No one wants to think about pests of any kind getting into their home. Unfortunately, it can be a problem for a lot of people, especially if you live in certain climates/environments. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that 84% of households deal with a pest problem of some kind.
It’s not exactly a pleasant thing to think about, but you also can’t ignore the fact that pests are an issue!
Thankfully, there are several things you can do to not only get rid of pests in your house but prevent them from getting in. Reducing your risk of creatures and critters getting inside isn’t as difficult as you might think. Let’s go over a few tips you can use to keep your home as pest-free as possible.
Keep Firewood Away
There’s nothing like a nice, cozy fire, especially during the winter months. Keeping a stockpile of firewood or other lumber near your house certainly makes it convenient to add to your fireplace at any time. But, that stack of wood could also be providing an ideal home for insects like ants and termites, and even a warm place to stay for rodents like mice.
There’s nothing wrong with having a woodpile. But, keep it as far away from your house as possible, and when you bring wood into the house, make sure you inspect each piece to make sure there are no bugs on it.
Cover Your Trash Bins
The smell of food and garbage is a huge attraction to certain rodents and critters. If you have open or exposed trash bins outside your home, you’re practically inviting raccoons, mice, and even opossums to come and dine!
Many rodents can smell food (even when it’s rotten) from a fairly long distance, and they aren’t afraid to work for it. So, it may not be enough to just have a lid on your trash bin. You might need to weigh it down or invest in a bin that can lock.
If critters get into your trash bins, they will keep coming back for more all the time. Not only can it create a big mess, but they might just get curious enough to eventually wander into your house.
Check for Leaks and Cracks
If insects are your main pest problem, you might want to do a thorough home inspection, inside and outside. Leaks and cracks in the house are perfect places for insects of all types to get in. Some might simply be looking for warmth, while others are looking for food and a place to make a nest. It only takes a very small crack in the wall or the ceiling for an insect to get in. Once they do, they can start wreaking havoc on your home right away.
If you have an insect problem and you need spider pest control or termite removal, the best thing you can do is to call a professional. Don’t try to get rid of an infestation on your own, or you might miss some key steps that will keep those insects away permanently.
Keep Things Clean
One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of pests getting in is to keep your home as clean and organized as possible. Again, everything from insects to small animals are constantly on the hunt for food. And, most of them aren’t picky. Any food sources they can find, they will go to.
So, try not to leave exposed food on your kitchen countertops or table. Make sure everything is properly sealed and stored away. Even in your cupboards, it’s not impossible for insects or rodents to get into open bags or boxes. So, make sure everything is closed tightly. This will reduce the chances of them smelling the food, in the first place.
If you frequently eat in other rooms (like in the living room in front of the television), make sure there are no crumbs lingering anywhere! Even the slightest scent of food can make a big difference.
Can You Really Have a Pest-Free Home?
The reality is, insects, pests, and rodents are everywhere. They’re determined creatures, especially when they’re hungry or looking for shelter. And, because most of them are small, it doesn’t take much effort for them to get into a house when they want to.
So, while these tips can’t guarantee that you’ll never have another insect or mouse in your home, they will greatly reduce your chances and give you peace of mind knowing your home is as pest-free as possible.
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