Do you get insects, rodents, and other types of pests in your lovely home? Do you know it is possible to keep them out? In case you’re like half of the homes questioned by researchers from the University of Kentucky during a recent survey, a single cockroach in your kitchen cabinets could make you use a can of insect spray or maybe contact Responsible Pest Control services provider or another pest exterminator.
Rather than waiting to spot a rat, bed bugs, or cockroaches within your home, there are a few steps you can take to keep bugs away from your home. Here are some of the interior and exterior aspects of your home that you should address to keep bugs away from your house and yard.
Seal all cracks and gaps
It is recommended to carefully inspect the exterior and interior of your home for crevices, cracks, and gaps via which bugs and rodents can find their way into your home. Check for loose siding, foundation cracks, gaps around incoming utility lines, missing roof shingles, and more. Seal all these openings using coarse steel wool, copper mesh, mortar, or sheet metal.
Note that pests can wiggle through small gaps and cracks around your doors and windows. Get a professional to inspect and make sure your doors, windows, and the entire home is perfectly sealed up to keep pests from entering your home.
Trim trees and choose mulch carefully
Be sure to trim all tree branches or shrubs that touch your house as they serve as a bridge to bring pests into your home. Pine straw, wood chips, and other types of mulch offer an ideal shelter for different types of pests. Rather than using these types of mulch in the areas that touch your foundation, uses less attractive ground cover such as stone.
Manage trash well
Keep your decks, yards, garages, and patios free of weeds, standing water, and any garbage. Make sure your trash bins have well-fitting lids and are always clean. The area around the bin should be regularly cleaned. Remember, rodents and different types of insects feed on trash. Failure to keep your home trash-free will start attracting bugs into your lovely home.
Store your food items well
Spills and food particles are an excellent source of food for pests. Keep all food items in the right containers, closed bags, and boxes. In case the bag or box cannot be closed, consider purchasing a plastic container with tight lids for better storage. It’s also recommended to keep your entire home clean as that will eliminate various sources of food for insects.
Lighting
To minimize the number and types of flying insects within your home, replace the standard mercury vapor lighting with pressurized sodium vapor or even halogen lights. Research shows that bulbs that are yellow, orange, or even pink are less likely to attract pests. These bulbs should be placed near the exterior walls, doors, and other outdoor areas. This is a good way to keep flying insects away.
About rj frometa
Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.