If you’re concerned about the possibility of pests in your home, prevention is always the easiest way to keep your home safe and clean.
When it comes to making sure that your house is pest-proof, there are plenty of practical things you can do to protect your health, your property, and your family.
Read on for a list of 10 easy ways to keep your home free of icky pests for better peace of mind.
1. Seal Doors, Windows, and Cracks
Whether it’s insects or rodents, most pests can easily fit into tiny cracks and gaps in your home. To make sure your house is pest-proof, start by checking all of the doors and windows, looking for any gaps or worn out seals. Look for holes or tears in screens where pests can easily come inside.
Replace cracked or loose seals with new weather stripping or caulk. This is an affordable way to create a tight perimeter around your doors and windows. An added bonus is that your home will be better insulated, too.
Inspect your foundation and walls and look for any visible signs of cracking. Insects and small animals like mice can squeeze into cracks and easily get inside. Repair cracks with a sealant or wood filler.
2. Pest Proof Your Home with a Clean Kitchen
Pests love to nibble on crumbs and sticky spills, which is why it’s important to keep your home as clean as possible. Wipe up spills and messes immediately, then follow up with a cleaning spray or wipe to remove residue.
Vacuum or sweep your kitchen regularly and dispose of crumbs in your outdoor garbage can. Seal all food in airtight containers and make sure that they’re free of sticky residue on the outside.
Clean up around your coffeemaker daily and wipe up sugar or creamer that spills on the counter. Never leave fruits and veggies in direct sunlight. If your product starts to go bad or rot, throw it out immediately.
3. Check Your Roof
Larger pests like bats, raccoons, or rats love to come into homes through the roof. When the temperatures drop, many animals are looking for a warm place to hunker down during the winter. Perform a thorough inspection of your roof and be on the lookout for any signs of light coming into your attic.
If you notice a possible hole or other problem, call a professional roof repair company right away. Seal all holes or gaps around the flashing in your roof and verify that there are no other possible pest entry points.
Small animals like to chew on insulation to build their nests, which is why it’s crucial to make your roof impenetrable. Not only will checking on the condition of your roof keep the pests out, but it’s also a good way to ensure your roof is still in good condition.
4. Keep your Home as Dry as Possible
Many pests enjoy living in damp environments, so be sure you get rid of any excess moisture or dampness in your home. Apply a new bead of caulk around tubs, sinks, and toilets. Make sure there are no signs of leaks in your bathroom or kitchen.
Check your basement for any visible stains on the ground. If you see anything new, it may indicate that you have a leaking or dripping pipe. Look above you for signs of cracks or loose fittings that could cause water to leak through and down into the basement.
It’s also wise to check your ceiling and look for any possible signs of water damage that could be coming from outside. Never leave containers with standing water sitting outside, either. Mosquitos love to breed in standing water, and many pests will find the water and use it as a drinking source.
5. Clean Up Your Landscaping
Nasty pests enjoy hanging out under grass clippings, in piles of decaying leaves, and in compost piles. Some insects also use branches to serve as a virtual highway that leads directly to your home.
To prevent yard pests from coming indoors, trim all branches back and make sure they’re away from the roofline. Cut back shrubbery as far as you can so that the insects stay on the plants and away from your windowsills or doors.
Remove dog poop from your yard every day. Check to make sure that all trashcans and compost heaps are securely covered and far away from your home. A clean, trimmed yard and trees will prevent pests from hanging out and eventually moving into your home.
6. Get a Professional Pest Inspection
While it’s almost impossible to have a completely pest-proof home, an inspection can help you determine whether or not you already have a problem. Professional companies like Affinity Pest Control can come to your home and look for possible signs of pest infestation. Then, they’ll take the necessary steps to correct it before things get out of control.
An inspection is a good way to determine whether or not you already have a pest problem, or what you should do now to prevent one. Let the pros give you some advice about how to protect your home from the possibility of dangerous pests.
If you’re concerned about seasonal pests, consider scheduling inspections a few times a year. Not only will this confirm whether or not you have pests, but it will also give you peace of mind that your home is currently pest free.If you’re concerned about seasonal pests, consider scheduling inspections with Aptive Exterminator a few times a year.
7. Keep Bedding Clean
Bed bugs are some of the most difficult pests to get rid of. While some bed bugs can “hitch a ride” from other locations, many just happen to find your home an enticing place to lay their eggs.
To prevent bed bugs from moving in, wash sheets, comforters, and pillowcases regularly in hot water. Clean all of your furniture upholstery by vacuuming in between the crevices on a regular basis, too.
Another place where bed bugs like to hide is in carpets and furniture. Vacuum your floors regularly and do periodic checks of your bedroom and living room to look for the possible presence of these tiny biting pests.
8. Cut the Clutter
Mice and insects will live in dark, cluttered spaces where they can stay safe and build their homes. To make sure you have a pest proof home, you should eliminate excess clutter from closets and every room.
Get rid of piles of old newspapers and take them to your local recycling center instead of letting them sit in the corner of a room. Go through your closets and remove piles of clothing and shoes. Wash your clothes and store seasonal clothing in sealed plastic storage bins instead of letting everything pile up.
Ants, roaches, and termites like to hide in piles of wood. If you use firewood, make sure you stack it away from the house and elevate it off the ground. Cover the firewood with a protective tarp to keep it dry since many pests enjoy wet, rotting wood.
9. Try Essential Oils
Certain essential oils can be especially repulsive to pests. This is a fantastic way to prevent pests while doing so in a safe, natural manner instead of using dangerous chemicals.
You can sprinkle the oil around the outside perimeter of your home, or use it indoors by applying some to the inside of your cabinets and closets. Make sure the oils you choose are safe to use around children or pets.
Some examples of essential oil that many different types of pests hate include peppermint, citronella, and lemongrass. Everything from ants and roaches to mosquitos has a certain level of avoidance of specific essential oils. Do your research to determine which oils will work best at repelling specific pests in your area.
10. Invite the Birds Over
Birds are a wonderful addition to your backyard, but they can also be an effective form of all-natural pest control. Attract bug-eating birds to your yard by adding a few feeders throughout.
When the birds come to your yard, they’ll eat the food you provide, but they’ll also eat the insects. This is a great way to enjoy a bit of bird watching while getting the added benefit of natural pest control.
Look into the birds that live near you, and find the right food that will attract them. In time, you should start to see more birds and fewer insects appear.
Kick Pests to the Curb
With a few simple checks and some regular cleaning, it’s easy to pest-proof your home. Seal gaps, use essential oil, and get an annual pest inspection to make sure your home is free of pests for a long time to come.
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