How do I prepare my home for pest control? Pests can be a big problem for homeowners. They can cause structural damage, spread disease, and wreak havoc on your home and property. Pest control is an essential part of maintaining a safe environment in your home. It’s also good to know what you are dealing with before you call the professionals so that they can come up with the best plan for your specific needs. Here are some tips on how to prepare your home for pest control:

1. Seal all holes where pests may enter (e.g., cracks in walls)

Make it a point to check for any cracks or gaps that make it easy for pests to enter your home through the exterior walls of your house because you can’t let them roam around freely inside your home.

2. Seal all openings on pipes (e.g., pipes leading to the exterior of your house)

This is necessary because pests can easily enter through the pipe openings and lead you to a series of problems that could cost more money than they are worth.

3. Remove any potential food sources like garbage and pet food left uncovered in the kitchen

Bugs, for example, are very attracted to pet food; leaving it uncovered can bring in pests that might end up causing trouble for you and your loved ones.

4. Secure the lids of all containers

If you have any open containers in which food is stored, make sure to secure the lids of those containers to ensure pests will not be able to get in.

5. Store items that could attract pests inside the house (e.g., firewood)

Store items either in sealed containers or heavy-duty plastic bags placed on a surface at least 10 feet above ground level. Store all items in outside storage as far away from your house as possible.

6. Repair any leaky pipes or faucets inside your house

It can become a problem for pests such as termites and ants to get into your home through the water supply pipes. Other insects love moisture, so make sure your area is completely dry inside your home.

7. Cut back all trees and shrubs within 1-2 feet of your house

Any plant life that comes in contact with your house could possibly grow into the cracks in the walls and expand to a bigger problem for you. Getting them cut down early on can help discourage pests from going near your home.

8. Use trash cans with lid locks or enclosures to prevent pests from making a home out of your garbage

If you don’t have trash cans with lid locks or enclosures, be sure that your kitchen is well-ventilated and the airflow from fans is moved toward the direction where the trash sits. If possible, place extra barriers between bugs and the source of food like pet food.

9. Get rid of any old wood or rotten fence posts that are near your house

Pests can get into the minor gaps in your home so getting rid of all weak spots before pests try to find a way inside is a great proactive measure you can take to protect yourself from pest control problems in the future.

10. Call a professional exterminator

During regular times, it’s relatively easy to supervise all of those problems on your own to prevent pests from making a home out of your property. However, if you are having problems with any pests, call a professional exterminator to take care of the problem as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

The key to eliminating all of the pests in your home and on your property is approaching it head-on from every angle possible. Pests can hide almost anywhere if they are not cleaned away quickly, so you need to have a plan in place for the small threats as well as the big ones. As soon as you see any signs of pest control problems, you need to take care of them fast.

 

(For more pest control blog, check this article: How Do I Need to Move Furniture For Pest Control?)