Nobody likes finding bugs or other pests inside their home. You work hard to keep your home looking its best all year round, yet these critters sometimes still manage their way inside. What are you possibly doing wrong? According to pest specialists at Knock Down Pest Control, it’s not enough to keep your home clean. While that’s an essential first step, it shouldn’t be your only line of defense against unwanted pests.
So how can you prevent bugs and other pests from entering your home? Even if you spot one rodent or a few ants, you’ve likely got a more significant problem. The best way to eliminate pests in your home is to keep them from entering in the first place. Here are 5 pest control secrets that will guarantee your home is pest-free all year long.
photo credit via unsplash.com.
Deep Clean Your Home
While surface cleaning does little to combat the problem, a deep clean is a necessary way to deter insects, rodents, and other animals from entering your home. When was the last time you deep cleaned your kitchen or your living room? Without a deep clean, you’ll likely still have crumbs, residue, or other alluring things below the surface, under cabinets, and in cracks.
Get in the habit of always keeping your sink clear of any dirty dishes and never leave food on the counter. Secure your trash can with a lid and take it out regularly. Finally, sweep floors not only in your kitchen but in any areas that have food. Deep clean areas like the kitchen, dining room and living room at least once a month to prevent buildup that attracts pests.
Maintain Your Lawn
You might think the best places to clean and maintain are inside, but you forget that these pests travel from outside. You’ve probably already seen many pests in your yard like squirrels or even raccoons, and that’s a sign that they might be near your home. Trim all the bushes and trees away from your home to prevent any critters from using them to access your home or roof.
If you have a larger lawn, you might want to consider hiring a service to do this for you regularly. Finally, never keep your garbage bins or recycling bins near your home since they’re literally a buffet for animals.
Prevent Leaks
Leaks are a nightmare for more reasons than anyone can count, and no homeowner needs to be told not to take care of any problem holes. While you know leaks can lead to severe damage, did you know they also lead to rodents? Pests like rodents are attracted to moisture, so if there’s a leak in your roof or even from a pipe in your house, rodents will look for a way in. Be sure you’re not overwatering your lawn for this same reason.
Update Your Lighting
If you’re struggling with pests, your lights might be to blame. Believe it or not, your lighting choices can impact your pest control. Bugs are known to be less attracted to lighting that is tinted in pink, orange, or yellow. If your home is full of white lights, this might be drawing insects into your home. Always look into your outdoor lights to ensure they’re not attracting more bugs than their worth.
Choose a Minimal Home
Pests aren’t exactly consumers of design, but they do seem to discriminate when it comes to the homes they choose to frequent. Minimal, simply designed homes are less likely to attract pests or insects compared to households with clutter or complex design. This is likely because modern, minimal-style homes are much easier to clean than those with a lot of extra rooms, walls, and cracks. While you’re probably not able to change the design of your home, you can still declutter your space, so there is less to clean.
Is your home protected against unwanted pests? Don’t let pests ruin your home. These tips above will help you keep the worst insects, rodents, and more from your home so you can live in peace.