How to Prevent Pests

Home Pest Control

Home Pest Control

 

Dealing with unwanted pests in your property can be frustrating and disturbing. From tiny ants invading your kitchen to mice scurrying around in walls, pests can cause damage and spread dirt and disease. The best way is to prevent pest infestation from ever entering the first place. With some diligent pest-proofing and maintenance, you can deter the most common household pests.

Here are tips for preventing major pest problems away from your house.

1. Rodents

Rodents like mice and rats can squeeze through tiny cracks and holes to enter structures. They build nests in walls or crawl spaces and can chew on electrical wires, causing fires. To keep them out:

  • Seal any exterior holes, cracks or gaps larger than 6.35 mm wide with caulk, steel wool, copper mesh or other rust-proof materials
  • Install weather stripping under doors and repair holes in door and window screens
  • Keep vegetation, woodpiles and debris far from home exterior to eliminate nesting sites
  • Store human/pet food in airtight metal, glass or tough plastic containers
  • Clean up crumbs and spills immediately
  • Take the garbage out frequently
  • Call pest control professionals for help.

2. Cockroaches

Cockroaches enter structures through sewer pipes, drains, cracks and other small openings. They contaminate food and spread bacteria that lead to health issues. To keep cockroaches away:

  • Seal cracks around baseboards, cupboards and pipes with caulk
  • Install screens over floor drains, vents, skylights and windows
  • Fix leaks and drips from refrigerators, sinks and pipes right away
  • Store sources of food in airtight containers and keep counters and floors clean
  • Inspect bags, cardboard boxes or used items before bringing indoors
  • Take out the garbage before night to eliminate food sources
  • If the problem is severe, call a professional pest control company.

3. Termites

Termites tunnel into wood structures to nest and feed. Their damage can cause walls to collapse or weaken foundations. To prevent termite infestation in your area:

  • Ensure there are no wood-to-soil contacts around the home exterior
  • Install termite shields or wood pretreatment barriers during construction
  • Dig drainage trenches to guide stagnant water away from foundation
  • Ventilate crawl spaces with louvers to eliminate damp conditions that attract termites
  • Store lumber on raised platforms and check periodically for termite tubes or damage

4. Ants

Ants invade kitchens and bathrooms seeking water and food scraps. Worker ants leave scent trails for others to follow. Effective prevention includes:

  • Wiping countertops and sweeping floors to remove crumbs and residue
  • Rinsing dishes and empty cans before recycling
  • Sealing boxes of sugar, flour and other baking items
  • Storing source of food in closed plastic containers
  • Checking under sinks for moisture or leaks ants exploit
  • Using soapy water to wash away ant scent trails

How To Prevent Pests In Your Home

5. Flies

Flies enter homes through small cracks and openings, attracted by food odors from kitchens and trash areas. They can contaminate food surfaces by vomiting and defecating whenever they land. Follow the step in preventing pest flies:

  • Install tight screens on doors and windows
  • Caulk or seal gaps around frames, pipes, vents and electric outlets
  • Use air curtains over entry ways in businesses
  • Keep trash cans covered securely with tight fitting lids
  • Clean trash areas frequently to eliminate egg-laying sites
  • Store ripe fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator
  • Wipe countertops and sweep floors to remove small food particles
  • Drain standing water from sinks, plant pots, pet bowls or buckets
  • Use fly traps or fly paper ribbons near entrances as monitors

6. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes pick up diseases from infected humans or animals and transmit them via bites. They lay eggs in standing water. According to NSW Health, they become active at dawn, dusk, and in the evening. Prevent these insects by:

  • Installing tight screens on windows and doors
  • Draining or frequently changing bird baths, old tires, plant saucers and buckets
  • Cleaning rain gutters and downspouts so water drains properly
  • Filling holes or depressions in trees and structures that collect water source
  • Maintaining pools, ponds or water gardens – aerating, circulating and/or adding fish that eat larvae

7. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs hide out near beds and furniture, emerging at night for blood meals. They hitch rides on luggage, purses, furniture or clothing to infiltrate homes. To keep them away:

  • Inspect used furniture, linens and clothing before bringing them inside
  • Seal crevices along baseboards, picture frames and electrical outlets
  • Enclose mattresses and box springs in waterproof casings
  • Use bed posts set in moats or interceptor traps under furniture legs
  • Wash and heat dry bedding and clothing at high temperatures often

8. Spiders

Spiders are adept at sneaking indoors through cracks and crevices. These creepy crawlies set up webs in undisturbed corners, garages and crawl spaces. Their prey includes common pests and insects, but spider bites can be a risk. To deter spiders:

  • Seal cracks in home’s exterior walls and gaps around windows and doors
  • Install weather stripping below doors and door sweeps
  • Prune branches and vegetation touching the home
  • Move woodpiles, rocks and debris far from foundation
  • Clean up old webs immediately so spiders won’t keep reusing them
  • Vacuum garages and basements frequently paying attention to corners
  • Turn off exterior lights at night or use yellow bulbs less attractive to insects
  • Use essential oils displeasing to spiders in vulnerable rooms

9. Birds

Birds like pigeons and sparrows build nests on architectural ledges or openings. Their droppings are unsightly and corrosive. Prevent wild birds by:

  • Installing sharp spikes, sloped ledges or repellent gel on potential nest spots
  • Blocking access holes to roof vents, attics and crawl spaces with hardware cloth or wire mesh
  • Stringing taut parallel wires or monofilament lines across pest-prone areas
  • Using decoy predators like rubber snakes or owls to frighten birds away

How To Prevent Pest Birds

Implementing prevention measures tailored for each pest is the best long-term solution for keeping homes free of infestations. With diligence and commitment to maintenance, homeowners can avoid or prevent pests. Addressing conditions that allow easy access, shelter and food source is key. Taking proactive steps now prevents major headaches later on.