There are around 900,000 different types of living insects around the world. Out of this number, around 91,000 are described species of insects while around 73,000 species are undescribed. Looking at these numbers, it’s not surprising that homeowners may sometimes see pests invading their homes.
But they can stop these pests from entering their homes by implementing some measures to keep them out. Here are the steps they can take to keep their homes pest-free.
Clean the Home Regularly
One thing that homeowners should do regularly is to clean their homes. A dirty home normally attracts pests, and when the home is clean, it will make the home unappealing to these pests. This also means that homeowners should vacuum the house regularly. They should also make sure to throw away any old newspapers or unused boxes since these can serve as hiding places for roaches and other pests.
They should also clean up any food spills immediately, and they should keep the sink free of dirty dishes by washing them as soon as possible. They can also keep any food inside sealed containers or stored inside the refrigerator.
While fresh fruits may be eye candy for anyone in the house, they can also attract fruit flies. So, homeowners should consume them as soon as possible or keep them inside a sealed container. Homeowners should also keep the pet bowls clean since they may attract an army of ants.
Be Alert
Even if the homeowners have kept their homes clean, it’s possible that the pests already made a nest in the house. Due to this, they should look for signs showing that they are already in the house. For instance, ants normally send out scouts to look for food supplies. So, homeowners should look out for solitary ants going around the house.
They should also check for signs of termite infestation. Since termites do not normally leave the soil or sources of food where they are tunneling, homeowners can probe piles of wood outside the house using a screwdriver. If they see signs of termites in the house, it’s best to hire termite control professionals before things worsen.
Homeowners should also check birdbaths or tire swings for any telltale signs of mosquito larva in them. If they see any wrigglers in the water, they should immediately dump the water from the birdbath or tire swing. If it’s impossible to do so, they can use a larvicide to kill them before they become mosquitoes.
Homeowners should also trim shrubs or tree branches that are close to the walls of the house. This will prevent any bugs living in these plants from moving into the house.
Close All Entry Points
Closing all entry points means that homeowners should make sure to check all places where pests can enter. These areas include the windows, pipes, vents, roof shingles, and chimneys. They should make sure to repair anything that’s broken to ensure the pests have entry points into the house.
They should replace any broken shingles, caulk cracks on the wall, cover larger gaps with steel wool, and make sure to repair or replace any torn window screens. This will keep pests from entering the house and keep the home free of pests.
Keep the Home Dry
Wet areas in the house can serve as breeding sites and water sources for pests. So, homeowners need to make sure they keep the home dry as much as possible. They should check for any broken or leaking pipes. These pipes may be located under the sink or in the basement.
They should immediately get a plumber to fix the pipes to prevent water from accumulating in any part of the home. Aside from keeping pests out, it will also prevent the water from affecting the house’s foundation.
The homeowner may even consider getting a dehumidifier if an excessive amount of moisture accumulates in either the basement or the attic of the house. These devices can remove moisture from the air inside the house. It’s also beneficial for anyone who has asthma allergies in the house.
Use Appropriate Lighting
A standard mercury vapor light can produce ultraviolet light that can attract flying insects. Due to this, homeowners may want to replace them with halogen lights. Using yellow, orange, or pink tints on the lights will make it less attractive to insects. Additionally, the homeowner can also relocate the light if it’s possible to prevent insects from getting too close to the house while keeping the place well-lighted for security purposes.
Keeping the home pest-free can be challenging. But this is possible with the help of pest management professionals who can help in eliminating these pests from the house.
