No one likes dealing with a pest issue. It can be such a nuisance on a daily basis, wondering where the creepy creatures have been, and if they’ve contaminated the food you were planning on eating. It can also be extremely frustrating to deal with on your own, since you don’t always have the knowledge or tools to deal with more difficult pests, such as termites or bed bugs. If you’re dealing with a pest problem that is overwhelming you, call your local pest control company to get help.

If you’re not in the midst of an infestation, consider yourself lucky. Bakersfield is a residential city, and wherever there are people, there are pests trying to make their way into homes. There are things you can do, however, to prevent your home from becoming home to unwelcome insects and rodents. Here are areas of your house to be especially careful to check for pests, and some tips on how to keep them away.

Dining Room

Most people know this, but it bears repeating: the number one thing that attracts pests is food. In the case of rodents and insects, “food” doesn’t necessarily refer to a home cooked meal. It can also refer to a trash can full of scraps, or even a pool of soda that spilled onto your floor. It’s important to remember that your dining room comes into contact with just as much food as your kitchen. Keep antibacterial wipes near your dining room table, and try to wipe it off whenever it’s used. Even if it doesn’t look dirty to you, some substances are harder to see, but might still attract pests.

Garden/Yard

Many people like the frame the perimeter of their home with bushes and shrubs. While this classic look might be attractive and welcoming, it can also be attract and welcome pests into your home if you’re not careful. Keep plants and bushes at least 2 feet from the external walls of your home, since bugs and rodents like to hide in them, and can use them as step ladders or bridges to get into your home. The same goes for woodpiles. Try to store wood as far away from your home as possible.

Bedroom

If you don’t have a specific rule against eating in the bedroom, you should. Keeping food isolated to one or two rooms in your home makes it much easier to keep pests out.

Another thing to be cautious of in your bedroom is bed bugs. Wash your linens often, and check every once in a while for signs of bed bugs in your furniture, behind your headboard, and under your mattress.

Pet’s Corner

One thing people often overlook when trying to prevent pests is their pet’s food bowl. Leaving food out all day can attract pests, and isn’t necessary anyway.  Setting up specific feeding times and clearing their bowl when they finish eating will help reduce the chance of  their food attracting and being contaminated by pests. If you can’t be home to clear their food, consider purchasing an automatic feeder, and setting it to release a small amount of food that your pet can clear away quickly.