For many homeowners, pests are a constant, unwelcome nuisance in a city or the suburbs. Here, we'll share our top five tips for eradicating pests and controlling their spread in your house, including what to do if you suspect an infestation. From cleaning up after yourself to double-checking your pets' food bowls, these handy hints can help you control that bug burden without spending all day on it.

You can use plants as natural repellents. Grow herbs in pots throughout your house and keep them outdoors. If a plant withers, remove it and replace it with another fresh plant. Many herbs are natural repellents, including lavender, pennyroyal, rosemary, and sage.

Dispose of pests with an ecologically sound method. Use paper and plastic bags to dispose of dead insects, your houseplants' soil, and your yard's leaves. This will help the soil retain its nutrients, which repel pests. Instead of spraying pesticides or harmful chemicals on your home's exterior or buying a pricey pest-control product, you can also use vinegar and water to kill pests. Vinegar and water are a good, nontoxic, and relatively cheap way to get rid of pests.

Make your home less attractive to pests. Keep a backup of essential household products, such as toilet paper and paper towels. Keep your house clutter-free. Use regular trash cans and empty them frequently to avoid attracting bugs. Many pests love dark areas. Keep your home well-lit, with lights that are on a timer.

Maintain the yard. Keep weeds under control and regularly clean up areas like your patio, excess pet waste, and dead plants. Weed patches in the yard are a favorite hideout for pests. Usually, these pests will leave your home when it is cleaned.

Seal them out. Fix any holes or gaps that pests might use to get into your home. Put screens over windows and doors. Keep your house well-lit at night, so problems don't have a dark place to hide. According to a recent study, most pests find their way inside your house because of gaps in doors and windows.

Try some DIY tips to eliminate bugs inside and outside your home to get rid of pests naturally and cheaply. Many insects are attracted to sugary substances, so make sure you don't have sugar bowls on the table.