How To Keep Pests Out Of Your Home Successfully

No one wants pests in their home, which is why it’s important to keep on top of any preventative measures possible to keep them out of the house where they belong.

Some homes are more susceptible to pests, especially when there are open entry and exit points available, or the home is older and perhaps has more signs of wear and tear that are penetrable for pests to get through.

In this article, you’ll be able to implement the tips that will keep pests out of your home successfully this year and every year.

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Seal entry points

In order to keep pests out of your home, you need to block their access as best as possible. Pests can often enter through the smallest of cracks, gaps, and holes. Therefore, you’ll want to check the outside door frames, roof joints, window frames, and foundations for cracks. 

The use of caulk and weatherstripping is a good way of sealing these gaps. The use of expanding foam or steel wool is great when filling gaps around cables, pipes, and vents. It’s good to ensure all windows and door screens are in good repair.

Think about adding door sweeps to exterior doors in order to close those gaps. It’s also worth checking for damaged airbricks and any missing weephole covers. 

Remove food sources

A clean and hygienic home is less attractive to pests, so it’s good to make sure you’ve removed any food sources where possible.

Some pests are great at getting through some of the strongest of food packaging, so it’s important to store everything in strong containers, putting away pantry items like cereals and flour in cupboards where the pests aren’t going to be able to access.

Make sure you’re cleaning your home regularly, wiping down countertops as well as sweeping, mopping the floor, and cleaning behind appliances where crumbs can accumulate.

Bins will need to be emptied frequently, and you’ll want to use tight-fitting lids to ensure they’re not knocked over or accessed by pests.

You also should avoid leaving pet food out overnight and instead chuck it away or store it back in an airtight container. Leaving this out can lead to rodents and insects alike being attracted to your home.

Consult a local pest control service

For severe pest infestations, it’s always best to contact professional pest control services and to identify the root cause of the pest problem.

They’ll be able to provide targeted treatments where necessary, as well as add their own preventative measures to your home where required.

If you have a severe, persistent infestation, it is best to contact professional pest control services to identify the root cause and provide targeted treatments. 

Eliminate moisture

A lot of pests, like silverfish and cockroaches, are attracted to damp environments. Therefore, it’s a good idea to do your best in eliminating moisture from around the home.

Be sure to fix leaks and repair leaking pipes, clogged gutters, and faucets where required. A dehumidifier is important to tackle, especially when it comes to damp rooms like bathrooms, the basement, and the kitchen.

Any standing water should be removed, especially in places like planters and around the exterior of the house, where pests are being attracted.

Maintain the exterior

The exterior is something you’ll want to maintain in order to keep the pests at bay. It’s good to remember that your exterior property is also part of the home and can become a breeding ground for pests if you’re not managing it properly.

With that being said, look at trimming any bushes or overhanging trees so that they’re not encroching your home. It removes the ‘bridges’ that some pests will use to gain access to the property.

Store firewood at least twenty feet away from the house and ideally elevate it off the ground. You should also look to clear away leaf piles and yard waste, as this can also harbor a lot of insects and rodents as a result.

Make use of natural deterrents

Natural deterrents are something to be aware of when it comes to keeping pests out of your home. Some natural repellents are great for deterring pests. These include peppermint oil, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil, for example.

Placing these around entry points can also be effective. Herbs can also be useful and are a great way to be self-sufficient, too. Plant herbs like mint, rosemary, and lavender near the home if you can.

Keeping pests out of your home is a proactive effort you’ll need to make, but worth the time and investment to keep them out for good.

This is a contributed post.

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