Are you bugged by persistent pest issues? It doesn’t matter if you live in a dry or wet area, you’re bound to have pest problems wherever you go. They’ll just be of a different variety depending on the climate. Try out these different home maintenance techniques today that can help prevent even more pest problems from occurring.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning your home regularly is one of the best things that you can do to prevent further pest problems. Dusting regularly will prevent dust mites from gathering, but it will also help prevent spiders from using dusty corners to create their webs or other bugs from hiding in dusty areas. Make sure you sweep and vacuum floors and countertops often so you don’t encourage ants and other food-loving pests from gathering. Also, if you have parts of your house that remain untouched for a long time, such as a basement or attic, you may want to clean them and get rid of extra clutter so that you don’t have lots of centipedes and other bugs finding homes in your old storage boxes.
Remove Garbage from Your Kitchen
It should be pretty obvious that it is important to take out your kitchen garbage regularly. There is almost nothing that attracts pests as much as old, moldy food. Start today to take better care of your trash so you keep the pests away. Make sure that you’re not letting your kitchen garbage pile up or overflow, and take the proper time to sanitize your garbage can when you’ve disposed of the garbage. Now, remember that garbage doesn’t only refer to food residue and trash that needs to be disposed of. Garbage could also refer to old boxes, cookbooks, papers, or even dishes that never get used. If you have cluttered spaces in your kitchen that you rarely touch, chances are that bugs will be gathering there, as they have been able to remain undisturbed.
Clean Your Gutters
Believe it or not, having full and dirty gutters can also add to your pest problem. Especially after the fall and winter seasons, gutters can fill up with fallen leaves, dirt, twigs, and other residues. That residue is often frozen, wet, or moldy, which not only can damage your roof and home exterior but can also attract pests to the area. Make sure that you are vigilant of the state of your gutters. You might even want to invest in a gutter screen or guard if your problems persist. If you clean them regularly, you’ll be able to get rid of most pest problems in that area of your home.
Fix Your Roof
Your roof can be a prime hiding spot for lots of bugs and pests such as bees, wasps, ants, beetles, and even animals such as snakes, birds, raccoons, etc. When pests or animals decide to live on or on your roof, it can cause a lot of damage to the interior and exterior of your roof. If you notice that your roof has become worn down and has cracks or leaks, you want to be especially vigilant of pest infestations. If you experience frequent leaks, you may need to replace your roof to avoid serious issues.
Watch Your Windows
Have you ever noticed that dead bees and other bugs seem to collect in your window frames? Windows often have cracks where bugs can slip inside, especially since most windows are created to be opened. If you have an old house, you may want to redo the sealing on your window frames or replace your window screens to ensure that pests don’t find easy indoor access in your windows. You can even easily make a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent white vinegar which can be sprayed on and around your windows. Doing so on the inside and outside of your home will repel many bugs and spiders
Get Rid of Wood Piles
Having a woodpile near your home can cause huge pest problems. Often, bugs like termites and beetles love to live in wood piles since they are cold, dark, and concealed. You might even develop a problem with animals like snakes if your woodpile is big enough. It is important to get these kinds of wood piles away from your homes so you don’t encourage pests to gather there. However, you don’t need to fully abandon your nice winter wood-burning stove. If you live in an area where you need to have a woodpile, simply move the woodpile to a place that is further than 20 feet away from your home.
Clean Your Yard
Your yard will always have pest issues since it is outdoors, but there are some things that you can do to keep your yard clean and orderly that should help keep the pests to a minimum and prevent them from entering your home. Try to trim your grass regularly so you don’t attract ticks or unwanted rodents. Make sure that your plants are properly trimmed and cared for. Try to not let excessive debris like dead branches or leaves build up. If you have plants that grow quickly and spread over a large area, like groundcover, make sure that you use bug spray, since it will be the perfect place for pests to take cover.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Check your home’s exterior and interior for gaps and cracks. These could occur around your roof and eaves, your deck and back door, your windows and balconies, or even where pipelines and wires enter your home. If you notice any cracks, no matter how small they are, make sure to seal them up quickly. Caulk or foam insulation that expands when applied are great solutions for sealing gaps and cracks.
The reality is, that pests can be a big problem for you, no matter what time of year it is. However, you can start trying out these different maintenance techniques today to prevent pest infestation more quickly and successfully. Make sure that you figure out which techniques work best for your home and area and then make them a routine. Soon enough, all your indoor pest problems will be gone!
If you have a pest problem, contact us to get a free quote!