While keeping your home pest-free is incredibly important, it can often be easy to neglect taking the proper precautions. There are several measures you can implement yourself that will save you the headache of dealing with a pest infestation. Taking simple steps, like sealing of entry points to your home, taking good care of your property, and keeping your home clean and trash-free, are easy, effective ways to keep pests away from your home.
Seal Entryways
Never underestimate the benefits of a properly-sealed door. Since most pests come from outside and like to creep under your doors and windows, sealing these entry points can go a long way toward preventing a pest problem. If you really look at your entranceways, you’ll likely be surprised by how many unsealed gaps you’ll find.
To solve this problem, you can install a steel or aluminum threshold under the door, or use a door sweep, which can be found at most hardware stores. Most importantly, however—and probably most obvious—is remembering to always close the door behind you. You’d be surprised how many insects can enter your house even if your door is only open for a few seconds.
Get Rid of Clutter, Food, and Water
You don’t need us to tell you to keep your home clean, but what you might not realize is that a clean, un-cluttered home has a direct correlation to keeping pests away. Clutter is an easy breeding ground for bugs; they can hide in newspapers and packed cupboards and reproduce before their presence has even been detected. Exposed food and water can also attract pests. Make sure to store all food in airtight containers, and keep unsealed food products in the refrigerator whenever possible.
Dispose of Trash
Trash cans can be a popular breeding ground for pests. Your trash cans should always have a lid and should be emptied at least once a day. Outside cans should have tightly-sealed lids to prevent animals getting inside, and all trash barrels should be regularly cleaned and sanitized.
Maintain Your Yard
You might not think of water in your backyard as a source of insects, but it can be. Mosquitoes are attracted to pooled water, so aerating the lawn can be a huge help, allowing water to naturally absorb into the soil. This will make a notable difference in the number of mosquitos and other insects making themselves at home in your yard.
Screens
Especially during summer, it can be tempting to rely on the natural ventilation of open windows to maximize your fresh air. However, summer is also the worst time of year for mosquitoes, fleas, and other insects, and open windows are the same as extending them an open invitation. Luckily, there’s an easy fix. Installing screens in your windows and doors is an easy way to keep pests out of your home.
If you’ve taken these precautions and still have a pest control issue, or you’d ready to let professionals secure your home to keep pests away, contact Bain for service by trained, expert technicians.