Pests can be a major hassle that cost hundreds – even thousands – in repairs. They can also make you sick with food poisoning or a debilitating virus. Thankfully, you can protect your health and your wallet by pest-proofing your home, first. All it takes is a little home maintenance. Here’s how you can pest-proof your home and save yourself the trouble of an infestation.
Practice good hygiene
Pest Control Lindsay professionals recommend that you keep the house clean to avoid an infestation. Though you can’t rely on it 100%, cleaning reduces the smell of food, which makes your home a little less attractive to pests.
So, make a habit of doing the dishes and taking the garbage out every day. Wipe down your countertops and the kitchen sink. Vacuum the floors on a regular basis and don’t forget to clean your appliances. The cleaner, the better.
Get rid of clutter
Mice and bugs love messy, cluttered homes where they can hide. So, get organized and put things away. Donate, sell, or give away the things you don’t need. Move things like power cords off the floor to create space and bring in the light. The neater, the better. ]
Store food properly
One of the most effective ways to pest-proof your home, you can avoid a pest problem is to store your food in airtight containers. Secure everything you keep in the pantry in sealed plastic bags, jars, or plastic containers. Everyday items like coffee, sugar, and butter should be out of reach as well. You can find all sorts of pest-proof containers in grocery stores and home supply stores.
Lower the humidity
Insects especially love humid environments. Centipedes, for example, are commonly found in damp bathrooms and basements. If you suspect that your home is a little humid, consider getting a dehumidifier or adding fans. Increase ventilation by opening windows and turning on the bathroom fan when you take a shower. Fix leaky faucets and don’t leave sinks full of water or dirty dishes.
Watch out for bed bugs
Bed bugs are unlike most other pests because they do not travel long distances, nor do they feed on regular food. In most cases, bed bugs are brought into the house by accident, by clinging to people’s clothes. (Xanax)
Be careful when staying at a hotel. Always inspect your belongings when you get home and look for bed bugs when buying used furniture. Do not leave your clothing at the laundromat – bag them up as soon as you are done drying and fold your clothes at home.
Seal entry points
Blocking entry points is super important when it comes to mice, ants, and other pests that come from outside. Make sure that your window screens are in good shape and get door sweeps to keep them out. Then, check the walls of your home for gaps and cracks. Seal these shut, then cover wall vents with mesh.
Be thorough in your exclusion and remember that rodents can chew through practically anything. Choose caulking and thick steel meshes so they can’t get through.
Maintain the yard
Pests love yards that are shady, overgrown, and cluttered with debris. First, clear the sides of your home. Move things like firewood, leaf piles, and furniture away from the walls so there is nowhere a pest can hide. Then, get in the habit of maintaining the yard. Mow the lawn, cut the grass, and keep up with your gardening. Pick up fallen fruit and harvest things on time.
Make garbage inaccessible
Garbage attracts pests. Use lidded garbage cans and keep them clean to reduce odours. Take the garbage out every night and secure your bins with locks and bungee cords. You should also store your garbage bins in a shed or in the garage until collection day.
Hire an exterminator
Did you know that exterminators offer pest-proofing services? Whether you are currently dealing with pests or not, you can always call a professional for an inspection. A technician will find every possible entry point on your property and offer to block them off for you.
If you’re worried about the cost, find a company that offers warranties with its exclusion. That way, if pests break through, a technician will come back and fix the problem for free.
