How To Prevent Pests
The Top 10 Best Ways to Prevent A Pest Infestations
Having pests invade your home can be annoying, costly, and even dangerous. From ants to cockroaches, mice to termites – a pest infestation can wreak havoc if left unchecked. The good news is that with some diligent prevention methods, you can stop pests before they ever become a problem.
1. Keep a Clean Home
Pests are attracted to water food sources as well as places to hide. Cleaning the home eliminates their access to these things which can become a breeding ground. Sweep floors, vacuum carpets, mop hard surfaces, clean drains, and wipe down kitchen counters daily to remove crumbs and spills. Take out the trash regularly and keep food stored in sealed containers. Fix any water leaks right away too. Practising good hygiene and sanitation practises helps prevent all types of buigs and insects.
2. Store Food Properly
Food left out in the open invites pests inside. Keep dry goods like flour, rice, pasta, cereals, etc. sealed tightly in containers. Refrigerate perishable foods right away after grocery shopping. Never leave pet food out overnight – store it in a container with a tight lid. Clean up any spills right away.
3. Inspect Light Fixtures
Light fixtures attract flying insects inside your home. Carefully remove the cover and clean around the lightbulb and wiring to remove any dead bugs or insect droppings. Replace any cracked sockets or damaged wiring.
4. Seal Cracks and Crevices
Caulk and seal any cracks, crevices or holes found inside or outside the home. Pay close attention along baseboards, under sinks, around pipes and wiring holes. Steel wool works great for small holes and sealing entry points. Weatherstripping around doors and windows keeps pests from sneaking inside.
5. Cover Vents
Affix vent covers over air vents, stove vents, dryer vents and any other openings that lead outdoors. This keeps insects and animals from crawling inside shelter sources of food.
6. Clean Behind Appliances
Pull refrigerators, stoves and washing machines away from the walls to clean behind them. Crumbs and spills provide sustenance for pests. Vacuum and mop under and around the appliances thoroughly.
7. Check Window Screens
Inspect window and door screens for any tears or gaps. Flies, mosquitos and other bugs can easily enter through damaged screens. Patch tears with screen repair tape or replace the screen completely if needed.
8. Keep Basements Dry
Standing water, leaky pipes and high humidity attracts pests to basements. Fix any leaks. Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity under 50%. Eliminate standing water and keep things clean and dry.
9. Inspect House Plants
Houseplants kept indoors can hide insects like spider mites or mealybugs in the soil or foliage. Carefully inspect leaves (including the undersides) and soil for signs of bugs. Quarantine and treat any infested plants away from other houseplants.
10. Clean Furniture and Decor
Wipe down outdoor furniture cushions and vacuum inside furniture such as couches or chairs regularly. Wash or shake out throw rugs, pillows and curtains too. This removes food spills, dirt and skin flakes that attract pests.
Conclusion
Implementing these pest prevention tips will help keep your home clean, dry and inhospitable to nuisances like ants, cockroaches, flies and mice trying to move in. Stay diligent in your efforts for effective and safe pest control. If pests persist, consider using eco-friendly pesticides and other natural deterrents that won’t harm the environment. There are many effective options available that are healthy and safe for people, pets and the planet.
