How can I prevent pests from entering my home in the first place?
Keeping your home clean is one of the most important things you can do to prevent pest infestations. Keep up with vacuuming, mopping and cleaning your home on a regular basis. This will disturb any potential areas where pests may be considering making their home and you’ll also pick up crumbs and other debris that could be attracting them. Keeping your trash bins and recycling bins closed is another way to help prevent pest infestations. Open and uncovered garbage bins are a magnet for rodents and other pests looking for food, water and shelter. If you have a compost pile, make sure it’s kept away from your house and the compost is well-sealed and covered. This will help avoid pests gaining access to your kitchen.
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Cockroaches and other pests need moisture, warmth and food to survive so they’ll be attracted to any place that provides these things. Make sure that any leaky faucets or drains are repaired, and that you clean any spills and puddles on a regular basis. Humidity is another factor that can draw pests into your home, so be sure to regularly run a dehumidifier in any damp rooms of your house.
Door and window frames are one of the most common entry points for pests, so be sure to re-caulk them as needed and repair any warped or broken doors or windows. You’ll also want to check that your screens aren’t ripped or damaged, since pests can squeeze through gaps as small as the diameter of a pencil.
Overripe fruit and other rotting items are another way to attract pests into your home. This is why it’s important to keep your refrigerator and pantry well-stocked with fresh foods. Store your produce and other perishables in tightly sealed containers, and don’t leave any ripe or overripe items on the counter.
If you have a garden, make sure the area isn’t overcrowded with vegetation and debris that could provide a hiding or breeding spot for pests. Trim any overgrown tree branches that are touching your roof, and be sure to dispose of yard waste and firewood correctly.
It’s also a good idea to close off any possible entrances for pests that might be found outside your home. Stacks of firewood, leaf-filled gutters and other debris can provide hiding spots for pests that are trying to get indoors. You’ll also want to remove any pooling water near your foundation or downspouts, and ensure that your chimney flue is closed after firing up the fireplace. Lastly, you’ll want to cover any vent openings that are large enough for pests to enter, and use coarse steel wool or other material to fill holes around utility lines such as plumbing or electrical wiring.