Every home occasionally or frequently experiences a pest problem. Pests aren’t only unsightly creatures, but they’re capable of causing damage to your property and belongings and jeopardizing the health of your family. Instead of waiting until an infestation occurs, you should take effective measures to prevent pests from getting into your home. Follow the tips below to protect your home and family from pests.
Reduce Mulch and Plants
Mulch in your garden provides the ideal environment for pests to hide and nest. If it’s located in areas that are in contact with the foundation of your home, it makes it very easy for pests to move indoors. The best thing to do is to replace mulch with rocks or other types of ground cover that are less attractive to pests. Similarly, shrubbery and tree branches that touch your home can serve as “bridges” that allow pests to get inside. As such, you have to regularly trim back any plants that grow too close to your home.
Seal All Openings
More often than not, pests get inside your home through gaps, cracks, crevices, and other openings. Doors and windows that are broken or warped or don’t fit properly serve as entry points for pests, so you should fix them as soon as possible. Also, look for rips and tears in screens and repair them promptly.
Besides fixing your doors and windows, you should also check your home for missing roof shingles, loose siding, foundation cracks, and gaps around utility lines. It’s important not to overlook small cracks and crevices because they provide access for tiny pests such as ants, spiders, and woodlice. Also, some smaller species of cockroaches are able to get into your indoor space by crawling through narrow cracks, such as German cockroaches, oriental roaches, and brown-banded cockroaches.
If you find any openings around your home, you should seal them with sheet metal, copper mesh, steel wool, or mortar. It isn’t a good idea to use expanding caulk because many pests are able to chew or scratch through it.
Get Rid of Food Sources
Eliminating food sources is another effective way to keep pests out of your home. Make sure you don’t leave any unsealed food products out in the open, but you should store them in air-tight containers instead. Check all food containers for cracks, loose seals, and other types of damage. Also, avoid storing food on the floor to make them more difficult to access. Another thing you need to do is clean your home regularly to get rid of crumbs and spills that attract pests.
Hire a Pest Control Professional
Equipped with a profound knowledge of the characteristics, needs, and behaviors of every type of pest, an experienced pest control company such as Aptive California, for example, can identify all the things in your home that attract pests and possibly lead to an infestation. They also have the necessary skills and equipment to perform the tasks needed to pest-proof your home.
Being proactive in preventing pests from invading your home can help you avoid unnecessary financial losses, keep your family healthy, and improve your quality of life. Get a head start on pests before they get out of hand.