05/03/2018
With springtime upon us, many homeowners are excited to get their houses in tip-top shape and rid their yards of harmful pests and irksome critters. Amongst other household chores, pest control may seem like a daunting and unwanted task, but there are a few simple ways to help reduce pest infestations.
All pests initially enter your home from the outside. Therefore, these preventative measures will help ward off a pest infestation before it can become a noticeable problem inside the home.
Keep Plants and Mulch Away From the House
Make sure all your plants and mulch are at least three feet from the house. It sounds simple enough, but this small adjustment helps ward off rodents, pillbugs, earwigs, centipedes, and many insects that are attracted to flowers, leaves, and the moisture that mulch holds.
Tighten Seals on Doors and Windows
Pests are able to easily find their way indoors through even the smallest spaces and cracks, often entering a home through tiny gaps around plumbing pipes, under window frames, via improperly sealed attics, and through various crawl spaces. To ensure pests don’t gain access to the home, properly fit screens to all windows, make sure to repair any torn screens, and always replace old weather stripping for a better seal. If there are large holes or cracks, make sure to seal and caulk immediately to help prevent mice, spiders, and roaches from gaining entry.
Eliminate All Sources of Standing Water
Insects such as cockroaches, flies, and mosquitoes are often attracted to vessels of stagnant water. To prevent the accumulation of moisture, and thus the invitation of insects, repair roof leaks as quickly as possible. Check for plumbing leaks as well and remember to clear gutters of leaves and other debris on a regular basis so that water does not accumulate as a drinking or breeding source for pests.
Keep Pet Food and Water Off of the Ground
Buy elevated pet bowls if possible. Even if you change your pet’s food and water bowls each morning to prevent stagnation, they act as a food source for rodents, ants, and other insects and encourage them to remain nearby.
Clear Garages and Attics of All Clutter
Creatures such as spiders and silverfish will often create nests in cluttered areas and cardboard boxes inside the home. To best ward off pests, reduce the number of cardboard boxes you keep and maintain all storage areas, ensuring they are kept organized and clean.
