If you have pests in your home, such as roaches or mice, there are several simple tips outlined below that can prevent many problems.
Seal Openings And Cracks in The Home
Have you taken a look at the windows, screens, and doors in the home? If you notice any holes or cracks, buy some caulk to cover and seal them. It also helps to put in new weather stripping around every entry door to keep out the insects.
Plus, adding new stripping around the doors will keep the cold air out in the winter.
Use A Regular Pest Control Service
Many homeowners may wait until they notice a problem before taking action. But waiting until there’s a problem poses risks; it’s difficult to know how severe the pest damage is when you finally notice it.
That’s why we recommend taking preventative measures with regular pest control treatments. That way, you can be confident that pests and rodents aren’t gaining a foothold in your home.
How often should you have pest control service? It depends on your climate, but where it’s warmer, you may need monthly service to keep the bugs out. In colder climates, some pest companies recommend quarterly pest control service should do the job. Talk to your pest control service professional to learn how often you should have regular preventative treatments.
Keep Plants and Trees Trimmed Outside
Most of us love trees and shrubs, but you can introduce bugs and pests if the plants and trees touch the exterior walls or roof.
Those plants can be a bridge for pests to enter the house, so have branches cut back every quarter.
If you like to garden, remember that mulch can be a perfect nesting ground for pests. When the garden or flowerbed is close to the house, it’s better to use rocks or gravel instead of mulch.
Clean the Kitchen
It’s not surprising that one of the magnets for bugs and pests is the kitchen. These little critters love to get into your pantry and onto the counters to enjoy a snack.
Ants are particularly fond of sweet items and moths like flour, rice, and cereals. You can prevent many problems with bugs in the kitchen by sealing your foods in tight, plastic containers. Also, purchase food items in smaller packages so large items aren’t sitting there for months attracting bugs.
If you have issues with bugs getting into your flour, you can keep it in the fridge or freezer.
Seal Gaps
Take a look around the inside and outside of the home to look for ways for pests to get inside. Watch out for cracks in bricks and the foundation, and those tiny gaps where electrical lines and pipes come inside also can be a big problem.
Fortunately, it’s easy to seal these gaps with caulk or foam insulation. You can make these fixes yourself and they aren’t expensive.
Get Rid Of Trash
We all know that rotting garbage will attract bugs, including flies, ants, and roaches. But did you know that leaves and grass trimmings in the yard can also attract bugs? These are perfect for bug food and nesting, so sweep up the yard waste and put it into containers with tight lids.
Next, keep your decks and patios free of all leaves and grass trimmings, and watch out for standing water; this can provide an ideal place for mosquitos and other bugs to hang out.
Check Weatherstripping Around Doors
Weatherstripping around doors keeps pests and drafts at bay. But stripping often gets brittle and cracks after a few years. So try to replace it every two or three years, and you can keep a lot of nasty critters out of your abode.
These tips are a sure way to minimize bug problems in the home, so give them a shot today!