Keeping pests at bay is crucial to keeping your home in good health and a comfortable temperature. After all, nobody wants to live with unwanted critters capable of contaminating food, spreading diseases, or causing property damage.
Though the presence of one or two pests can only partially be avoided, their continuance or infestation becomes a big headache. Thankfully, there are things a homeowner can do to keep this pest at bay. Here are some tips to help you keep your home and family safe from unwanted intruders.
Easy Pest Control Tips
Ready to roll up your sleeves and show those pests who’s boss? Here are some tried-and-true hacks to get you started:
Maintain a Clean Kitchen
A clean kitchen is vital to keeping pests away from your home. As Mindful Pest Control, a leading provider of eco-conscious pest solutions advises: “Keeping your kitchen clean is a simple yet highly effective way to prevent infestations, as crumbs and spills act as an open invitation for pests.”
Follow these practices to minimize attractants:
- Clean off countertops and floors of food debris and spills regularly.
- Store all food, including pet food, in tight-sealing containers to eliminate access to pests.
- Wash dishes immediately or load them in the dishwasher to prevent pests that might attract food residue.
Seal Entry Points
Pests can use even the tiniest opening to access your home. Extensively check your property and close any potential access points. Be highly critical around your home’s foundation, below the walls and windows.
- Seal immediate cracks and gaps, offering pests a way into your premises using caulk.
- Install weatherstripping around the various doors and windows, providing a tight seal and not letting pests slip through.
- Fill holes where pipes and wires enter your home with steel wool to create a barrier that pests can’t chew through.
Landscaping for Pest Control
As the experts at Peak Pest Control say, “Your lawn is the first line of defense against pests.” This means more than just having a beautiful yard; it’s about actively managing the environment around your home. Keeping trees and shrubs pruned back from the home will help eliminate those handy thoroughfares. Keep your lawn mowed and remove debris or piles of wood that may provide a cover for pests. Remember, a well-maintained yard is less inviting for critters not invited in.
Natural Pest Repellents
Peppermint, tea tree, and lavender essential oils top the category of some popular ones that repel many insects. Another effective weapon in your fight is diatomaceous earth, a natural powder of fossilized algae. Sprinkle it around all pathways where pests may travel, and watch them retreat. And as for good old vinegar, that’s not just for salad dressings. Its strong smell keeps ants and other insects away.
Proper Food Storage
Proper food storage will help prevent pest problems. Store all foods, including pet foods, in sealed containers to eliminate pest access. Do not leave food items on countertops and tables overnight, as this attracts unwanted visitors.
Regularly Empty Trash
Proper waste management goes a long way in reducing pest attractants. Take out the garbage regularly and keep those cans tightly sealed. In addition, clean the trash cans now and then to remove food residue or spills that attract pests.
Address Moisture Issues
Dr. Termites, a California-based company specializing in eco-friendly termite and pest control solutions, highlights this by saying, “Moisture problems in and around your home can be a major attractant for termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying organisms.” Control moisture like a master plumber, ensuring proper ventilation and fixing leaks to keep your home dry and pest-free. Fix all leaking pipes and faucets and ensure good ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
Although DIY methods are excellent for addressing minor problems, sometimes big guns need to be brought in. Herein discusses when calling in the services of a professional exterminator is the smart thing to do:
- Expert Identification and Targeted Treatment: Pros correctly identify pests and provide treatment accordingly for better results.
- Professional-Grade Tools and Techniques: Exterminators can use stronger solutions that are not available through the hardware store and have access to specialized equipment.
- Safety First: The pros know how to handle and apply pesticides safely, minimizing risks to your family and pets.
- Long-Term Prevention: Besides eliminating existing pests, exterminators use proactive strategies to help prevent future ones.
- Save Time and Money: The pros will get the job done efficiently and on time, which may save you the unnecessary costs of repeated do-it-yourself attempts and costly property damages.
- Peace of Mind: Sit back and let the professionals take over the problem to comfort yourself with a calm mind and a pest-free house.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve finally evicted your unwanted guests. Now, you have to make sure they don’t mount a comeback. Regular house inspection, seasonal pest control, and maintenance are the keys to keeping your home free from pests.
As the saying goes, a pest-free home is a happy home! By doing these pest control tips and being in tune with the surrounding environment, you can actually enjoy your sanctuary without sharing it with critters.
Now it’s your turn! What are some of your tried-and-true pest control life hacks? Please share with us in the comments below!
