Your home is a personal sanctuary, so it must be safe from all threats, including pests. Pest infestation is a significant issue affecting about 14 million households in the US.
Common bugs like spiders, termites, fleas, cockroaches, and rodents can damage your property and spread dangerous infections. Therefore, it is vital to take appropriate measures to protect your home and family.
If you are wondering where to start, here are five essential home maintenance tips to keep pests away.
1. Seal Any Entry Points
Pests are always seeking nicer, warmer habitats, especially during the cold season, and your home might be one of their destinations. These creatures are tiny, so they’ll use any openings , including vents in the attic, doors, and windows, to enter your house.
Fortunately, you can prevent bugs and rodents from accessing your home by inspecting the exterior for any cracks or gaps that might be entry points. If you spot any openings, use durable weather-resistant caulk, sealant, or metal mesh to seal them.
Moreover, it would help to keep your doors and windows shut, especially if you don’t have screens. If you have a chimney, consider installing a cap to keep bats and mice away.
2. Store Food Properly
Bugs and rodents are attracted to locations that store or prepare food for survival. While there is no problem feeding other living creatures in the environment, pests in your home are dangerous and can multiply into uncontrollable numbers.
It would be ideal to store your food correctly using tightly sealed containers or plastic bags. Moreover, cover any areas containing water to keep away flying insects like mosquitoes.
If you can’t find air-tight resealable containers to store your food, keep it in the freezer. The tight seal and temperature in the freezer make it hard for bugs to get in and survive there.
3. Contact Professional Pest Control Services
While it is essential to do everything possible to keep pests away, bugs and rodents may still find their way into your home. If you identify any signs of pest infestation, such as droppings, grease buildup, damaged fabrics, and unusual odor, you may need to seek help from a professional pest control exterminator.
Expert pest control companies like Clarks use environmentally friendly methods to eliminate pests. They will inspect your property thoroughly, find the primary source of the problem, and suggest long-lasting solutions.
When looking for pest control assistance, choose a reputable, licensed, and certified company from your state. Going through the reviews and ratings of past clients can give you a glimpse of the company you are about to settle on.
4. Keep Your Home Clean
Besides storing food properly, it is essential to keep your home clean. An ideal starting point for safeguarding your home is identifying any stagnant water points that could be breeding places for insects and draining them.
It is also vital to maintain the grounds in your home through proper yard care techniques. This includes cutting overgrown vegetation, removing fallen branches and leaves, and avoiding wood piles which could attract termites.
Lastly, throw your trash in designated, properly maintained places. If you use trash cans, empty them frequently to keep away bugs that find buffets in these places.
5. Maintain Proper Drainage
Water buildup around your home attracts various pests, from mosquitoes to termites. Poor drainage leads to standing water, providing ideal breeding grounds for insects and weakening your home’s structure over time.
Check gutters and downspouts regularly, ensuring they’re clean and directing water away from the foundation. Install gutter guards if debris is a recurring issue.
Additionally, inspect the ground around your home. Ensure it slopes away from the building to prevent pooling water. Consider using gravel or mulch in landscaping to aid proper drainage.
A dry environment is less appealing to pests, reducing the likelihood of infestation while also protecting against moisture-related structural damage.
Conclusion
Pest control is more than just an occasional chore; it’s about maintaining your sanctuary’s integrity. Implementing these essential tips keeps pests at bay, ensuring a safer, healthier home for you and your loved ones. Your diligence today wards off tomorrow’s infestations.
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