Preventing Common Household Pests Tips for a Pest Free Home
Pests have always been a major source of headaches for homeowners.
From the itchy bites of bed bugs to the alarming buzzing of cockroaches – it’s enough to drive anyone crazy. These little intruders can cause a host of problems, such as spreading diseases, damaging property, and even triggering allergies.
Prevention is the key to keeping these unwanted guests out of your home.
In this post, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for the prevention of household pest problems – that way, you can enjoy your safe, clean, and pest-free home.
How Can I Make My Home Pest Free?
Here are some hacks to help you keep your home pest free and to leave those pesky bugs at the doorstep. Also, some tips for prevention of household pest problems.
1. Be Mindful of Your Plants and Mulch
One of the biggest culprits for attracting pests like mice, roaches, and ants into your home is through the plants and mulch around your yard. While it may be nice to add a little greenery to your outdoor living space, it can quickly turn into a haven for insects and vermin if not properly maintained.
One way to combat this is to keep mulch a few inches away from the foundation of your home and avoid over-watering plants, which can create damp environments that invite pests.
When planting, consider using plants like marigolds that naturally repel bugs, or plant herbs such as rosemary and mint that produce odors that deter pests.
2. Seal Up Windows, Doors, Cracks, and Gaps
The most obvious way pests make their way into your home is through small cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation.
Even the smallest gaps can be an open invitation for insects and rodents. Sealing these areas can be a bit of a task, but it is well worth the effort to keep pests out of your home.
You can start by using weather stripping around doors and windows to seal in the air and block any insect access points. For bigger gaps or cracks, try using expandable foam sprays or hardware cloth to fill in the openings.
3. Get Rid of Litter and Trash
Rodents and bugs are attracted to clutter and trash, so it’s essential to keep a clean and organized home. Remove any piles of papers, magazines, or other clutter that pests can hide in. Place all trash in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
Also, rinse out your recyclables before placing them in the bin to avoid any food residue that can attract pests.
4. Use the Right Light Bulbs
Believe it or not, the type of light bulb you use could be attracting pests to your home.
Insects are drawn to UV light, so consider using yellow or pink-hued LED bulbs instead of white ones. This type of bulb emits softer light that won’t attract as many bugs.
5. Clean Your Drains
Have you ever noticed a funky smell coming from your drains? This could be a sign that debris is collecting and possibly cockroaches are living in your pipes. To prevent this, regularly pour a mixture of hot water and vinegar down your drains. This will not only clean the gunk and eliminate any odor, but it will also deter pests from making their homes there.
It’s not just cockroaches you need to worry about, either. Drains can quickly become a breeding site for fruit flies, drain flies, and other types of pests – so cleaning your drains on a regular basis is essential if you want to keep pests at bay.
6. Keep Things Clean and Tidy
Pests need food, water, and shelter. Cleaning thoroughly and frequently eliminates all three.
Wipe down countertops and tables, vacuum floors, and dust regularly. When you keep your home clean, it reduces food sources, which may urge them to leave.
Also, avoid storing clutter or anything that creates appealing hiding places for pests, such as piles of dirty laundry, stacks of cardboard boxes, or newspapers.
7. Revamp How You Store Your Food
Pests such as roaches, mice, and pantry beetles are attracted to food crumbs and spills. It’s crucial to store your food properly in airtight containers in your pantry, fridge, or freezer, and seal pet food bags tightly. Ideally, you should transfer pet food into an airtight bin with a locking lid.
If you have any open packages, check them for signs of infestation, like tiny holes, larvae, or webs, and dispose of them immediately. When buying groceries, check for any signs of pest activity, including damaged packaging, droppings, or live insects.
What to Do if Pests Are Already There
The best of all these tips on keeping your home pest free is regular monitoring. Set aside some time each month to inspect your home’s exterior and interior for signs of pests.
If you do come across pests during your inspection, it’s important to act fast. Call Hawx Pest Control. We help you identify these pests and take steps to get rid of them.
Don’t try to handle the pest problem on your own, as this can be dangerous and ineffective. Instead, contact our team, and we’ll discuss your options with you to find a solution that really works.
With a little effort – and with the help of Hawx – you can keep your home pest-free and enjoy a healthier, happier living space. Join our family of satisfied customers today!
