Pests are a big problem for many homeowners. Some types of pests can cause damage to your property and sometimes even spread diseases to you and your family. There are so many ways to keep your home pest-free. Some people use chemical solutions, others prefer natural remedies, and some go the DIY route. Regardless of what method you choose, it’s essential to prevent infestations before they happen. Here are some ways you can make your home pest-free.
Schedule a Home Inspection
One of the best ways to prevent infestations is by having a professional come out and inspect your home. As highlighted by the team behind Pest Solutions, a trained inspector will look for signs of pests present, such as holes in walls where they might be getting inside or nests under carpeting or furniture. If you have wood siding on your house, an inspection can help determine if termites are present.
Once there is a confirmed presence of pests, a professional exterminator can come in and take care of the infestation. This will help keep your home pest-free for years to come while helping you dispose of the problem at the same time. So, if you feel like you need an inspection, schedule one today with a pest-control company.
Use Natural Pest Repellants and Predators
Another way to make your home pest-free is by using insect repellents that utilize natural ingredients, such as essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus oil. Some of these work better than chemical solutions because they are meant for human consumption under normal circumstances. You can also use natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs and praying mantis, to help tackle bugs like ants and gnats.
When using the pest repellants, be sure to follow instructions on the product. Some of them require being applied in a certain way or at specific times, so make sure you know what you are doing before attempting it yourself. If you decide to use pesticides, it’s essential to ensure they are safe around children and pets.
Get Rid of Standing Water
Some pests like to lay their eggs in standing water, so getting rid of any standing water you have around your house is crucial for preventing infestations. That includes making sure gutters and downspouts are clean and free from debris that can collect there. Keep flower pots turned over when they aren’t being watered, and make sure your pet’s water bowl is emptied every day. And of course, don’t forget to empty the trays under plant pots as well.
Failing to get rid of standing water is one of the leading causes of infestations. So make sure you take steps to get rid of all sources of it and keep your home pest-free. Some of these pests might even be carrying diseases, so it’s crucial to take action.
Remove Food Sources and Trash Bags
One of the easiest ways for bugs like roaches and rats to get into your house is by using food sources or getting in through open trash bags. That means keeping all your leftover foods sealed up tight in plastic containers and making sure garbage bags are sealed up when you take them out to the garbage cans. If there’s a chance that rats might get in through your trash, it may be best to use metal or hard plastic containers instead of using regular bags.
When removing food sources and sealing up trash bags, make sure you have no small openings around doors where they can enter your house. If you suspect the pests can get in through small crevices or cracks, call up a professional exterminator right away so they can come out and help take care of the problem before it becomes worse.
Assess Your Landscape
If you have trees, bushes, or any other plants around your home, it’s essential to take a look at them. If they are touching the foundation of your house or come into contact with windows and doors, that could be enough for bugs to get inside by climbing up the plant itself. You can trim back overhanging branches to avoid touching the house and remove plants encroaching on your yard.
By assessing your landscape, you can prevent several pests from ruining your garden and also coming into your house. So please do not neglect to inspect this part of your property before having an exterminator come out to inspect every inch of it. Also, be sure to remove all the dead plants and fallen leaves near your house, as these are often the perfect hiding places for bugs.
Remove Entry Points into Your Home or Business
One of the most important things to do when making your home pest-free is to remove all points where pests can enter. This includes sealing up door frames with weather stripping and caulking around windows so there are no gaps where bugs can get in. Keep the exterior of your house clean and free from any overgrowth, so there are no cracks or crevices for pests to hide in either.
Also, you can install a fence around your home to prevent pests from getting in through your yard and close off any holes they might be able to use as an entry point. Just keep in mind that some bugs can chew their way into a house, so you will need to check for small openings on the interior of your property as well.
Know the Signs of Infestation
You want to make sure you know what the signs of an infestation are so that you can get rid of pests before they become a problem. Some of these include seeing signs like fecal matter, nests, or insects themselves. You may also notice an unusual smell that you don’t recognize and sounds coming from inside walls where they could be hiding.
Suppose you see something out of the ordinary around your house or business. In that case, it can help to call up a pest control company and have them come out to inspect the property and give you a professional opinion on whether or not it’s infested. They may even be able to spot signs of an infestation that you might miss, so make sure they take a good look at every inch of your home as well as around its exterior.
You can do several simple things to make your home pest-free, from keeping food sources sealed uptight and taking out trash bags frequently to checking for cracks around doors and foundations where pests might be getting in, and you must assess your landscape as well so there aren’t any plants or shrubs touching the house or offering a means of entry into your yard. By following these simple steps, you can prevent pests from invading your home and make sure they stay out so that it remains pest-free for years to come.