5 Tips For Keeping Pests From Invading Your Home

As homeowners, we can spend a lot of money and waste a lot of time struggling to manage the damage caused by pests to our homes. Pests migrate to houses for warmth, shelter, and a plentiful food supply. It is nearly impossible to eradicate all pests from your home all the time, and the cycle of dealing with pests can seem endless.

Pest prevention is always a better option than managing a pest invasion. While hiring a pest control company to regularly service your home is an essential part of pest prevention, there are several things you can do yourself to help pest-proof your home.

1) Seal Holes And Cracks In The Structure Of Your House

Pests will enter your house through any existing holes, cracks, and damaged areas of its structure, including the walls, roof, and floors. To deter pests from entering through these damaged areas, check your home regularly for damage and repair it immediately. Look for holes in your kitchen cabinets, under sinks, behind furniture, roofing, around windows, and in the attic or basement.

2) Amp Up Your Food Storage Solutions

Pests are attracted to food smells, and our kitchens are some of their favorite areas to invade. You can reduce the chances of a pest invasion by properly storing food and keeping crumbs at bay. Any food left out in the open on countertops or in pantries should be contained in a sealed bag or bin. Be diligent about cleaning up spilled food; if possible, use a waste bin with a lid. Clean out your pantry regularly and throw away unused food items.

3) Plants Can Prevent Pests Or Harbor Them

Plants can deter pests from invading your space. If you battle with unwanted critters, consider adding a few of these pest-repellant plants to your indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Lavender deters moths and dust mites

• Mint repels spiders.

• Ground coffee will keep insects from entering your home where ever you place it.

• Basis repels flies and mosquitos.

• Chrysanthemums repel roaches, ants, ticks, and bedbugs.

While planting certain plants and herbs keeps pests at bay, you should also keep your landscape well-groomed. An overgrown and unruly landscape is a haven for many pests. Always keep bushes and trees trimmed away from your home and thin out dense underbrush that harbors roaches and rodents.

4) Keep Your Pets Clean And Pest Free

If you have furry friends, they can be allies in your quest to keep a pest-free home. Cats will rid your home of mice, and dogs can scare away rodents and larger critters from your property. However, pets can also become infested with pests that invade your house. Fleas, ticks, and other bugs can catch a free ride into your home on your pets' fur. Always keep your pets clean and use preventative pest treatments as prescribed to help keep them healthy and your house clean.

5) Partner With A Pest Control Service

While you can do many things to keep your home safe from an unwanted pest invasion, having a monthly pest control service is a must for most homeowners. If you notice traces of pests, have an active infestation, or want to ensure your home remains pest free for years to come, a pest control service will work with you to achieve the best results.