How do I prevent animals from building a nest in my house?

• <div><p>Once the animals and their young are out of the house, remove the nest and locate any entry points. Some may be difficult to find because some animals can fit through very small holes. Once you’ve located as many entry points as possible, use materials such as metal or masonry to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-ways-keep-critters-away-your-home.htm">block off the entry</a>. Ideally, you should choose materials that most animals cannot chew through. Create a one-way door or flap to allow animals to leave but not return. Additional methods include using repellants designed to make an area unappealing to the types of animals that find your home so inviting. </p></div>

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Q: What is the best natural roach repellent?

• <div><p>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 &ldquo;natural&rdquo; enough, especially since you can&rsquo;t use Borax around curious pets or toddlers.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Can you permanently get rid of German cockroaches?

• <div><p>While difficult, it&rsquo;s possible to get rid of German cockroaches permanently. This type of roach removal takes long-term work, including sealing your home properly and fixing any moisture problems. It may also require new habits for cleaning and food storage. For worse infestations, a pest control professional can help you find ways to get rid of cockroaches for good.</p></div>

Q: What attracts spiders?

• <div><p>Homes provide a stable environment with ample hiding spots, warmth, and protection from the elements, making them ideal habitats for spiders. The presence of insects within homes serves as a major food source for spiders, enticing them to establish their webs or burrows in and around residential structures. The nooks and crannies of homes provide perfect locations for spiders to construct webs or lay in wait for unsuspecting prey.</p></div>

Q: How long does a common house roach live?

• <div><p>Common house roaches, typically American cockroaches or <i>Periplaneta americana</i>, usually live for around one year. The male American cockroaches survive for about one year, although the females may live up to 700 days. That&rsquo;s because the reproductive cycle alone can last around 600 days for this type of cockroach.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Lead, SD

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Lead, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Lead, SD is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on January 19, 2026

Reviewed in June 2025
We are very pleased with our new patio door. Everyone from start to finish was professional and polite.
Renewal by Andersen of Rapid City
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Reviewed in March 2023
Called them one week, job was done the next week. Excellent ; answered the phone every time I calledâ ¦. Very kind service
Roofing Plus Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Great company. Courteous and easy to work with. Excellent service. Very pleased with the excellent work. Recommended!
American Tree and Forestry Care, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
They showed up when they said they would . They covered everything up. They did a great job. I would definitely hire them again without a doubt.
Advanced Poly Coatings & Liners
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Reviewed in June 2017
Bid was competitive - asked for a discount to in line with other bids and they took $300 off in order to get our business. Installation was good but service guys rotated from our house to three other jobs so the entire installation took almost a week. Had to come back a week later to finish some...
PRECISION MECHANICAL
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Reviewed in June 2012
The owner does tree service also apart from pest control. We live in the forest, so we do enjoy his service because we have any concerns like bark beetles or any issues with my trees and he keeps a close watch on the trees as we have 2 acres of trees in our property. He had helped us through...
YAVAPAI EXTERMINATING
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Find Pest control specialists in Lead

TruGreen

4.75(

)

•Approved Pro

TruGreen

4.75(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

52 years of experience

Don't let mosquitoes ruin the time you spend with family and friends on your yard. Help protect yourself from uncomfortable and potentially dangerous mosquito bites with this innovative service. Allow America's #1 lawn company to eradicate mosquitoes from your yard. Ask about our Mosquito-Free Guarantee!

"TruGreen provided transparent pricing and quality workmanship when treating my property for bed bugs. Their technicians were professional and thorough, ensuring every area was treated to eliminate the infestation. I appreciated their attention to detail and how they followed up to ensure the problem was resolved. I'll definitely be using their services again if needed."

Cindy R on April 2024

"TruGreen provided transparent pricing and quality workmanship when treating my property for bed bugs. Their technicians were professional and thorough, ensuring every area was treated to eliminate the infestation. I appreciated their attention to detail and how they followed up to ensure the problem was resolved. I'll definitely be using their services again if needed."

Cindy R on April 2024

Plunkett's Pest Control

4.70(

251

)

Plunkett's Pest Control

4.70(

251

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

With over 100 years in business, we are earning your trust. Founded in 1915, Plunkett’s Pest Control is a family-owned & operated company with third-generation ownership. Plunkett’s delivers professional pest control services to residential and commercial clients in 20 states and growing. Our entire staff is knowledgeable, trustworthy, resourceful, and passionate about preventing & solving pest concerns for our clients and safeguarding the communities we call home.

"I think these folks know what they are doing, but communication and follow up is poor. I will try another company as I search for expertise and professional communication."

CYNTHIA H on November 2021

"I think these folks know what they are doing, but communication and follow up is poor. I will try another company as I search for expertise and professional communication."

CYNTHIA H on November 2021

We offer a wide range of dependable services, such as air testing and mold control. With experienced and professional air quality consultants, you can count on us to make the air you breathe healthier and safer.

Goulds Lawn Service

4.00(

)

Goulds Lawn Service

4.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Stranded Outdoors Property Services, LLC.

No reviews yet

Stranded Outdoors Property Services, LLC.

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

STRANDED OUTDOORS PROPERTY SERVICES, LLC. specializes in landscape maintenance, snow management and property preservation/restorations. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with high quality, professional services done on time and on budget. What is the first thing customers and visitors see when they visit your business or home? It's your landscaping of course. This is why it is so important to retain a professional and experienced team when it comes to protecting and enhancing the image of your property. We provide that experience and the technical know-how to address jobs of all sizes both residential and commercial ranging from basic lawn maintenance to complete property preservation and enhancement.

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.

While difficult, it’s possible to get rid of German cockroaches permanently. This type of roach removal takes long-term work, including sealing your home properly and fixing any moisture problems. It may also require new habits for cleaning and food storage. For worse infestations, a pest control professional can help you find ways to get rid of cockroaches for good.

Homes provide a stable environment with ample hiding spots, warmth, and protection from the elements, making them ideal habitats for spiders. The presence of insects within homes serves as a major food source for spiders, enticing them to establish their webs or burrows in and around residential structures. The nooks and crannies of homes provide perfect locations for spiders to construct webs or lay in wait for unsuspecting prey.

Once the animals and their young are out of the house, remove the nest and locate any entry points. Some may be difficult to find because some animals can fit through very small holes. Once you’ve located as many entry points as possible, use materials such as metal or masonry to block off the entry. Ideally, you should choose materials that most animals cannot chew through. Create a one-way door or flap to allow animals to leave but not return. Additional methods include using repellants designed to make an area unappealing to the types of animals that find your home so inviting.

Common house roaches, typically American cockroaches or Periplaneta americana, usually live for around one year. The male American cockroaches survive for about one year, although the females may live up to 700 days. That’s because the reproductive cycle alone can last around 600 days for this type of cockroach.

The Lead, SD homeowners’ guide to pest control services

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

See all articles

Allie Ogletree
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How Much Does Moth Extermination Cost? [2026 Data]
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How to Check for Bed Bugs in Your Home
Learn how to check for bed bugs in your home, what to do if you find them, and how to prevent them from returning in this handy DIY guide.
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Dec 10, 2025Dec 10, 2025
How to Get Rid of Voles in 7 Simple Ways
Vole holes are a sure sign there are voles in your yard and you’ll want to figure out how to get rid of voles as quickly as possible to prevent damage to your garden.
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Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How to Get Rid of a Bees Nest In a Wall Cavity
Bees with a hive in your wall cavity present a host of problems: Our guide will show you the best ways to remove them safely, especially if you want to save the bees.