When you get home you want to be able to sit down and relax in your safe space. The last thing you want to have to deal with are pests disrupting your peace. Ants in the kitchen. Rodents in the garage. Silverfish in the basement. Not only can pests like these disrupt your peace, but they can lay ruin to your home. There are ways to manage them. We have some tips!
Keep Pests Out With 7 Easy Tips:
1. Clean. Clean. Clean.
We hate to state the obvious, but don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Wipe down your countertops. Take the stinky garbage out to the cans and close them with a tight-fitting lid. Vacuum regularly. All these small, but crucial steps can make your kitchen less appealing to ants, cockroaches, and other pests that may be lurking.
2. Protect Your Pantry.
Pantry moths can turn your snacks or baking supplies into their own personal buffet if you’re not careful! Keep them out by storing flour, sugar, cereals, pasta, rice, crackers – all your dry good really – in air-tight containers. For an extra line of defense, try adding a few bay leaves or cedar chips to your pantry shelves (pantry moths and many other bugs aren’t fans of the smell!). Also, go with the “first in first out” method. Note dates on items so you always use the oldest first and not only get ahead of older products but save money by not wasting food. Be sure to frequently check the back of the shelves and the highest ones to stay ahead of any possible infestations. Vacuuming shelves – including the crevices – will also help if a moth happens to get in.
3. Protect Man’s Best Friend (‘s Meals)
When speaking about food storage, don’t forget your pet’s dry food and kibble. Pests love an open bag of pet food, but an air-tight container can keep ants, cockroaches, and even rodents far away from your furry family members’ meals. Especially if you keep a big bag in the basement. Rodents can chew through drywall let alone a paper bag of dog food. Emptying that extra bag into an airtight container is a good idea, too. Plus, it keeps their kibble fresh and crunchy – just the way they like it!
4. Pay Attention to Moisture
Not only do pests thrive in damp environments, but they also only need a small amount of moisture to do so. Fix leaks, unclog drains, and use a dehumidifier to keep basements and bathrooms dry. Even small water pools, like in plant saucers or pet bowls, can attract mosquitoes and flies. In fact, mosquitoes only need a capful of water to breed in – so that water bowl outside for your doggo is plenty. Change that water often and pour off any standing water that may have collected. Make sure to check under the sink too – leaks or condensation there can invite pests like silverfish and centipedes.
5. Mind (& Close) the Gap!
Pests like ants, mice, and spiders often sneak into your home through tiny cracks and gaps. Having a professional inspection done can help identify problem areas that you may not see with the naked, untrained eye. Around windows and doors, around the pipes going in and out of your home, and the natural gap that can form at the foundation of your home where it meets the siding are prime spots for openings. You can mend screen holes (or better yet, get new screens), seal cracks with caulk, and install weather stripping where needed. For even more protection, have your trusted pest control company install a barrier around your foundation for ultimate protection. Even the smallest gap can serve as an invitation for pests to invade.
6. Wipe Down Your… Garbage?!
Garbage cans, both indoor and outdoor, can be a magnet for pests. Empty indoor garbage cans often throughout the day and wipe them down whenever spills or leaks happen. Use garbage bags even in small garbage cans to help keep leaks to a minimum. Use outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids and clean them regularly with bleach and a hose to remove food residue and odors. Don’t forget to hose down the ground, too! Keeping trash areas clean will significantly reduce any pests like roaches, rats, or flies (not to mention raccoons and the occasional bear) from lingering close by. And because your trash cans are usually right next to your home, it will keep pests from being close enough to decide to find a way in, too.
7. Outdoor Light = Pest Welcome Sign
Outdoor lights by your front door create a warm, welcoming vibe, but they can also attract pests! Bright lights attract insects like mosquitoes, gnats, and flies, especially during spring, summer, and fall. Switch to yellow or sodium vapor bulbs to keep the pests at bay while still lighting up your entryway.
All these tips are simple, easy ways to combat the battle against pest in our homes. While these tips can help reduce pest activity, nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with professional pest control. An OPC Pest Services FourSeasons™+ Protection Plan provides year-round protection with tailored treatments for each season. From spring ants to winter rodents, we’ve got your home covered when all else fails.
