Living in the country you will have occasional visits from critters. Mice - we use snap traps but if that isn't your style there are live traps you can use but be sure not to release the mice within a few miles of your home. For the sugar ants - keep everything in plastic containers (like Tupperware).....that also will slow down mice. For carpenter ants - I recommend professional pest control.....they are big, black and you may not notice them. If you have an older home the same should be used for termite protection. Ladybugs....we just catch them and put them back outside. We also have the occasional lizard, tree frog and snake come inside.....either catch them or they leave on their own if they don't die (frogs usual do that) It's an exciting life!!!!

I'm moving into a two family house in the woods, so of course bugs are expected. I've heard that there are carpenter ants that may venture in, and there is a powder that can be used. However that's poison, and I have a young child. For the inside I know that there may be mice, sugar ants, and ladybugs. I read that Diatomaceous earth can be used in the window sills and doorways for the ladybugs, is there any way to use it for the ants as well, both inside and out? If so how? If not, what other safe and effective products are there?

Also what is the most effective and affordable way to prevent mice? An electronic trap? Glue? Thanks!