Keeping pests out of the house is essential to maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Unfortunately, pests can be difficult to control, and they often seem to appear out of nowhere.
While there’s no way to eliminate the risk of pests, there are some things you can do to deter them from taking up residence in your home. Here are six of the best ways to keep pests out of your home:
Inspect Your Home for Cracks and Gaps
One of the most common ways pests get into homes is through cracks and gaps in the foundation or exterior walls. Take a walk around your home and look for any cracks or gaps, no matter how small, and seal them up with caulk or another appropriate material. This will help keep pests out and also improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Sealing cracks and gaps in your home is an essential step in preventing pests from entering. Here are a few tips for doing so:
- Inspect your home for any cracks or gaps, no matter how small, and seal them with caulk or another appropriate material.
- Ensure that all doors and windows fit snugly against their frames, and fix any that don’t.
- Install weatherstripping on all doors and windows.
- Check the roofline and eaves for any holes or gaps, and seal them up if necessary.
Keep Your Yard Clean and Tidy
Pests are attracted to yards overgrown with weeds, have piles of debris, or are generally cluttered. To help deter pests, keep your yard clean and tidy. Pull weeds and clear away any piles of debris. You should also store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground.
You should also ensure the lawn is properly maintained. You can buy a durable Spartan mower to deal with hiding places of pests on your property. You should mow the lawn regularly and keep it short. Also, make sure to edge the lawn so that pests have nowhere to hide. You should also cut tree branches that are touching your home. Pests can use these branches to access your home.
Store Food Properly
One of the best ways to keep pests out of your home is to properly store your food. Make sure to keep food in sealed containers and avoid leaving food out on the counters or in the open. Also, be sure to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately. By taking these simple steps, you can deter pests from setting up shop in your home.
Here are some tips for storing food properly
- Always store food in airtight containers to keep pests out.
- Label all containers with the date of storage to ensure freshness.
- Store food in the fridge or freezer to extend its shelf life.
- Rotate stock regularly to use older food first.
- Vacuum seal food to further protect it from pests and moisture.
Another way to keep pests at bay is to maintain a clean kitchen. Regularly sweep and mop the floors. You should also wipe down the counters and backsplash. In addition, don’t forget to empty the garbage can and take out the trash regularly. By keeping your kitchen clean, you’re less likely to attract pests.
Repair any water leaks
Leaky faucets and pipes not only waste water but can also provide an easy entrance for pests into your home. Repairing any water leaks is essential in keeping pests out of your home. Make sure to fix any leaks, and keep an eye out for new leaks as they may develop over time.
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Techniques
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that uses a combination of techniques, including biological control, habitat modification, and chemical control. IPM techniques can be used both inside and outside of your home to help deter pests. If you’re unsure how to get started with IPM, contact a pest control professional for advice.
Some IPM techniques that can be used to keep pests out of your home include:
- Identifying the source of the problem and taking steps to eliminate it.
- Changing the environment to make it less hospitable for pests.
- Using pest-resistant plants in landscaping.
- Trapping or removing pests from the home.
- Applying pesticides only when necessary and using those that pose the least risk to people, pets, and the environment.
Call a Pest Control Professional
When it comes to pests, it is always best to call a pest control professional. They have the training and experience to get rid of pests quickly and safely. If you try to take care of pests alone, you could worsen the problem.
A pest control professional can identify the type of pest you’re dealing with and recommend an effective treatment plan accordingly. They can also provide you with tips on how to prevent future infestations.
Pests can be a nuisance and can cause damage to your home. Following the tips in this article, you can keep pests out of your home using various methods.