Pests can be a nuisance and cause damage to your house and belongings. Some pests also pose health risks to you and your family. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep insects and rodents from invading your living spaces. Here are some of the most effective ways to prevent pests in your home.
Keep Your Home Clean to Prevent Pests
One of the easiest ways to prevent pests from entering your home is to keep it clean. Mice and ants are attracted to food, so clean spills or crumbs immediately. Regularly sweep and mop floors, wipe down countertops, and wash dirty dishes. Store food in airtight containers and keep trash in a sealed container.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Pests can enter your home through tiny cracks and crevices. To prevent this, inspect the house for openings around doors and windows and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Pay attention to utility openings, where pipes enter your home, as these are often entry points for pests.
Maintain the Yard
Your yard can be a source of insects and rodents that can enter your home. Keep your lawn well-manicured and remove standing water, which can attract mosquitoes and other insects. Trim trees and bushes that touch the house, as these plants provide a bridge for pests to enter.
Prevent Pests in the Home: Use Repellents
There are a variety of repellents on the market that help keep pests at bay. Some options include insecticides, baits, and traps. Be sure to read and follow all instructions carefully when using these products.
If you prefer natural methods, there are many ways to deter pests using essential oils and plants. Natural repellents include essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, which you can spray around the perimeter of your home. Place cedarwood chips where pests may enter, as the scent is a natural repellent. Diatomaceous earth, a powder made from fossilized algae, also repels and kills insects.
Call in the Professionals
A professional pest control company may be necessary if you have a serious pest problem. These companies have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively rid your home of pests.
Preventing pests in your home requires a combination of diligence and proactive measures. You can keep rodents and insects at bay and enjoy a pest-free home by keeping your home clean, sealing openings, maintaining your yard, using repellents, and calling in professionals when necessary.
Checkpoint Home Inspections offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers around the North Coast of Oregon. Contact us to request an appointment.