Pests can be a significant problem for homeowners, as they can cause extensive damage to the home and its inhabitants. They can chew through wires, insulation, and other materials. That can even cause a fire. Pests can also spread disease and harm the residents. Some diseases transmitted by rats include rat-bite fever and leptospirosis. The most common disease that mosquitoes transmit in the US is the West Nile virus. Here are some ways to protect your home from pests and keep them out for good.
1. Install screens on doors and windows.
Screens will keep out most pests, such as mosquitoes, flies, and spiders. Better yet, install a home security screen door and security window screens to also keep away intruders.
2. Seal cracks or openings in the home’s exterior.
Pests can enter through small cracks in the walls or foundation. Sealing these openings will help keep them out.
3. Seal holes around pipes, wires, and other objects entering the home.
Holes around these objects are an easy way for pests to get inside the home. Sealing them up with a caulking gun will stop them from getting in.
4. Trim back trees and bushes away from the home.
Trees and bushes can provide a pathway for pests to reach the home. Trimming them back will eliminate this access.
5. Get rid of standing water around the home.
Standing water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. Getting rid of it will help reduce their population.
6. Install a pesticide barrier around the home.
A pesticide barrier will help keep pests from entering the home. You can apply it around the home’s exterior or along the foundation.
7. Regularly check the home’s eaves, rooflines, and attic.
Pests can often be found in these areas. Checking them regularly can help catch an infestation early.
8. Regularly clean the gutters.
Clogged gutters can provide a place for pests to live and breed. Cleaning them regularly will help prevent this.
9. Keep the home’s exterior in good condition.
Pests often target homes that are in poor condition. Keeping the home’s exterior in good condition will make it less appealing to them.
10. Install a chimney cap.
A chimney cap will keep pests, such as birds and raccoons, from entering the chimney and causing problems.
11. Place a screen over the home’s drains.
Screens over the drains will prevent pests, such as cockroaches and spiders, from entering the home through the drains.
12. Use a fogger to kill any pests present in the home.
A fogger is a device that emits a pesticide mist into the air, killing any pests present.
13. Use mouse traps, rat traps, and other pest control devices.
Mousetraps and rat traps can help rid the home of mice and rats, two of the most common pests.
14. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up spider webs.
Spider webs provide a perfect environment for spiders to live in. Cleaning them up with a vacuum cleaner will eliminate this.
15. Keep the indoor humidity level low.
High humidity levels can attract pests such as mosquitoes and cockroaches. A dehumidifier can help keep the humidity level low.
16. Use peppermint oil or lavender oil in areas where pests are active.
Peppermint oil and lavender oil are natural repellents for pests. Placing them in areas where pests are active will help keep them away.
17. Use flypaper to get rid of flies.
Flies are easy to catch with flypaper. Killing them will help reduce the number of pests in the home.
18. Use boric acid powder to kill ants.
Boric acid powder is a natural ant killer. Sprinkling it in areas where ants are active will help eliminate them.
19. Use a bird feeder to attract birds.
Birds can help control the population of pests such as mosquitoes and cockroaches. Attracting them with a bird feeder will help reduce their numbers.
20. Install a bat house.
Bats can be effective at controlling pest populations. Installing a bat house will encourage bats to live in the area and eat the pests.
21. Remove any debris or clutter from around the home.
Pests like to hide in debris and clutter. Removing these items will make it difficult for them to find a hiding place.
22. Keep food that isn’t used.
Food that isn’t being used can attract pests. Keep them away.
23. Store food in airtight containers.
Pests are attracted to food. Storing food in airtight containers will help keep them away.
24. Clean up any spills or crumbs quickly.
Pests can easily find food sources in messy areas. Cleaning up spills and crumbs quickly will prevent them from feeding off the messes.
25. Have a professional come in and treat the home for pests.
Sometimes it is necessary to call in a professional to treat the home for pests. They have the knowledge and experience to get rid of any infestation.
Pests can be a big problem for homeowners. To prevent them from entering your home and making it their own, try out some pest control methods listed above. If all else fails, enlist the help of an exterminator service. Professional services are skilled at removing infestations quickly and thoroughly so that they don’t come back in the future.
