No matter how tidy and organized we keep our homes, common pests always seem to find their way back. It’s the unfortunate truth that most households face, especially when a simple pest sighting has turned into a full-blown infestation. If this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone.
To help keep the critters away, we’ve gathered a list of 3 essential steps that will pest-proof your home for good. These home pest control tips are easy to follow and do not require any special tools or products. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Declutter and Dispose
The first essential step is to declutter your space and dispose of trash. We’re guessing you already do this regularly and if we’re right to assume so, you’re already a step ahead of the rest!
Decluttering
Decluttering your home of unused boxes, old toys, worn-out clothes, and other items you no longer utilize can help lessen the areas that pests can burrow, hide, and nest in.
The best way to do this quickly is by hosting a garage sale, donating, and throwing away items that are too dilapidated. One trick we find helps with this process is asking ourselves if we have used the item in the last 3 months. If the answer is no, you will most likely not need it again.
In addition to decluttering inside the house, you should also declutter your yard or garden by pruning plants regularly.
Disposing
Disposing applies not only to the decluttered objects above but also to your daily trash. Garbage disposal is one of the best home pest control tips to abide by since our trash bins are often treated as a buffet by pests of all sizes.
To eradicate this, move the trash accumulated during the day to an outside garbage bin. Continue this practice nightly then dispose of it all through your weekly trash service.
Step 2: Properly Storing Food and Water
Now that your home and garden are clean and tidy, you’ve successfully lessened the amount of space they can hide or nest in. The next essential step is to take away their reasons for hiding or nesting there in the first place.
Food, especially ripe fruits and vegetables, can attract pests. So does stagnant water, which is often the cause of mosquito-borne diseases. The best way to keep them from wanting to come back is to properly store your food and water in the pantry, refrigerator, and other places they can’t access. Perhaps the only time we suggest leaving food out is when setting (humane) baits to catch them.
Step 3: Seal Cracks and Holes
You have now limited their hiding spots and their reason for going into your home, now it is time to limit their access. You can do this by checking for holes and cracks within the walls, windows, and doors then patch these up. You can do so by installing screens, sidings, or sealant.
Conclusion
These home pest control tips help pest-proof your home long-term, especially when done regularly. If you are dealing with stubborn infestations, call Allen Pest Management for quick and effective pest control services, and we’ll send over a team of experts to take care of it for you!