Pests are a nightmare for any homeowner. It might be an army of ants or a mouse who’s looking for trouble. No matter where you live, you’re probably going to experience pests at some point. Little creatures that live outside naturally want to come inside our cozy homes and find a bite to eat.
However, there are several ways you can prevent pests from intruding. You can stop them before they become an issue and handle them calmly if they do.
Keep reading for 8 tips to keep your home clean and pest-free.
1. Get the Right Traps
If you have a current pest issue, make sure to buy the right traps. When purchasing traps or other solutions to use, you need to ask the right questions. Where will you put the trap? For example, if it’s an outdoor trap like a red top fly trap, you need to think about what area you’re using it for and where you’ll put it. Other considerations include how humane a trap is or whether or not it is safe for pets to be around.
2. Clean Up Uneaten Food
Uneaten food is one of the most common reasons that people get insects and rodents. If you’re cooking a meal, make sure to clean up your prep area. Check the floor for fallen food and sweep it up. Also, keep your eye on your pet’s food. If they aren’t eating, cover up their food for later.
3. Keep Your Trash Covered
Another good idea is to keep your trash tightly covered. Pests are attracted to the smell of garbage. If you have rotting food in your garbage, especially any kind of meat or dairy products, you may want to take it outside or to your dumpster.
To cut down on trash, try composting your food scraps. Don’t forget to clean your garbage cans regularly.
4. Stay Up-to-Date on Your Pest Control
One of the best things you can do is to maintain your pest control services. Pest management professionals are trained to look for pests and stop problems before they start. They may treat your home with chemicals or recommend other steps you can take to prevent unwanted guests from showing up. Most professionals only need to come once or twice a year.
5. Turn Your Hoses Off
In certain situations, hoses can be a water source for pests. Help prevent pests by turning off your hoses when you aren’t using them. This has the added benefit of not wasting water. If you have other water sources for pests around, consider changing those as well.
6. Keep Your Plants Trimmed
When bushes and trees outside your home are overgrown, their branches make it easier for pests to get into your home. Keep your plants trimmed to prevent this. Check the plants inside your home as well to make sure they don’t have any bug problems.
7. Distance Your Wood Storage
Do you store lumber or firewood to use around the house? Keep your storage area a smart distance away from your house. It provides shelter to pests, which you don’t want!
8. Seal Cracks and Holes
Pests usually get into a home through small cracks and openings. To minimize their entry into your home, go around and look for any spots that need to be repaired or sealed.
Conclusion
These are just a few steps you can take to keep you home clean and pest-free. If you live in an apartment and continue to have pest problems, talk about it with your landlord and see what they can do. If you’re on your own, prepare to invest in some new mouse traps!
