Get matched with top pest control specialists in Troy, KS

Deer rely on scent to tell them what’s safe and unsafe, so effective deer repellents have to be pungent. Make your own natural repellent by combining a beaten egg, one tablespoon of cooking oil, one tablespoon of dish soap, and a half cup of milk. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray around your garden, avoiding anything you will want to eat later. This stinky repellent will ward off any deer that want to make your produce their next meal. But keep in mind that if your windows are nearby, the scent may waft over.

Yes, a household dryer can kill items infested with bed bugs, such as bedding, stuffed animals, clothes, or shoes. As long as the dryer isn’t stuffed to the brim, you can run it on high for about 30 minutes to kill bed bugs at all life stages. This method will kill any live bed bugs in your linens or upholstered materials.

Stink bugs don't harm humans or their homes, but they can do a number on vegetable crops, especially in large numbers. According to the Journal of Integrated Pest Management, the brown marmorated stink bug, recognized as a globally invasive species, has cost millions in crop damage and is a nuisance to homeowners.

Heat is the most effective instant killer of bed bugs. Exposing them to temperatures above 131 degrees Fahrenheit for over an hour can eliminate them. Methods like steam cleaners and using a dryer on high heat are effective for this. Other options that can kill bed bugs on contact include EPA-approved pesticides, bleach, disinfectant sprays with alcohol, diatomaceous earth, and hydrogen peroxide. While freezing can work, it is not an instant solution, as it can take several days at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to be effective. Keep in mind that many DIY treatments won't reach bed bugs hidden in cracks or behind walls. For severe infestations or the most effective results, it is best to hire a professional exterminator for a professional heat or chemical treatment.