Living in a home that’s free of pests like rodents and insects is essential for our comfort, health, and overall wellbeing, not to mention the fact that pests can cause property damage and lower property values.
The good news is that there are some steps that you can take that will help you to solve this issue and make your home an unwelcoming place for pests of all kinds to go to. Whether you currently have a pest problem or you just want to stop it from happening in the first place, read on for some useful tips on how to make your home a place pests won’t want to visit.
Get Expert Help
Of course, there are many methods you can use that will help you stop unwelcome creatures from coming into your home, and it’s important to take note of as many as you can and incorporate them into your routine where possible. However, one of the best things thing to do first, even before you start making your home unwelcoming to pests, is to get expert help in the form of a good pest control company.
When you have a pest control company to help you, you not only put measures in place to stop more pests from coming in, but you can remove the ones that are already there. This will give you a clean slate when it comes to your pest control ideas, making the following options easier to handle.
Seal Entry Points
Preventing pests from entering your home is the first line of defence. Start by inspecting your property for likely entry points, such as gaps in windows, doors, and foundation cracks.
Windows and doors are common entry points for pests, so it’s important for you to inspect the frames, sills, and surrounding areas for any gaps or openings. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close these gaps effectively. You should also check the foundation of your home for any visible cracks or gaps. Use an appropriate sealant, such as concrete filler or mortar, to repair these openings. When you do this, pests won’t be able to get inside at all.
Another effective way to seal entry points is to install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to close the gap between the door and the threshold. This prevents pests from crawling under the door and finding their way inside. Choose door sweeps made of durable materials like rubber or bristles to effectively block any potential entry points.
To prevent insects from entering your home while still maintaining proper ventilation, install screens on windows and vents. When you do this, it’s crucial to ensure that the screens are intact and free from tears or holes. Repair or replace any damaged screens promptly to maintain their effectiveness as a barrier against pests.
Keep Your Home Clean
As much as we might not enjoy housework, the fact is that if you want to reduce the risk of bugs and pests wanting to come into your home, you do need to keep it as clean as you can. Pests are attracted to places where they can find food and shelter, so if you remove any of these factors, they won’t feel so happy to be in your home.
One thing that is crucial is to store your food properly. You could have a wonderfully clean home but if pests can still get to the food in your cupboards, they will be happy to stay. Invest in some airtight containers to stop this from happening.
Other cleaning ideas include:
To help, you should have a cleaning routine that involves regular sweeping and vacuuming, as this will eliminate food crumbs that you might not otherwise have known were there. When you put your rubbish outside, make sure it is in a bin with a lid and that the bags are closed.
Eliminate Standing Water
Pests, particularly mosquitoes, are known to thrive in stagnant water, making it crucial to remove any sources of standing water you might have around your home – or even in it. Conduct regular inspections around your property to identify and eliminate any potential breeding grounds for the bugs and make sure you are thorough in your examination, paying close attention to areas such as leaky pipes, clogged gutters, or any containers or trays that could accumulate water.
Start by inspecting your outdoor areas, including gardens, lawns, and flower beds. Look for any depressions or uneven surfaces that might collect rainwater. Fill or level these areas to prevent water from accumulating. As well as this, checkany unused items, such as old tyres, buckets, or discardedflowerpots. Make sure these are always stored upside down (or in a way that water can’t get into them and stagnate).
If you have a pond, add something that will keep the water moving, like a water feature or fountain. This will disturb the pests, and they won’t hang around.
Garden Maintenance
Taking proactive steps to maintain your garden not only enhances its appearance but also helps create an environment that is less attractive to pests. To begin with, trim bushes, trees, and shrubs away from the house; overgrown vegetation near your home serves as a ‘bridge’ for pests, allowing them easier access to your property. By creating a buffer zone between your home and the vegetation, you make it more challenging for pests to find their way indoors.
You should also maintain a well-mowed lawn as this has several benefits for pest management. Shorter grass provides fewer hiding places for pests, limiting their opportunities to breed. Regular mowing also helps to eliminate tall grasses and weeds, which can harbour pests such as ticks and fleas.
Piles of debris, fallen leaves, and unkempt vegetation create attractive hiding places and breeding grounds for pests. Regularly clean up your garden, removing any accumulated debris or fallen branches. Pay particular attention to areas where clutter tends to build up, such as corners, under decks, or near storage sheds. By removing these hiding spots, you eliminate potential habitats for pests and make your gardenless inviting to them.
