Pests are attracted to food, water and shelter. They can cause health problems, including disease transmission, aggravate allergies and asthma, and damage homes and buildings.
Ben’s Pest Control starts with recognizing the signs of an invasion. These include ant trails, rodent droppings, greasy stains, shed wings and other indicators of an infestation.
Keep Your Home Clean
Keeping your home clean is one of the best things you can do to prevent pests. Pests thrive in dirty environments, and consistent cleaning disrupts their breeding habits and makes the environment unwelcoming. You should sweep and vacuum regularly, wipe down surfaces, and empty and wash pet food dishes. You should also store food in airtight containers and take out trash frequently.
Cluttered spaces also provide hiding spots for pests, and they serve as potential nesting sites. Getting rid of piles of paper, wood, and plants prevents them from becoming pest habitats.
Seasonal changes also impact the kinds of pests that are a problem for homeowners. For example, cockroaches are more prevalent in fall and winter, while spiders and ticks tend to pop up during summer. A pest prevention plan that addresses the needs of each season will reduce the risk of pest infestation.
Moisture is another common factor that leads to pests. Leaks, clogged drains, and standing water are all attractive to pests. Be sure to check the basement, attic, and garage for moisture-loving pests and address any issues promptly.
Pests can also enter the home through cracks and crevices. Seal any gaps with caulk, especially around utility pipes and the places where walls meet. You should also replace worn weather stripping and replace or repair damaged window screens.
Aside from sealing entry points, you can deter pests by keeping the yard and gardens trimmed. This removes places for rodents to hide, and it reduces the likelihood that they will find a way to enter your home through the foundation or the crawl space.
It’s also a good idea to clean up and dispose of any rotting fruits, vegetables, or leaves in your yard and garden. You should also keep firewood away from the house, and make sure your gutters are clear of debris. Lastly, keep shrubbery and trees trimmed away from the house to avoid pests using them as hiding or shelter spots. It’s far easier and cheaper to perform these preventative maintenance tasks on a regular basis than to deal with a pest infestation later.
Use Natural Repellents
It’s no secret that pests are more than just a nuisance—they can damage your home, cause health issues and make your living conditions uncomfortable. From the sight of ants invading your kitchen to the sound of rodents chewing on wires in your walls, it’s no wonder that pest control is one of the most important aspects of homeownership. But if you don’t like the idea of spraying chemical pesticides around your house, or if the thought of eating food covered in pesticide residue makes your stomach churn, natural repellents may be just what you need.
Natural insect repellents are made from plant oils, such as lemon eucalyptus (OLE), citronella, geranium and peppermint, that are applied to skin or clothing to deter pests. These oil-based products interfere with insects’ ability to sense carbon dioxide and body heat, effectively deterring mosquitoes and other pests from approaching you. They also often have a pleasant aroma that humans find more appealing than the strong, sometimes toxic smell of synthetic repellents.
Because these products don’t have the same potency as synthetic bug sprays, they typically need to be reapplied more frequently. This can be a bit of a drawback for some homeowners who want to rely on them as their primary means of protecting themselves from pests, but it’s not uncommon for natural repellents to provide more than enough protection when used correctly.
Using natural repellents as part of a comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) plan is ideal for those who want to minimize their use of pesticides in and around their homes. For homesteaders, gardeners and chicken-raisers who prioritize organic and sustainable practices, these nontoxic options are an excellent way to protect their families and their plants from bugs without compromising their lifestyles or the safety of their pets and livestock.
Remember, though, that just because these products aren’t as harsh as traditional pesticides doesn’t mean they’re safe to use around children or people with sensitive skin. Always read and follow the directions on any product you choose to apply to yourself or your family, and if you notice any allergic reactions, stop using that particular product immediately.
Seal Entry Points
Pests are drawn to homes for three primary reasons: food, water, and shelter. Tiny cracks, gaps, and holes provide them with easy access to these resources and can allow them to gain a foothold inside your home where they can cause damage, create an unhealthy living environment, and even pose health risks. Rodents chew through wires, leading to fire hazards, and cockroaches and ants spread diseases when they contaminate food or surfaces.
Proper home maintenance and inspections can help prevent infestations by closing off entry points. The most common entry points include windows and doors, vents, and utility openings. Checking these areas on a regular basis and using caulk and expanding foam to seal gaps can significantly reduce the chances of pests entering your home.
Crawl space vents that are open offer rodents a direct route to your basement or attic, and gaps around chimneys and skylights can also allow pests to enter your home. Checking these areas regularly and sealing them with caulk or metal flashing can prevent pests from getting into your home.
In addition, storing food in airtight containers and eliminating potential feeding sources like pet food dishes that are left out can prevent pests from finding them. Regularly cleaning crumbs and spills and disposing of garbage promptly can also deter pests.
While a full pest exclusion isn’t possible, sealing entry points can greatly reduce the need for ongoing chemical treatments. This can save homeowners money, time, and stress. Pest infestations are expensive and can cause significant damage to your property. Moreover, they can lower your property value and make it difficult to sell your home.
It is important to understand why sealing entry points matters, where to look for entry points, and what steps can be taken to prevent pests from entering your home. Following these tips can help you keep your home free of pests, protect the health and safety of your family and pets, and maintain a high property value. Lastly, always consult with a licensed pest control expert before attempting DIY pest treatments. Incorrect application of chemicals can result in dangerous exposure and even more serious problems.
Store Food Properly
Food is a primary attractant for pests, and proper storage can help prevent unwanted infestations. Leftover crumbs on counters, pet food in open containers, and rotting fruits and vegetables are enticing for cockroaches, ants, and mice. Food that isn’t properly stored can also attract pests like moths and weevils, so it’s important to store foods in airtight plastic or glass containers, and regularly inspect your pantry and refrigerator for signs of these pests (like tiny holes or flies). If you have pet birds, bird seed should be kept in an airtight container.
In addition to storing food in sealed containers, it’s essential to store other materials properly as well. This includes storing trash in cans with tight-fitting lids, and removing garbage on a regular basis to prevent moisture accumulation and odor. It’s also important to regularly clean underneath and behind appliances, as pests like cockroaches, ants, mice, and spiders can hide in these spaces. Keeping outdoor trash and compost receptacles away from your home, and keeping them closed and secure, will also reduce the risk of pests invading.
For businesses, it’s important to regularly check for signs of a pest infestation. In addition to droppings, chewing marks on wires and food packaging, and strange smells, pests can leave a variety of other telltale clues including shed wings, shed exoskeletons, dark spots on bedding, and greasy trails. Frequent inspections of the facility and its surroundings can help identify potential entry points like cracks in walls, gaps around windows, loose door seals, missing roof tiles, and more.
In addition to reducing food and water sources, it’s important for businesses to eliminate potential habitats for pests. For instance, puddles of standing water can draw mosquitoes and other pests to the facility, while overgrown vegetation can provide hiding places for rodents and birds looking for shelter or roosting sites. Eliminating these factors can significantly lower the risk of a pest infestation.