Pests are a nuisance that threaten your family’s health and the condition of your house. Although they seem harmless, an infestation can lead to severe issues, from property damage to the spread of germs. As a homeowner, you might experience trouble with insects or rodents around your property. Here are strategies to prevent pests in the home.
Clean Your Yard to Prevent Pests in the Home
Before pests invade your home, they pass through your yard. The best place to begin when preventing pests is the yard around your property. Start by removing dead plants, weeds, and fallen limbs.
Trim shrubs to avoid overgrown foliage, an excellent breeding area for various pests. Woodpiles are a food source for termites. Damp, decaying wood will also attract insects, snakes, rodents, and mosquitoes. Inspect the yard for standing water and areas where water can collect. Mosquitoes are drawn to stagnant water.
Inspect Your Home for Cracks and Gaps
Pests access your home through open windows and doors. They can also enter through tiny cracks and gaps. Make routine inspections of your home’s exterior for cracks, crevices around the utility lines, missing roof shingles, and loose siding. Seal these openings or hire a professional to do so.
Prevent Pests With Lighting
Use the appropriate lights to minimize flying insects around your windows and doors. Bulbs that emit heat and light will attract flying insects. The best options to prevent pests are yellow CFL bulbs.
If your security lights are near the entryways to your home, change the location of these lights. Place the lights far from your house, preferably on a pole a distance from doors and windows. This will draw insects away from home.
Proper Food Storage and Disposal
One of the measures to prevent pests is to practice proper food storage and disposal. When food items are left out, the smell attracts cockroaches, rodents, and ants. Cover your food items well or store them in sealed containers. Clean the pantry and refrigerator, and empty the garbage regularly.
Clean Drains to Prevent Pests
Cleaning the drains regularly is essential to prevent pests. Floor and sink drains accumulate debris that attracts pests and provides a breeding site. Use a homemade drain cleaner with vinegar and baking soda to avoid corroding the pipes. If the accumulation of dirt and food particles causes a severe clog, hire a drain cleaning service to keep water flowing freely.
Pest prevention may seem daunting, but a significant aspect is simply keeping the landscaping and home clean. Contact a pest control service if you notice signs of a pest infestation.
JW Goad Home Inspections offers home inspection services to home buyers and sellers in the Clarksville area of Tennessee. Contact us to book an appointment.