Pests are an unfortunate and unpleasant issue that can occur in any household. They can often cause all sorts of unforeseen problems when left untreated. So how can you keep them out of your home and prevent an infestation? This is perhaps one of the most common questions when it comes to pest control. When it comes down to it, the best protection is prevention. In order to keep those pesky pests out of your home, there are a few things you can do. Let’s take a closer look.
Hire a professional
When you move into a new home it is always a good idea to get it fumigated. The original owners may have omitted to do this, or it could not be a legal requirement where you live. In the words of professionals from a commercial pest control Brisbane-based company, there is a lot of fear around whether pest control is safe for the entire family, including young children and pets. Modern techniques have been optimized to target specific pests, which means your family doesn’t have to be concerned. Making sure that your home is pest-free, to begin with makes things a lot easier to maintain, which is why we highly recommend that you use this as a starting point in your pest prevention measures.
Clean your home regularly
It is important that you clean your home at least once a week. Pests like to stay in dirty and unhygienic spaces. This means that if your home is cluttered, you do not do your dishes regularly, and do not take out the trash on a regular basis, you are inviting pests into your home. Ants and cockroaches are especially attracted to crumbs and old food spills on the floor. Sugary treats are especially attractive to ants, which is why it is important that you keep them covered and that you clean up spills immediately. Regular sweeping, vacuuming and mopping are some of the best ways to prevent pests from finding your home desirable in the first place.
Dispose of garbage properly
Rats, roaches, and flies are an unpleasant combination and tend to congregate in places where there are lots of food scraps, i.e. your trash. It is important that you dispose of your garbage correctly. You can do this by investing in a durable bin that has a lid. This effectively contains the stench of your garbage. It also makes it harder for pests to get into your trash if the lid seals. This prevents your trash from being rummaged through and potentially toppled over, having everything fall out. This goes for your bins both inside and outside of the home.
Food Storage
This tip also goes hand in hand with cleanliness. Your kitchen is a source of food to you and to any pests who have access to your food. This means that it is incredibly important that you keep it pest-free. You can protect the food in your pantry by placing open packaging into closed containers. Make sure that these are airtight and that they seal well. This keeps your food fresh and keeps unwanted critters away. Be sure not to leave open things out.
Leaking pipes
You might not think so, but leaky pipes and pest control go hand in hand. Leaks in plumbing can cause standing water, which can lead to all sorts of infestations. Not only is it attractive to common pests such as rats, ants, and cockroaches, but it becomes a breeding ground for termites, which can be an absolute disaster. Termites are particularly fond of dark, moist spaces. Be sure to fix any leaks as soon as you find them and be sure to monitor the area around them.
Seal up any cracks and holes
This one is self-explanatory. Holes and cracks act as entry points for pests. Even the smallest holes can let them in. You should caulk up cracks and fill in any holes to prevent those unwanted critters from invading your home. Be sure to plaster over bigger holes, to ensure that they stay fixed permanently.
Install bug screens
If you live in an area that is particularly full of bugs, make sure that you install a mosquito screen. This keeps out pests of all sizes without having to keep your doors and windows closed. Fresh air is important in any home and it is important to stop things such as mold and other issues that could be attractive to pests. They can be more on the pricey end but are definitely worth it.
Prevention is the best protection. Make sure to keep your home clean and tidy to ensure that pests do not want to make it their home, too.
