Pests are a nuisance in the home. Depending on the type of animal, they can cause structural damage, carry disease, chew electrical wires, and generally make a mess. Eliminating certain things that tend to attract pests is key to keeping them away. Here are 6 ways to prevent pests in your home.
Keep the Kitchen Clean to Prevent Pests in Your Home
Dirty dishes and spilled food attract pests like rodents and insects. Animals are always looking for food sources and have keen senses of smell. Even tiny crumbs and leftover food on dirty plates can attract them.
Wash dishes right away after a meal instead of letting them sit in the sink. Clean crumbs and food particles off countertops and then sweep or vacuum the floor. Keep dry goods stored in airtight containers and use sturdy clips on bagged food. A spotless kitchen won’t be attractive to pests because they won’t find anything to eat there.
Eliminate Moisture
Insects need moisture to live, so excess moisture around the house attracts them. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, termites like to infest damp wood, and wasps forage for water to drink. Eliminate standing water inside and outside your house. Get rid of anything holding water in the yard and fix any interior leaks.
Unclog Drains
A clogged drain is filled with damp organic material and is the perfect breeding ground for drain flies. If you are finding tiny flies in your home, try checking the drains and unclogging them.
Take Out the Garbage Frequently
Garbage is unsanitary and emits odors. When you don’t take out the garbage frequently, ants are likely to follow the smell to the source. Other pests, like rodents, are also attracted to trash, and once they have located a food source, it is difficult to get rid of them.
Seal Up Gaps to Prevent Pests in Your Home
When your home is well-sealed, it is more difficult for pests to follow their noses indoors. Even the smallest gaps in the foundation, windows, or doors, will allow tiny pests to find their way inside. Seal up the gaps with caulk or use weatherstripping around doors to make the home airtight.
Remove Excess Wood From the Yard
Old tree stumps, piles of lumber, and woodpiles in the yard serve as food for termites and bring them closer to your home. They are initially attracted to damp, accessible wood laying in your yard and then are likely to settle their next colony in your house. Remove wooden debris from your yard to avoid this scenario.
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