Pests are a common problem in homes across the country. While some pests can be harmless, others can cause extensive damage to your property. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent pests from invading your home in the first place.
Here are five tips to help keep pests out of your home:
Key Takeaways
- There are countless things you can do to keep pests out of your home, including sealing up doors and windows and fixing any cracks or gaps.
- Keep your lawn clean, mowed, and well-maintained to prevent indoor and outdoor pests alike.
- Make sure you clean and sanitize your home (especially your kitchen and trash areas) regularly to eliminate breeding grounds for pests.
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5 Ways to Prevent Pest Infestation in Your Home
A pest infestation in your home can be a frustrating and even dangerous experience. Not only are pests unsightly, but they can also carry diseases and cause structural damage to your property.
Prevention is key. The trick is to keep these pests from taking up residence in the first place by implementing a few simple measures.
Seal Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are one of the most common ways that pests find their way into homes. By sealing the perimeter of doors and windows with a screen or other material, you can help to prevent pests from getting inside.
This can be done with a variety of materials, such as weatherstripping, door sweeps, and caulk. Weatherstripping is a flexible strip of material that is placed around the edges of doors and windows. It helps to create a tight seal that pests cannot get through.
Door sweeps are similar to weatherstripping, but they are designed specifically for doors. They are usually made of rubber or bristles, and they can be attached to the bottom of doors to keep pests from crawling underneath.
Caulk is a type of sealant that can be used to fill in gaps and cracks around doors and windows. It is available in both liquid and solid form, and it hardens to create a lasting barrier.
If using a screen, be on the lookout for holes or tears which can become an opening for unwanted intruders. Repair these holes as soon as you discover them.
In addition, it is important to keep doors and windows closed when not in use, as even a small opening can provide an opportunity for pests to enter. By taking these simple steps, you can help to keep your home free of unwanted guests.
Dispose of Garbage Frequently
Pests are attracted to garbage because it contains a lot of potential food sources, including leftover scraps of food, paper products, and even rotting materials.
If you have a garbage bin indoors, be sure to take the garbage out often to prevent pests from breeding and expanding the indoor infestation. You should also clean and sanitize your garbage bin frequently to deter pests from entering.
Indoors, use a tight-fitting lid on the trash cans to seal garbage inside until you have a chance to put it outside. Clean and sanitize your garbage bin frequently.
Repair Cracks and Openings
It’s important to repair or close any cracks and openings in your home that could serve as an entry point for pests.
Look for damage in siding, brick, wood, or concrete as potential problem areas. Once you’ve determined the source of the problem, start sealing up cracks and openings with caulk or expanding foam specifically designed for sealing homes.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the area around the crack or opening, then apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In most cases, this will involve filling the crack or opening completely before smoothing over with a putty knife. Finally, allow the sealant to dry completely before painting or staining over it.
Maintain Your Yard
One of the most important safeguards against pest infestation is yard maintenance. By keeping your yard free of standing or stagnant water, for example, you can greatly reduce the risk of mosquito infestation. So drain and clean that bird bath or water fountain weekly.
A fresh layer of mulch applied around your plants can also keep pests away. However, make sure you keep this mulch away from your home’s foundation, as it can serve as a bridge for pests to get inside.
In addition, removing leaves and debris from your yard, shutters, and gutters can eliminate a potential breeding ground for other pests. Keeping the grass mowed and avoiding tall grass is essential when it comes to keeping ticks out of the mix, too.
Store Food Properly
No one wants pests in their home, but they can be drawn in if food is not properly contained.
If you keep food in the pantry, make sure it is in a tightly sealed container. Glass or metal works best, but plastic can also work if it is sealed correctly.
If possible, avoid storing food on the floor; opt instead for high shelves that will be more difficult for pests to reach.
Still dealing with pest problems outside despite taking all possible preventative measures? You may want to light a few citronella candles to keep pests away. This is another one of the best natural remedies for repelling pests without the use of chemicals!
One more thing you can do to get rid of all kinds of different bugs, like flies and stink bugs? Turn the exterior light off at night. Even if you have the best screens on your windows, a well-lit porch is bound to attract pests to your deck.
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Conclusion
While pests can be a nuisance, there are ways to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. When in doubt, you may want to call a pest control service to get rid of the mosquitoes, spiders, flies, fleas, or other pesky insects that are invading your home. This is one of the best ways to eliminate pests in your home and garden – especially for the long term. Hire a pest control specialist to inspect your home on a regular basis.
