The last thing any of us want, or need, is a pest infestation in our homes. Below a list of ways to KEEP THEM OUT!
Regularly Clean Your Home
First, and foremost, KEEP IT CLEAN! The cleaner your home is, the less attractive it will be to pests. Keep up on vacuuming, mopping, and other household chores. Doing so will regularly disturb any areas where a pest might consider making a home. Plus, you’ll pick up crumbs and other debris that might be a potential food source for pests. And when you regularly make the cleaning rounds, you’re likely to spot any potential entrances for pests before they become a problem.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
While the flowering bushes beside our homes may look inviting, they can harbor more pests than any of us care to imagine. We should remove tree limbs that overhang and touch our roofs, and shrubbery or mulch close to the foundation. Both provide “bridges” into our homes. Remove these common access paths.
Remove Standing Water Outdoors and Moisture Indoors
Stagnant or standing water attracts a variety of pests. Reduce standing water in all sources near the home’s exterior. Some pests, like termites, cockroaches, and carpenter ants, love moisture and are more likely to be found in damp areas of your house. Check your home for any moisture issues (leaky roof, faulty plumbing and seals, foundation issues, etc.).
Improper Openings
Pests can wiggle through tiny cracks and gaps, so regularly inspect, and repair warped or broken doors/windows, as well as those that simply don’t fit well. Any openings found are essentially open doors to rodents and arthropods, such as spiders and millipedes.
Seal or screen over improper openings. Check indoors for cracks and gaps as well (under, and behind kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, and stoves) for signs of infestation.
Dispose Well
Everybody knows that household garbage can attract pests such as ants, roaches, and rodents. But yard waste also can draw in pests that might see it either as a nest or a food source. Make sure that all trash cans have tight-fitting lids and clean the cans and area where they sit regularly.
Clean Drains
Sink and floor drains often accumulate gunk and debris. This can attract pests and provide an ideal breeding site, especially for small flies. So make sure to regularly inspect and clean all the drains in your home.
Inspect Your Food Containers
Some pests, such as rodents, have an excellent sense of smell. Open food containers? They’re coming for that! Fully seal every food container!
Hire a Professional
Many people have a monthly service from a professional pest control company. The pros will often recommend treating all the exterior – including all potential points of entry. This can serve as a barrier to prevent entry. Check out extensive list of providers in the Chatel Group’s Professional Network.
Need help identifying what type of pest you may have? Or want to know more about what pests most commonly invade specific rooms, check out Pest World’s comprehensive guide.
Contact Sarah and Lisa today for any questions about protecting your home, and of course they would love to represent you if you are planning to buy or sell!
