Keep Pests Out: A Guide to a Pest-Free Home
The Importance of Pest Prevention
Pests are not just a minor annoyance; they can be a significant problem. From carrying dangerous diseases to causing severe damage by chewing on electrical wires, pests are a hassle best avoided. If you can put in the time and effort to prevent an infestation, it’s well worth it.
If you’re currently dealing with a pest problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed exterminator near you.
Block Entry Points
One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your home is by blocking their entry points. Homes often have several typical openings that allow pests to get in. Dedicate a few hours to identifying and sealing these entry points.
Windows and Doors
Start with your windows and doors. Ensure that your window screens are intact and seal any cracks in your window frames with caulking. Installing door sweeps on the bottoms of exterior doors and adding weatherstripping to your garage door can also help. Pests often find their way into the garage before making their way into the house.
Foundation and Walls
Next, examine your home’s foundation and exterior walls. Fill in and block every crack you find. Use caulking to seal gaps in the siding and epoxy to fix cracks in the foundation. Don’t forget to check underneath your deck. For added protection against rodents, cover your wall vents with thick steel mesh from the hardware store.
Make Food Inaccessible
Pests are more likely to invade when food is readily available.
Here’s how to make your home less appealing to them:
- Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean your kitchen and any other areas where you store food. Make it a habit to keep your home clean by vacuuming weekly and putting food away before the end of the day. Avoid leaving dirty dishes or pet food out overnight.
- Organize the Pantry: Store food in sealed containers and keep your pantry organized. Invest in a lidded garbage can and ensure it doesn’t overflow.
- Outdoor Tips: If you have fruit trees, pick up fallen fruit promptly. Harvest produce on time and prevent it from rotting on the ground. Consider using row covers to keep pests out and switch to a squirrel-proof bird feeder, placed away from your home. Secure your garbage cans with bungee cords to prevent wildlife from accessing them.
Reduce Humidity and Fix Leaks
Centipedes, silverfish, earwigs, and cockroaches thrive in humid environments. Mice are also attracted to humidity as it indicates nearby water sources. Here are some tips to control humidity in your home:
- Dehumidifiers and Air Exchangers: Use these appliances to reduce humidity levels.
- Bathroom and Kitchen Fans: Always use your bathroom fan when showering or after a bath. Similarly, use your kitchen exhaust fan when boiling water.
- Ideal Humidity Levels: Aim for 30-40% humidity in the winter and 50-60% in the summer.
Clean Up the House
A clean home eliminates food particles that attract pests and removes potential hiding spots.
- Declutter: Go through your closets and get rid of items you don’t need. Keep things off the floor and organized.
- Recycling: Empty cardboard boxes and piles of paper should be recycled.
- General Cleaning: Regular cleaning will keep your home less appealing to pests.
Maintain the Yard
The same cleaning principles apply to your yard.
- Move Items: Keep firewood and patio furniture away from your home’s walls.
- Clean and Seal: Clean out the space under your deck and seal it to keep pests out. Trim shrubs, clean gutters, and rake leaves regularly.
- Window Wells: Keep window wells clean to prevent attracting insects, which may find their way indoors when temperatures become extreme.
Hire a Pest Control Company
Did you know that pest control companies offer exclusion services? A technician can inspect your property for vulnerabilities and fix them, sealing off potential entry points to prevent an infestation. Many companies offer warranties with this service, ensuring that if pests do enter your home, the problem will be addressed at no additional cost.
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