Top tips to keep your house pest free include:

1. Cleanliness

It cannot be stressed enough that a clean house is less likely to attract pests like ants which are the most common and flies. From the larger unwanted wildlife like racoons and rats to the smallest insects like termites, flies and roaches our, food, garbage and homes attract these critters and pests. Ensuring that all food is packed away, garbage disposed of effectively and the house clean and clear of dirt, dust and debris is the greatest deterrent for pests.

Start by decluttering your home and packing items in an organized manner. Clean under, behind, above and on top of all furniture items using menthol, lemon or other scented detergents that deter pests. Vacuum carpets, rugs, curtains, drapes, upholstery on a regular basis. Empty closets, cupboards, drawers and other storage spaces every few weeks for a proper clean.

2. Treatment

Due to the toxic nature of chemical treatments to eradicate and manage pests in the home, it is not recommended to treat your home too often. However, there are a variety of natural treatments available that are non-toxic. Bait and traps are especially effective at eliminating pests at the source as the bait is carried back to nests and other habitats to eliminate all pests.

Also ask your local pest control experts for other safe and natural treatment options that can be used on an ongoing basis to manage and control pests. Don’t wait for pests to become a problem or an infestation to occur before calling the professionals.

3. Pest Inspections

Pest inspections are not costly and can save you a lot of money in eradication and management down the line. So have a comprehensive inspection performed before you purchase a property or move into a new home. It is also recommended to have a pest inspection performed every few months depending on your location and risk of pests becoming a problem.

Remember to discuss likely pest problems in your area with your pest control expert and ask them for management and control measures you can use to target specific types of pests. In areas that are high risk for certain pests like termites, it may be advisable to have your home treated every couple of months. A home that consists mainly of wood or has a thatched roof should have these materials treated regularly as well.

For most types of pests in the home, it is not recommended to attempt to eradicate the creatures on your own. It is always best to call in the professionals especially when it comes to ant control. This said, it isn’t necessary to call in pest control experts to deal with an individual spider or other type of insect that is likely to appear periodically.

Pests such as mouse, bugs, cockroaches, termites, and a disgusting lot more can take toll in the middle of your relaxation. Like humans, apparently, they also need shelter to survive especially in the middle of a cold season. Hence, the chance of these creatures nesting in your home is relatively high. If not attended, these pests can pose serious health threats and damages to you, your family, and your property.

Pests and the Damage They Can Cause

Different kinds of pests can disturb and damage your peaceful abode through their own annoying and disgusting ways. For instance, rodents devour probably everything they can see including electrical wires which can pose more serious hazards. They chew on drywall too. Worse than that, they are known to pass on diseases like Hantavirus and salmonella. The same awful fate can be experienced with cockroaches that are known to contaminate stored foods and whose droppings can trigger allergic asthma especially in your kids. There are also these spiders that are commonly found around homes. If poisonous, they can create serious health threats obviously. All this only shows how pest management like bees control, ants control and other types of pests is important in one’s home especially if you have toddlers around.

Pest Management

Consider these ten pest-proofing tips to keep pests outside during cold seasons:

• Start installing screens in your attic vents and chimney openings. Also screen any other areas in your home where there is an outdoor opening like mail slots and animal doors. Screen as much as you can.
• Since pests are attracted to moistened areas, make sure to keep crawl spaces, attics, and basements dry and well ventilated. These areas of moisture are what they partly need to survive; make life hard for them. You may also use dehumidifiers in garages and basements as these can keep the areas dry too.
• Using steel wool and caulk, seal all crevices and cracks you can find on the outside of the home as this will eliminate the chances of rodents to enter in your area. As some of them can fit through a small hole, paying close attention to these cracks and where utility pipes enter your walls will also greatly help.
• Keep a clean kitchen counter. Also, store food in sealed containers and regularly dispose garbage in sealed receptacles outside your home. Do not let crumbs and garbage build up in your area. Doing so will only attract pests all the more. (Also, it is best to clean up the table right after each meal and clean up the kitchen right after preparing food as they may be watching out.)
• To keep pests and also cold air out of the house, regularly replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around the windows and foundation.
• If you have firewood, the most ideal distance of its storage should be at least twenty feet away from your house. You should also keep your shrubbery well-trimmed. This is to make sure areas where pests can hide are far from your home’s entrance. This will lessen the chance of them finding a way in.
• Repair damaged screens and install door sweeps as cracks and torn window screens can be an ideal entry point for rodents, and other sorts of pests.
• Make sure the packages arriving are free of pests before bringing them indoors. These include package deliveries, boxes of decorations, and even grocery bags. Do not underestimate these pests’ creative juices in getting inside your home. And remember, one false move spoils the battle.
• If you have pets, keep their plates clean. Do not let their leftovers out there in the open for long periods of time. These are gems to pests’ eyes too.
• Make sure your drainage system outdoors is well maintained and well-functioning. This is to make sure to eliminate standing water which attracts pests.