Bug-Proof Your Home: A Guide to Preventative Pest Control
Sometimes, it seems that every time you turn around, there’s a fly, mosquito, or some other bug in your home. Instead of banging your head on the wall because you’re tired of these little critters sharing your home, bug-proof your home before they can find their way inside! Preventative pest control is the first step you can take for a pest-free home, and of course, if you still need help, Clint Miller’s exterminators are here when you need us!
8 Preventative Pest Control Tips
Keeping your home bug-proof starts with you! As the EPA says, your first line of defense against pests is prevention. Here are eight easy DIY preventative pest control strategies you can implement in your home.
1. Seal & Store Away Food
Food is the number one attractor of pests. Most pests are looking for any source of food they can, and colony pests, such as ants, may lead more pests to the food they find. The best way to prevent pests from treating your kitchen as their own is by sealing and storing away your food.
Investing in containers with close seals is not only a great way to enjoy your leftovers, but it also keeps pests away. In your pantry, make sure any boxes are fully closed. You may want to consider separate containers for loose or sugary foods such as uncooked rice, cereal, and baking ingredients—this will provide an extra layer of protection from pantry pest infestations and keep other pests out.
If you have any pets, it’s important to note that their food or water bowls can attract pests if they’re left out in the open. Changing their water regularly and cleaning up after they eat are two easy steps you can take to keep your pets food pest-free.
2. Carefully Dispose of Trash
Pests, such as flies and roaches, are drawn to decay and refuse. Not only are these pests a nuisance, but they can also cause your family to get sick. Disposing of your trash weekly and ensuring your trash can is enclosed prevents these pests from making their way into your home. You’ll also want to check your outdoor garbage can for any signs of maggots or bugs and clean it out thoroughly if it smells, has leftover trash, or the presence of bugs.
You can further protect your home by keeping your exterior trash can away from your home, so stray flies don’t sneak in through windows or doors. Try not to miss trash pickup day or make that trip to the dump if you don’t have trash pickup.
3. Stick to a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Even with trash properly disposed of and your food sealed and stored away, stray crumbs can get away from you. If enough crumbs start to accumulate, you could find yourself with a pest problem. This is why we recommend cleaning your home on a weekly basis—with a deep clean every month or so.
Furthermore, most pests like to remain undisturbed and will abandon nests that they feel are compromised. Regular cleaning gives pests little time to settle into a nest, and they may even move on due to being disturbed. Just be sure to be careful when reaching into dark corners where spiders may be hiding!
Preventing Houseplant Pests through Cleaning
If you have a green thumb, you may notice that some of your houseplants seem to attract pests into your home. No need to get rid of them—they just may require some extra cleaning attention! By watering your plants, washing them gently, and cleaning and bleaching their pots, you can make sure any critters on your houseplant are washed away. During your weekly cleaning, check your houseplants for any signs of bugs, including webs or bite marks on the stem or leaves.
4. Check for Entry Points
Part of learning how to bug-proof your home is discovering where the bugs get into your home. Check the exterior for cracks and openings where pipes and wires go into your house. Seal the openings around pipes and wires with foam insulation to keep the bugs out. Repair cracks in the walls and siding, under the eaves, and in the skirting if your home is not on a basement or a cement pad.
Furthermore, check for cracks inside the home. The best places to check include your baseboards and in places you normally don’t see on a daily basis, such as the floor area of closets and other hidden spaces. You may also want to check your doors for any seal issues and your window screens for holes or tears. Seal these cracks off with the appropriate materials or buy replacement screens if needed.
5. Find & Repair Any Pipe Leaks
Moisture is important for the survival of most pests. Not only does it act as a water source, but some pests rely on water to complete their life cycle. Therefore, leaky pipes can quickly become an oasis for unwanted pests. Plus, a pipe leak can cause wood damage in your home, attracting pests such as termites and carpenter ants. If you notice an unexpected increase in your water bill, make sure a leaky pipe isn’t the cause.
6. Inspect Your Yard
If you’re wondering how to prevent pests in your home, the real culprit may be outside. Your yard is a major player in either attracting or deterring pests. Simple things like leaf piles, dead wood, or still water can quickly become a breeding ground for unwanted pests. We recommend you check your yard for potential nesting grounds and remove debris to prevent pests, especially in the fall. Make sure wood and sticks are not close to your home—you may even want to consider trimming your trees if necessary.
How to Prevent Pests in Your Garden
If you love growing your own food, you know how detrimental pests can be to your garden. While you’re inspecting and cleaning your yard, we recommend you do the same for your garden. Remove debris and standing water from your garden. You can also add some plants that naturally attract pollinators, who will not only benefit your garden’s health but also deter pests.
7. Don’t Neglect the Winter Months
There’s a myth that pests aren’t a problem during the cold winter months; however, preventative pest control in North Carolina cannot stop when winter comes. Many pests during the winter, especially rodents, are looking for shelter from the cold and may decide your home is the perfect winter retreat. Enjoy the holiday season without any bugs or pests, and continue your preventative strategies during the winter!
8. Invest in Recurring Pest Control
At the end of the day, the best way to bug-proof your home is to hire a professional technician for recurring pest control. Regular pest treatment creates a barrier against the most common pests found in North Carolina homes. Recurring preventive pest control costs will vary depending on what plan you choose, but we can tell you from experience that it will always be a better price than treating a full-blown infestation.
Furthermore, your pest control technician will inspect your home during their visit and provide you with tips or treatment plans if they discover a problem. Enjoy the peace of mind that recurring pest control brings, and invest in professional pest control for your home.
Enjoy a Bug-Proofed Home with Clint Miller Exterminating
If you’re in the greater Charlotte area, Clint Miller Exterminating is your go-to pest control company! We have three, high-quality recurring preventative pest control plans for our customers to choose from—each built with your home’s needs and protection in mind. Together, we can bug-proof your home all year long!
