From flies to mosquitoes, wasps, mice and more, there seems to be no end to the list of critters and pests trying to take up residence in your home. Some may be drawn into the house because of a food source, and others may be trying to seek shelter from unpleasant temperatures, rain or something else.
Many pests can damage your home and spread disease. Some leave behind disgusting droppings, and others bite or sting you. You understandably want to do your best to keep pests outside of your home, and these essential tips can help.
Seal Doors and Windows
One of the primary ways that pests get into your home is through gaps or holes in the exterior. For example, some insects can creep into the house through a seemingly tiny hole in a window seal. Ants and spiders may crawl in through space under the door that is not sealed correctly. Resealing your doors and windows regularly will help dramatically. Remember that you may also need to seal your siding periodically and check the roof for damage. Also, use screens when the doors and windows are open.
Keep the Interior Clean
Because the lure of food is an enticement that many pests cannot resist, take all steps possible to keep your interior clean. Your kitchen should be thoroughly cleaned nightly, and no food should be left on the counter. Take the trash out daily, and ensure that all food in your pantry is adequately sealed. Adopt a policy of only eating at the dining table so that you can control where crumbs may land.
Remove Hiding Spots
Some pests, such as termites, look for great hiding spaces that are conducive to their needs. For example, termites often thrive in an area where wood or ground clutter touches the base of the home. Piles of vegetation may also attract snakes, small rodents and other critters that you would prefer to stay as far away from your home as possible.
Take Away Food Sources
Your food in the kitchen is only one of many sources of food that pests can eat. For example, dust mites can feed on dust, flakes of dead skin and more. Cleaning the home regularly can remove these food sources. Understand what the most common critters in your local area eat, and remove all food sources from your property when possible.
Call for Help
You should always be observant for signs of pests. Keep in mind that if you see a few roaches, spiders or mice, for example, there may be dozens more that are hiding in your walls or around the property. Call pest control at the first sign of an issue. Treatment will help to prevent a small infestation from developing into a huge problem. Like it is stated by Sage Pest Control, “Don’t let your pest control problems go unchecked!”
You can take numerous steps to reduce the chance of pest infestations. However, we share the world with many insects and pests that multiply rapidly and that have seemingly cunning or uncanny ways of getting into your home. With this in mind, it requires regular effort and diligence to keep pests at bay.
Tags: chores, Cleaning, Pests