As the warmth of summer transitions to fall, a new challenge arises for homeowners: keeping pests out of the living spaces. The dropping temperatures outside can make your home a haven for unwanted visitors, such as mice and insects. With a little effort and foresight, you can prevent pests in your home and enjoy clean, safe living spaces all year.
Ways to Prevent Pests in the Home
1. Seal Entry Points
The first line of defense against pests is sealing off their entry points. Carefully inspect your home’s exterior for gaps, cracks, and openings, paying special attention to areas where utility lines enter the house. Seal these gaps using weather-resistant caulk or foam, denying pests easy access.
2. Maintain Landscaping
Trim back bushes, trees, and shrubs close to your home’s exterior. Overhanging branches and vegetation can serve as bridges for pests to enter your home. Keep a clear zone around your home’s perimeter by removing clutter and debris, including leaves and twigs, to discourage pests from hiding in the brush close to your house.
3. Prevent Pests in Your Home: Store Food Properly
Pests are looking for a reliable food source which they often find in kitchens. Store your grains, cereals, and snack items in airtight containers made of plastic or glass to deter pests from sniffing out a potential meal. Keep the countertops clean and wipe up spills promptly to eliminate enticing odors.
4. Keep Up With Cleanliness
A clean home is a less appealing destination for pests. Regularly sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors to remove food particles and crumbs that attract unwanted visitors. Clean under appliances and furniture where debris can accumulate.
5. Repairs Leaks and Maintain the Plumbing
Pests need water just as much as they need food. Fix leaky faucets, pipes, or drains to eliminate water sources for insects and rodents. This small step can go a long way in preventing an infestation.
6. Order a Pest Inspection
Conduct routine inspections of your home’s interior and exterior. Check for signs of pests, like droppings, chewed wires, or damaged materials. Hire a professional for annual inspections. Early detection makes an infestation easier to eliminate.
7. Use Screens and Seals to Prevent Pests in Your Home
Use screens on windows and doors to keep insects out. Inspect your screens, looking for holes or other damage, and make repairs. Verify exterior doors have effective sweeps and weather stripping to prevent pests from sneaking through gaps.
8. Regular Pest Control
If you live in an area prone to specific pests, hire a professional service to perform regular treatments. They can identify vulnerabilities in your home and use targeted strategies to keep pests at bay.
9. Firewood Storage to Prevent Pests in the Home
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, store firewood at least 15 feet from the home’s exterior. Pests can nest home in stacks of wood; you don’t want them hitching a ride indoors when you bring wood inside for a cozy fire.
As the seasons change, your home can remain a sanctuary from spiders, ants, and mice outside. Following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to prevent infestations and maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living space.
Morgan & Associates Inspection Services offers inspection services to homebuyers and sellers in Middle Georgia. Contact us to request an appointment.