You need to be vigilant in preventing ants, spiders, roaches, and mice from infesting your home. Although you can have regular pest control treatments, there are things you can do to prevent them from getting in as well. Here are six tips to prevent pests from entering and taking over your home.
Lid the Rubbish
The outdoor and kitchen garbage bins should have lids that fit well to prevent attracting pests and animals when there is trash in them. Keep the lid closed even when the outdoor bin is empty because it can hold water when it rains, which will also draw attention from pests like mosquitos and flies when the weather is warm. If you garden and compost organic material, the compost bin should also have a lid to keep from drawing rodents, flies, and other pests that could then find their way into your home.
Remove Food Crumbs
When there is a spill on the floor or counter or crumbs from snacks on the sofa, they should be cleaned up right away. Food and drink particles, especially if they contain sugar, will draw pests because they can gather the crumbs for food to take back to their nests. Wipe off counters; wash dishes; and sweep, mop, and vacuum floors to get rid of any food particles that could attract pests.
Trim Bushes and Trees
Pests such as ants and spiders can easily infiltrate your home by climbing shrubs or trees and sneaking in through unseen cracks. Trimming the trees to keep the branches and leaves off your home will help prevent access to the home’s interior. It will also prevent wildlife or birds from climbing onto your roof and building nests in the gutters or under the eaves.
Get Regular Treatments
Whether you’ve had infestations before or wish to take preventative measures, you should hire a pest control company to get regular treatments. They can find areas where pests can get into your home, fill the cracks, place traps, and spray safe pesticides to keep them at bay. To find a good pest control company in your area, you can check on Thomson Local for the best rated pest control companies in Birmingham.
Seal Openings
Do an audit of your home to find openings around it leading to the outside. Find and seal cracks in the foundation, around pipe openings, under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, and from vents such as the one for your dryer leading outside. Pests of all types can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks and get into your home to find food and water so use caulk, steel wool, or other materials to cover or seal openings.
Wash Dishes
Try not to leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Wash and dry them so they are clean and put away to prevent pests from seeking a food source. If you cannot wash them right away, at least scrape and/or rinse the dishes, pots, and pans.
By following these tips, you can prevent pests from seeking refuge and building nests in your home.