As a homeowner, you will at some point have to (if you already haven’t) deal with pests like rodents, insects, and arachnids. And even though these pests are commonplace, they are still creepy and disgusting and can be a nuisance too. Most of them carry disease-causing pathogens and can result in health issues for you and your loved ones.
We talked to one Rove pest control expert, and this was his advice regarding the best pest control tips that every homeowner should know.
Trim plants
If you have any shrubbery or tree branches that extend to your home, you should trim them. Otherwise, they will act as the bridge between the outside and the inside of the house. Also, note that mulch like pine straw and wood chips offer a perfect shelter for pests. So, rather than using them in places that touch your foundation, go for ground covers that are less appealing to pests, like stone or rock.
Cracks and crevices
Pests creep through tiny cracks and crevices. Rats, for instance, can squeeze through a crack that’s the size of a pencil. So, you want to seal any gap, cracks or crevices that could give access to your home. Don’t forget to fix any broken or warped windows and doors, as well as those that don’t fit well. Better yet, you can add a screen mesh for extra protection. Other areas that you want to pay attention to include missing roof shingles, loose siding, foundation cracks and comes around pipes entering the house. Use coarse steel wool, copper mesh or motor, but avoid expanding caulk because some pests like rodents can gnaw through it.
Garbage and waste
Clean your patios, yards, garages, and decks off of weeds, stagnant water and litter, because these are attractive to the pest. You should also cover the garbage can with tight lids to keep off the pests and clean it often to get rid of any spills and debris that pests can feed on.
Stored foods
One of the main reasons pests are attracted to your home is because there is food. If you have food lying around on the countertop, or crumbs on the floor, then you are bound to lure the pests into your home. So instead of leaving food in the open, you should store it in airtight containers. You can also place it in the refrigerator.
Maintaining cleanliness
While a clean house may still have pests, a dirty one will act as a magnet. A clean home is less appealing to pests as it doesn’t provide a conducive environment for living and breeding. The same cannot be said for a house that’s dirty and cluttered.
Regular inspection
Some pests can hide for a long time, and only be noticed when they are overpopulated. Unfortunately, they would have already caused thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. Having a professional pest control expert come in and do regular checks will ensure that your home stays pest free. They can also uncover any pest activity earlier on before the pests multiple in number, and the damage gets out of hand.