Spring is almost here, and for pest professionals that usually means an influx of infestations. This is mostly because of the fact that bugs take advantage of the sunny weather and forage for new water supplies, food sources and hiding spaces. Fortunately there are some things you and your family can do to make your house less attractive to pests. Here is a list of things to consider doing during the tail end of winter before spring hits.
Cleaning
In the world of pest control, cleaning is one of the best things you can do to help yourself avoid infestations. Take the trash out every single day, even if it isn't’t completely full. Pests are not above going through your scraps and diving into your trash bin. Start leaving antibacterial wipes out, and wiping down every surface you use after you use them. Keep your garage neat, with all cardboard boxes and clutter up off of the floor and on shelves.
Closing Access Points
Another great way to avoid infestations is closing off any way that bugs are making their way into your home. Grab a caulking gun and have a look around your home. Close any space that you see. Even if a crack or hole seems tiny, close it with caulking. Pest only need a tiny amount of space to make their way inside. Check your windows and doors to make sure they fit snugly into their frames. If there’s a gap between the door and it’s frame, pests can use it to get inside.
DIY Repellants
There are several DIY repellents that you can make with items that you have around your home, or at your local general store. For instance, ants can be easily repelled by spreading cinnamon, baby powder, or borax in areas that they tend to congregate. For some reason, ants hate how these items smell, and will avoid the area. If you spot a pest, you can do some online research about items that repel that specific bug or rodent.
As great as some DIY tips are, there are some things just better handled by a professional. If you have a bed bug, termite or cockroach problem, we recommend letting a pest control company and come into your home and take care of it for you. These problems are complex and have shown DIY tactics to be ineffective. It’s also wise to call in a pest control if you have a large infestation. Small bug problems can sometimes be remedied with DIY tips, but a constant bug problem is probably too large to be taken down by any DIY methods.
