So you have an infestation. Here's what to do next

Some of us were insect kids, so—we get it. Insects are cool. Yet, when they're everywhere in your house, many of us start to rethink our initial view of our creepy crawlies. Infestations can happen in any climate, for any reason. You might think you can avoid an infestation simply by keeping your house clean, but the sad reality is that mere "cleanliness" isn't everything. There isn't always a correlation between the two.

If you suspect you might have an infestation and have noticed a few insects hanging around where they shouldn't be, don't worry. It's not the end of the world. Here's what to do if you have an infestation in your home.

Find the source.

You're going to have to do some digging. It's not always easy to find the source of an infestation, but knowing where they're coming from can give you an idea of how serious the infestation is and how to start getting rid of them. Most insects, especially ants, are attracted to any food source you have in your home. That bowl of fruit you left on your counter? That's a temptation. Candy in your snack drawers? There's another one. Obviously, you can't be without food in your house, but check around to see if there are any edible products in plain sight, especially strong-smelling ones. Have you spilled or dropped anything recently?

Insects also love damp areas, especially during the dry season. You can check around your kitchen, in corners, cupboards, bathrooms, and other places that might be damp. Your basement is also a good place to check. They may be able to crawl through the floor and into areas where there is access to food, so don't rule anything out underground.

Once the infestation is located, it's time to get rid of it.

Tips for getting rid of an infestation.

There isn't always a single way to get rid of an infestation, but we have a few tips you can try. Consider the following:

• Block any entry points you find that the infestation could use to get into your home from the outside. Check garages, cracks in walls, the attic, the basement, and pipes. This can be difficult, especially since insects can squeeze through small openings.
• Use chalk powder as an insect repellent. If you notice insects approaching from a certain direction, you can try drawing a line to deter them.
• If you can find their nest, relocate them. You might need to watch a few YouTube videos for this, but usually a pot will suffice that you can fill with dirt, straw, or even wood wool and transport the insects elsewhere.
• Try insect traps. You can buy them in stores, or you can make them yourself. If you have pets, be careful with this step because insect traps can contain poisons that could harm Fido or Fluffy.
• Try a mosquito repellent spray. Many insects dislike certain scents, and cinnamon, thyme, chervil, and even garlic are generally disliked by the insect community. Even white vinegar and lemon juice will serve as good deterrents. Make your own spray or buy one and spray it in areas where insects seem to congregate the most.

How to prevent an infestation?

Most infestations can be prevented. Consider the following tips to reduce your chances of sharing your beautiful home with some newly acquired bug friends:

• Pets and babies can leave a lot of leftover food lying around, which insects and infestations will love. Be sure to clean up thoroughly after your pets and babies have eaten, and store food in airtight containers, especially dry food, as it tends to have a strong odor.
• Check your walls and windows for cracks or gaps in the joints.
• Store leftover food by sealing it in airtight containers, cleaning up crumbs and washing countertops that may contain crumbs or debris.
• Pick up any insects you find outside right away. Insects, like ants, can release pheromones to attract other ants, especially if they are spying on a food source.
• Empty your garbage frequently and make sure it has a tight lid.

Sometimes things happen. But the best thing to do is be proactive and make sure your home isn't a breeding ground for infestations—as tempting as it is to leave that freshly baked pie on the counter overnight for family and friends to help themselves to. The insects will love it too!

If all else fails, call pest control.

If your previous attempts to deter your crawling invaders have all failed, it's time to call pest control. Exterminators may be able to target the insects at their source or, in larger infestations, treat the entire property. If you suspect early on that your infestation might be much bigger than you're prepared to tackle, it wouldn't hurt to call an exterminator as soon as you notice a problem. Just be aware that homeowners, tenant, or condo insurance won't cover your costs, including insect damage and any expenses necessary to recover from an infestation. This is because homeowners, tenants, and condo insurance policies all consider infestations to be the result of neglect on your part, and as the owner, you're expected to take care of your property!