No one wants to have pests in their home. They are not just unsightly, but also often causes of annoyance, damages, and sometimes, even health concerns. Yet, having pests at home is not an uncommon problem. Sometimes, it is difficult to keep a pest-free home simply because of the surrounding environments your home is situated in, or due to the actions of a few errant neighbours.
Of course, other times, the cause comes from within your home itself! Unkempt homes and food lying around are sure attractors for pests. While not foolproof, here are some tips you can pick up to keep your home as pest-free as possible!
Declutter
Cluttered homes are a pest’s favourite because of all the hiding places available. Many types of pests, like cockroaches and bedbugs, love to hide in dark, undisturbed corners. If wooden or paper-based items are what forms your hoarding collection, your risk of encountering termites escalates. On top of that, a cluttered home makes it even more difficult to even detect pests, as they can remain hidden from sight and proliferate without your knowledge.
So, make it a point to declutter your home to make it less attractive to pests. Having a good organisational system and regular spring-cleaning sessions throughout the year can help with this.
Store foods securely
Food storage is crucial not just for food safety, but also to prevent your ingredients from being a pest’s next meal. One of the safest places out of reach from pests is the refrigerator. Foods that cannot be refrigerated can be placed in airtight containers instead. While you may think tying up your bag of chips or loaf of bread is enough, bear in mind that some determined rats and cockroaches are fully capable of chewing through plastic or paper bags as well.
Clean up messes immediately
It’s normal to drop food crumbs or spill drops of drinks or soup when eating or cooking at home. But if these messes are left unnoticed or uncleaned, pests will soon find their way to them. That’s why cleaning up immediately is a good habit to have, as it leaves pests no chance to feed in your home. Even if you don’t remember spilling anything, giving the kitchen and dining area a quick wipe down every day can help to eliminate any small food remnants you’ve overlooked.
Know when to seek help
For many people, their first instinct when encountering a pest problem at home is to turn to do-it-yourself solutions. Pest traps, repellants, or sprays are the most common. While these may help in the short-term, it may not be enough to overcome the root of the problem. In cases where pests have already multiplied, you may not be able to find or eliminate all the pests that are hiding in and around your home.
That’s where professional pest control companies come in. Only with their expertise can you be more confident of returning to a pest-free home. So, don’t try to tackle every pest problem yourself, but know when to call in an exterminator for the best results.
Perform home repairs promptly
You might not think that a leaky pipe may have anything to do with pests, but it does! Leaks promote excessive moisture in the home, creating favourable conditions for pests to inhabit. Other damages in the home that should be promptly fixed are windows, doors, or treatment coverings for these entrances. If these openings are not securely sealed, it provides more opportunities for unwelcome creatures to enter your home.
By doing your part to keep up these good habits, you can make your home less attractive to pests. If you already have a pest issue at home, it is advisable to address the problem first with professional pest companies, before moving on to adopting these preventive habits in your household.