Tips to Prevent Pest Infestation in Your Home

The presence of pests crawling around your house is not only embarrassing but also irritating. However, you don't have to worry because this is a common problem, and you can find a lasting solution to it. 

Pests can create a breeding ground in any location provided the conditions are favorable, and that's why they are common in most households. Fortunately, you can adopt strategies to keep them out. Below are tips to prevent pest infestation in your home. 

Inspect Your Home Regularly 

Conduct regular house inspections, and check for signs of pest infestation to curb the problem at an early stage. This tip is quite effective during the cold seasons because this is when most pests locate hideouts to survive. 

A home is usually warm even in winter, and thus it's the perfect place for them to live. You should regularly check the corners, behind appliances, the basement, and the garage, among other areas that pests can hide. It's easier to fight them before they multiply. 

Clean Frequently 

Other than checking for infestation signs, you should also clean your house often. Keep your home tidy to create unfavorable conditions for pest infestation. Pests are attracted to dirt. If you always leave food particles on the floor, for example, you are likely to find a colony of ants and cockroaches in your house. 

Sweep, vacuum, or mop your house daily, especially if you have had a pest infestation in the past. Moreover, you should wash your clothes regularly since dirty clothes attract bed bugs and fleas. Wash your utensils after dinner; leaving them overnight with food crumbs gives roaches a reason to invade your kitchen. 

Keep Firewood Away 

You probably keep your firewood in the house around the fireplace. However, this is not a good idea because it may provide shelter to pests. Some pests feed on wood, and thus the firewood offers both shelter and food. Keep your firewood outside, at least 20 feet away from your home. 

Cover Your Food 

You should always cover food before you store it in the cupboard. The aroma of both cooked and raw food attracts rodents and cockroaches. Once you open a food packet, you should store it in an airtight container and place it in the cabinet. 

Seal Cracks and Crevices 

Pests and rodents access your house through cracks on the walls, windows, and doors. You need to seal these openings to keep them out. Also, seal the crevices on furniture and home appliances. 

Cover Your Trash Cans 

Your trash can contains all types of waste that can attract pests. Hence, you should store waste in covered bins. If possible, keep the can in closed cabinets and take the trash out once it's full. 

Trim Your Bushes 

If you have bushes or trees around your property, you need to trim them regularly. Trimmed hedges create unfavorable breeding sites for insects. Also, cut long branches on the trees to make it difficult for rodents to access your house from the trees.  

Use Pest Repellant Plants 

In certain circumstances, you may find it hard to entirely prevent pest infestations, especially if you live around a water body or woods. In this case, you need to apply extensive and practical measures, such as the use of pet repellant plants. 

Examples of these plants include citronella grass, eucalyptus, bay leaves, mint, neem, marigolds, lavender, and petunia. The smell and chemicals produced by these plants keep pests away. You can plant them in the garden near the windows or get their extracts and spray your house often. 

Inspect Your Pets Frequently 

You may be surprised by the number of pests that pets can transfer into the house. Cats and dogs often carry around fleas and bugs. Thus, you should regularly inspect your pets and remove any pests or spray them for extra protection. 

These are the most effective ways to keep pests away from your house. If you are struggling with a pest infestation, Bobby Grisson’s Pest Management has reliable specialists and a program to terminate those unwanted visitors. Contact us now for more information.