Pest control is a must for any homeowner. While insects and pests are vital to our entire ecosystem, they’re harmful to have inside your home. A lot of families are concerned about pests & human health and how to treat for pests safely. The chemicals and methods used with modern pest control it can seem intimidating and unsafe, especially for children and pets.
Luckily, today’s pest control specialists are skilled in keeping your home safe while also eliminating common household pests. The most important thing you can do to protect your family is to be proactive about your own household pest control. Here are 4 ways to protect your family from pests before calling a specialist.
1. Keep a Clean Home
It goes without saying that a cleaner home will lead to fewer pests. This is something that’s easier said than done, especially when things get busy with the family. Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to be a full-time job, but you should clean in the most pest-prone areas to keep your risk of infestation down.
Most insects and bugs are attracted to food. That means keeping your kitchen clean and free of crumbs and uncontained food. Rodents and other pests are drawn to moisture, so keep the moisture down in your house and always clean puddles and standing water. If you have a leaky faucet or pipe, get it fixed quickly to avoid a pest problem. Get in the habit of deep cleaning your home regularly. It’s not enough to sweep away crumbs and wipe down the counter. You have to get to the root of the problem. Despite doing all of these things, you may still have an infestation in your home. If this happens you can get in contact with James River pest control to quickly and effectively get rid of your infestation and prevent it from spreading.
2. Know Where Pests Enter
Pests are very predictable when it comes to entering your home. Depending on where you live, different pests will be drawn to different entry points within your property. By knowing these places, you can keep a lookout for any signs of a pest problem.
Roaches are drawn to things like cardboard or clutter. They like to hide in dark, moist places. Beetles and smaller insects look for entry by cracks in doors or windows. Mice and other rodents are known to find holes in the foundation of your home or to climb through trees and branches that are near your house. Finally, ants like to build nests in clogged gutters or in trees near your home.
Now that you know where these pests are likely to be found within your property, stay alert with securing these areas. Never leave open cracks in the foundation or roof of your home. Always avoid clutter or other things that serve as a nice home for unwanted insects, this is one of the top tips given by any pest control company.
3. Practice Lawn Care
If you have any outdoor space, it’s a prime spot for pests. While you might be proactive about keeping pests from the inside of your home, you should also defend the outside of your house. Keep your lawn maintained with cut grass, trimmed bushes, and no debris.
Another aspect of lawn care to be aware of is that you should keep furniture and other outdoor materials away from the side of your home. Wooden furniture is particularly attractive for pests, but any type of furniture can serve as a breeding ground. Birds can even become a problem in yards, in which case it is time to reach out to vineyard bird control.
4. Protect Your Pets
Your pets are a member of the family too. Man’s best friend can also be a big source of unwanted pests if you aren’t careful. Dogs and cats are prone to fleas, ticks, and parasites. Not only are these harmful for your pet’s health, but they’re also damaging to your home. Talk to your vet about the best way to protect your furry friend from outdoor pests and potential threats.
Aside from getting your pets on preventative treatment, make sure you keep their things clean. You should secure pet food in a locking container so bugs and pests can’t get inside. Also, keep your pet’s belongings clean and throw away old treats or toys. Inspect your pets before they come into your home to check for fleas or ticks that might attach to their skin.
While it’s impossible to protect your home 100% from unwanted pests, a little attention goes a long way. These tips above will ensure your family and home is safe all year long. Solving a pest problem before it begins is key.
