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Pest Control questions, answered by experts

The most effective natural roach repellent is Borax with its key ingredient of boric acid and diatomaceous earth. But some homeowners may not feel like these are “natural” enough, especially since you can’t use Borax around curious pets or toddlers.

On the other hand, studies have shown that oregano oil mixtures have some of the best repellent effects, and other research indicates that catnip oil, peppermint oil, and citrus oils have notable effects on keeping roaches away. Rosemary oil has been shown to be the most effective natural oil for killing cockroaches outright.

If the snakes in your yard are non-venomous species (like common Rat or Garter snakes), why not consider the live-and-let-live approach? Some benefits of not getting rid of snakes include:

  • They’re great at controlling disease-spreading rodent populations, including rats, mice, voles, and moles.

  • Some non-venomous species (like the common kingsnake) eat venomous species like rattlesnakes and copperheads.

  • Species like the garter snake keep down populations of garden pests like slugs and grasshoppers.

Don’t count on squirrels leaving on their own. Squirrels like the safety that a cozy attic provides and won’t be in a hurry to leave, especially if they’ve recently given birth to a litter. It’s best to address the situation with DIY removal tactics or hire a squirrel removal pro as soon as you suspect squirrels are living in your attic.

Roach spray usually starts working almost immediately on contact—within seconds to a few minutes. However, if it's a residual spray designed to keep killing over time, it can take hours or even days to fully affect roaches that come into contact with treated surfaces. For larger infestations, it may take at least a week to see a noticeable drop in activity, since not all roaches are exposed at once.

Across most of the United States, the fall season sees rats at their prime activity levels. As temperatures drop, rats become more active, spurred by the weather shift to seek shelter as winter approaches. During this time, their curiosity and energy peak, driving them to explore what your home and its surroundings might offer.

The Saint Elmo, IL homeowners’ guide to pest control services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.