How to Prevent Pests in Your Home
An Invasion of Privacy
Each season brings a new horde of bugs and rodents that can infiltrate your living space. These sneaky creatures can hide in the tiniest crevices in your home and greatly affect your quality of living. Not only are pests annoying, but they can also cause a multitude of issues with your health and home, and contribute to maintenance costs. To stop an invasion of privacy before it occurs, follow these pest prevention tips.
Outdoor Maintenance
Stop pests at the source by creating an undesirable landscape for them outside of the home. Complete regular yard maintenance by trimming the grass and raking leaves to reduce the number of hiding spots. Stagnant water is a major attractor for pests, so make sure your home’s sump pump is in working condition and can remove water from your property quickly. Also, remove yard debris and store firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
Check the Environment
Though you may clean regularly, there are some steps you can add to your routine that aid in deterring animals or insects. Food is a major attractor to pests, so be sure to examine the kitchen for any food left out. Store any leftovers securely in an enclosed container and immediately discard old food in a garbage can with a tightly closed lid. When your garbage bag becomes full, it is best to remove it from the home as soon as possible and place it in a dumpster or a securely closed trash bin. If you have a pet, protect its food supply from unwelcome guests by keeping it in a secure storage bin. In addition to keeping food waste under control, it is also wise to reduce clutter in areas of the home where pests can hide; this includes room corners, closets, and under furniture.
Check for Openings
By eliminating points of access from outside the home, you can prevent sneaky creatures from exploring inside. Most bugs and small rodents can fit in a hole the size of a dime or smaller, so it is important to regularly inspect your home for any potential openings. Once you find a crack or crevice, seal it immediately inside and out. If you find gaps under your doors, insert a door sweep; also replace your window and door screens if they become damaged. If you have a fireplace, you should regularly inspect your chimney for evidence of pest entrance, and be sure to close the damper when not in use. Finally, don’t forget to check the roof for any cracks or leaks, which can bring both bugs and water damage that will further attract pests.
Use Pesticide
If you find that bugs and rodents still prevail after prevention efforts, your home may just be in a location where the climate is attractive to pests. If this is the case, you might want to consider researching and using a pesticide. Before making a pesticide purchase, consult local laws from the Department of Health to determine whether they are allowed. If laws say you can use pesticides, be sure to purchase one that has an EPA registration number to ensure that it has been registered and tested. Also, remember to check labels on all pest control products and carefully follow directions when handling.
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