My Journey Into DIY Pest Control
Hello and welcome to PestPunch.com! I’m Alex Morgan, a homeowner, parent, and accidental pest control enthusiast from Portland, Oregon.
My journey into the world of DIY pest control began out of necessity rather than choice. Seven years ago, my family and I moved into our dream home – a charming 1930s Craftsman with beautiful woodwork, a spacious yard, and as I would soon discover, a thriving ant colony in the kitchen walls and carpenter bees drilling into our porch beams.
After receiving quotes from professional exterminators that made my eyes water, I decided to tackle the problem myself. Armed with nothing but determination and a good internet connection, I dove headfirst into researching effective, affordable pest control methods. What started as a weekend project soon developed into a passion for finding practical solutions to common pest problems.
Why I Started This Blog
Three years and countless pest encounters later, friends and neighbors began calling me their “pest guru,” seeking advice for their own infestations. I realized that many homeowners face the same challenges I did:
- Professional pest control services can be prohibitively expensive
- Chemical treatments raise concerns about safety for children, pets, and the environment
- The internet is flooded with conflicting information and “miracle” solutions that rarely work
- Most people want to understand the problem, not just temporarily fix it
That’s when PestPunch.com was born – a resource for everyday people who want to take pest control into their own hands, safely and effectively.
My Approach to Pest Control
My philosophy is straightforward: understand the pest, target the problem at its source, and use the least invasive method that works. I believe in:
- Education First: Understanding pest biology and behavior is the foundation of effective control.
- Prevention Over Treatment: The best pest control happens before pests arrive.
- Integrated Methods: Combining multiple approaches often yields better results than relying on a single solution.
- Environmentally Responsible Choices: Effective pest control doesn’t have to poison your home or the planet.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: You shouldn’t need specialized equipment or expensive products for most common pest problems.
My Credentials
While I’m not a licensed exterminator, I’ve invested thousands of hours in research and practical application. I’ve completed the Master Gardener program through Oregon State University Extension Service and have taken specialized courses in:
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Urban Entomology
- Natural and Organic Pest Control Methods
- Structural Pest Identification
I regularly consult with professional entomologists and pest management specialists to ensure the information I share is accurate and up-to-date.
What You’ll Find Here
At PestPunch.com, I share:
- Step-by-Step Guides: Detailed instructions for tackling specific pest problems
- Product Reviews: Honest assessments of pest control products I’ve personally tested
- Seasonal Prevention Tips: Timely advice to stop infestations before they start
- Natural Alternatives: Effective solutions that minimize chemical use
- Identification Resources: Help identifying what’s bugging your home
- Success Stories: Real-life examples from my own home and readers like you
My Promise to You
I promise to provide practical, tested advice that empowers you to handle pest problems confidently. Every method I recommend has been personally tried or thoroughly researched. I’ll never suggest expensive solutions when affordable ones work just as well, and I’ll always be transparent about what works, what doesn’t, and what might need professional intervention.
Pest control isn’t just about killing bugs – it’s about creating a healthier living environment for you and your family. By taking control of pest issues yourself, you gain knowledge, save money, and protect what matters most: your home.
Have a specific pest problem you’re battling? Drop me a message through the contact page. I’m always happy to help fellow DIYers take the fight to unwanted houseguests!
Happy pest-punching!
Alex Morgan
Founder, PestPunch.com
Quick Facts About Me
- Location: Portland, Oregon
- Family: Married with two children and a very territorial cat named Inspector
- Day Job: High school science teacher
- Most Memorable Pest Battle: Evicting a family of raccoons from my attic using nothing but talk radio and motion-activated sprinklers
- Proudest Achievement: Helping our neighborhood reduce rodent problems by 80% through community education and coordinated prevention efforts
- Can’t Live Without: My infrared thermometer for finding insect nests in walls
- Current Project: Converting our garden into a pest-resistant landscape that still attracts beneficial insects
