How to Prevent Pests in Your Home

7 Tips for Preventing Pests Infestations

How to Prevent Pests in Your Home

Pests. Even the word itself makes most homeowners cringe. From tiny ants on your kitchen counters to mice scurrying across your basement floor, dealing with household pests is never fun.

Unfortunately, pests often find a way into our house without us even realizing it. Once they get comfortable, pest problems can spiral out of control surprisingly fast.

The good news? Preventing pests from setting up camp in your house is easier than you think. By taking some simple measures and employing pest-proofing tactics, you can keep unwanted critters from ever becoming an issue in the first place.

Read on for advice from professional pest controllers, with tips and tricks to make your house as unwelcoming to pests as possible.

1. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

One of the best defenses against household pests is a clean house. Pests and insects are attracted to grease, dirt, and clutter. By keeping your house tidy and eliminating messes, you remove a major pest temptation.

Be sure to regularly:

  • Vacuum and mop floors
  • Wipe down kitchen counters
  • Clean up spills right away
  • Take out the trash frequently
  • Wash dishes after use
  • Keep clutter to a minimum

Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are hot spots for pests. Even small crumbs and drips can accumulate into a pest feast over time. Staying on top of cleaning keeps unwanted pests on the outside looking in.

2. Sanitize Surfaces and Appliances

While cleaning removes visible signs of dirt, sanitizing kills hidden bacteria and germs pests feed on. Make it part of your routine to periodically sanitize:

  • Countertops
  • Floors
  • Appliances like your refrigerator, stove, and microwave
  • Bathroom surfaces
  • Kids’ and pet food bowls

Hot, soapy liquid works well for sanitizing many household surfaces. For a deeper clean, use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or bactericidal disinfectants.

3. Take Out the Trash

Pests catch a whiff of leftover food and come running. Don’t give them the chance by letting trash build up.

  • Take garbage bags out to your bin every 1-2 days.
  • Don’t let trash overflow indoors.
  • Keep trash bins away from your house exterior.
  • Use bins with secure lids.
  • Clean cans regularly to remove residue.

Following these simple trash guidelines starves pests of their main food origin.

4. Practice Smart Food Storage

Your pantry is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for ants, roaches, moths, mice, and more. Outsmart pests by storing sources properly:

  • Keep dry goods and boxed items in sealed containers.
  • Refrigerate opened packages and leftovers in sealed bags or containers.
  • Inspect cans and boxes for signs of pests before putting them away.
  • Avoid leaving pet bowls uncovered.
  • Buy only what you’ll use in a short period to prevent stale or expired items.
  • Organize your pantry so you notice new pest issues right away.

Proper meal storage limits pest access to their favorite source of food.

Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Holes

5. Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Holes

Even tiny holes and gaps around your house exterior and interior provide open pest highways. Sealing these access points is crucial:

Exterior

  • Caulk cracks and crevices outside, especially near doors and windows
  • Add weatherstripping around doors and windows
  • Make sure screens on doors and windows are intact
  • Seal gaps around outdoor utilities and pipes

Interior

  • Seal cracks in walls and tile
  • Caulk along baseboards, cabinets, and vents
  • Repair gaps in hardwood floors and tile
  • Install door sweeps under exterior doors

Sealing up entryways forces pests to work much harder to get into your house.

6. Manage Water Sources

Pests need food and water to survive like any living creature. Don’t make it easy for them.

  • Fix leaky faucets and appliances.
  • Empty sink overflow catchers.
  • Drain standing liquid under your refrigerator and washing machine.
  • Change pet’s liquid bowls frequently.
  • Fix drips and condensation from AC units.
  • Prevent liquid pooling near your house foundation.

Controlling moisture minimizes an essential pest necessity.

7. Inspect Your Yard

Your house exterior and landscaping also play a role in keeping pests away:

  • Trim plants and bushes so they don’t touch your house exterior.
  • Clear piled leaves, compost and debris far from your building.
  • Check for anthills and wasp nests and treat early before populations grow.
  • Ensure proper sewerage away from your house.
  • Fix leaking outdoor faucets.
  • Store firewood on a rack at least 20 feet from your house.

Managing your yard helps discourage pests from getting cozy around your property.

Preventing Pests Infestations

Conclusion

Preventing pests takes work, but is worthwhile to avoid dealing with an infestation.

Focus on cleanliness, sealing up entry points, controlling water and food sources, and maintaining your yard. Bring in pros sooner rather than later if issues arise.

Stay vigilant in your prevention efforts to keep pests from disrupting your home’s tranquility.