Keeping your home pest-free doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can reduce the risk of pests making themselves at home in your house. Whether it’s mice, rats, or something more exotic, unwelcome visitors can threaten your safety and the condition of your property.
If you live in a well-maintained area with few pest problems, pests will likely find their way into your home from time to time. While there’s no such thing as a completely pest-free house, there are some simple steps that you can take to keep unwanted visitors out and reduce the likelihood of them moving in. Here are five smart ways to keep your home pest-free.
Be smart when you buy food
Before you put out food for your pets or start a meal for your family, research the best practices for storing and serving food. Food attracts pests, and if you don’t store it correctly, you’re putting your whole house at risk. When putting out food for your pets, ensure that it is stored in a covered container where pests can’t get to it.
If you’re hosting a party, it’s good to store your food in the fridge. You can also invest in some insect-proof containers for snacks and drinks. If you’re storing dry foods such as rice and grains, make sure that you keep them in airtight containers. You can also place them in a freezer for a few hours to kill off any bugs that may be living in them.
Put down traps
One of the most straightforward and practical ways to get rid of rodents in your home is to use traps. There are various trap types to choose from: the classic snap trap, the glue trap, the electric trap, and the live trap.
Snap traps are the most traditional form of trapping and are designed to kill mice and other household pests. Glue traps are designed to be nonlethal, but they can be tricky to use and can cause some nasty injuries if not handled correctly. Electric traps are designed to kill rodents by means of electrocution. Live traps are designed to catch pests without killing them.
There are also various trap placement options: indoor, outdoor, instant, and bait. Follow the instructions and safety precautions on the traps you choose to ensure that you don’t hurt yourself while setting them up.
Seal up your house
Keeping pests out of your house is easier than getting rid of them once they’ve already made their way inside, so it’s important to seal all of your entry points as best you can.
Inspect doors and windows for gaps or cracks and seal them with weatherproofing materials. If you have a crawlspace or basement, make sure to check these areas and seal any potential entry points. It’s also a good idea to get rid of debris or other things pests like to hide in. To reduce the risk of rodents getting into your house, ensure that all of your food is stored in airtight containers in a secure location.
You can also install rodents and repellents around the house, especially near the interior barn door. It’s important to keep things like barbecue grills and compost bins away from your house, as they can create great opportunities for pests to get inside.
Get a pet
While it’s important to keep pests out of your home, it’s also important to remember that some pests are good for your home. If you have a garden, you’ll want many insects to pollinate your plants. Keeping pests around can sometimes be beneficial, but it can be dangerous at other times.
If you have pests that are dangerous to your home or health, it’s important to take action and get rid of them as soon as possible. However, if you have beneficial pests, it might be better to let them stay. Having a pet can keep off pests and rodents, but that’s often something you have control over.
Regularly ventilate your home
Pests spread diseases, breed quickly, and can cause a lot of damage to your property. Mice and rats are known for chewing through electrical wires and can cause a huge amount of damage in a short amount of time. Getting some fresh air into your home regularly can help reduce the likelihood of pests infesting it in the first place.
If you reside in a wet, humid region, you may want to open your windows more often to keep your home pest-free. If you live in an area prone to pests, keeping your windows open will circulate the air and help get rid of any pests that may be living in your home.
Keeping your house pest-free can be a challenge, but it’s necessary. You can reduce the risk of pests making themselves at home in your house. It’s important to remember that the best way to get rid of pests is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. With a little bit of preparation and planning, you can keep pests out and reduce the risk of a pest invasion in your home.
Contributed by: Mynaturalpestsolutions.com foremost experts in Pest control serving home owners in Canada, USA, UK and Australia.