How To Keep Your Home Pest-Free All Throughout The Year
Families work
hard to create comfortable living environments for themselves. Their homes are
properly sealed off from the outdoor elements, suitably warm, and filled with
beverages and edibles. It's certainly no wonder then that keeping pests out is
a year-round concern. Fortunately, there are several, simple steps that you can
take to keep your abode pest-free throughout the seasons.
Eliminate Access To Water
Many insects are prone to congregating in
areas with access to water. This is especially true of cockroaches. These bugs
tend to clutter in kitchens and bathrooms in where they can take advantage of
this important resource. This makes it important to always clean up any excess
water and to routinely check for leaks. In fact, if you're currently having a
problem with insects in these areas, think about scheduling a whole-house
plumbing inspection. You may have slow or hidden leaks behind baseboards,
drywall, and major appliances that are attracting these pests.
Practice Proper Food Storage
Practicing proper food storage is one of
the best forms of pest control
that homeowners can engage in. This will instantly make your living environment
less appealing to bugs, rodents, and other vermin. Food that's unsealed such as
cut
fruit and leftovers is incredibly attractive to both ants and
roaches. Always get rid of foods that have been left out long enough to start
attracting bugs. Also, keep in mind that even your pet's food can lure pests
in. Thus, you should make sure to keep this covered as well, whenever your pet
isn't actively eating.
Seal Up All Cracks And Gaps
Insects can squeeze through gaps and cracks
that are incredibly small. You can find these around doors and windows, and in
your floors and baseboards. Reinforcing the seals around major openings will
prevent an influx of spiders and other insects throughout all seasons. You can
additionally caulk
all cracks and gaps in building materials to seal off these entrances
as well.
Clear Out Clutter
Make sure that you aren't hoarding any
unnecessary items in basement and attic areas. In fact, whenever pests have
become an issue, you want to get rid of as much clutter as you possibly can.
Stacks of old newspapers, magazines, and other unwanted items can create the perfect
spaces for both hiding and breeding. If you ever need a professional pest
treatment, getting rid of clutter will make these services significantly more
effective.
Don't Forget The Nooks And Crannies
It's the small spaces throughout your home
that are frequently overlooked during cleaning that often provide the best
hiding spaces for spiders. These insects love dark, dank areas in which they
can live unnoticed. Take the time to remove cobwebs on a regular basis. You
should also routinely check and wipe down small spaces to eliminate bugs and
make these areas less appealing.
Cut Back Your Foliage
If you have flowerbeds, a garden, or any
other foliage by your windowsills, keep in mind that these additions can also
attract pests. While they may be appealing additions to your property exterior,
they can also be regular sources of indoor pest problems. Not only do spiders
love them, but their bright colors can be appealing to wasps and ants as well.
Diligently maintaining these areas will ensure that bugs aren't setting up camp
in them.
Good pest prevention can go a long way
towards helping you maintain a comfortable and safe, living environment. From
sealing up uneaten food to eliminating unwanted items, there's a lot that you
can do to keep pests from congregating in and around your home. With these
efforts, you may be able to avoid costly infestations altogether.