bug ID Tool to identify the type of bugs you’re dealing with.

Secure the Area

Fighting Bugs from the Outside In

If bugs are invading your home, chances are they’re coming in from outside. While treatment depends on the type of bug you’re dealing with, these general tips can help:

Repair windows or doors that do not fit tightly
Weatherproof the open spaces around windows and doors, particularly between the bottom of the door and the floor
Make sure that your home’s eaves are in good condition
Check vents and other openings into the home that may need to be sealed, replaced or repaired
If you live in an apartment, work as a team with your neighbors and community to tackle the problem

Rain Can Lead to Bugs

When using outdoor products to fight bugs, rain can put a damper on things. Make sure to check the weather first, since you don’t want to apply an outdoor product if there’s rain in the forecast. Rain can jumpstart new bug populations and may also make your treatments ineffective. Re-apply to outdoor areas after heavy rain if the problem doesn’t go away. For other products, check the reapplication information on the label. Be sure to read the label before use.

Use a Cockroach Bait

5 Fun Facts About Indoor Cockroach Baits

Baits do not trap cockroaches.
Although cockroach baits are designed to be more attractive to cockroaches than other food sources, the more you can do to remove exposed food and water, the better.
Cockroach baits kill the cockroaches you don’t see—which is the vast majority! They take the bait back to the nest to share with the others, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see immediate bug relief. You should see less activity in a matter of days.
Do not place baits on areas that have been sprayed with an aerosol or liquid insecticide. Likewise, do not spray cockroaches or the surrounding area after placing baits. The bugs can’t spread the bait if they’re already dead.
The more baits you place and the closer you place them to the cockroach hiding spots, the better you will be able to control the problem. Be sure to read the label before placing cockroach baits.