Many animals and insects that a person encounters in their home can be classified as undesirable pests. Various examples include ants, spiders, termites, wasps, cockroaches, and some rodents such as rats. A person who becomes aware of these creatures in the home should not take their presence lightly, as they can be more than just a nuisance. These uninvited guests, while small in size, have the potential to cause extensive property damage and can also cause life-threatening illnesses and allergies.
That is why it is important for a homeowner to consider various pest control practices to prevent an infestation. Creatures will be less likely to be attracted to the home if garbage is properly closed and disposed of regularly. A person can prevent unwanted animals from entering the home by sealing the cracks and gaps. Since some creatures are attracted to water and humidity, a person must keep the house dry, cool, and free of standing water.
Store trash properly
Of course, a large part of what you will find in a garbage bag is food scraps and table scraps that were thrown away after dinner. Unfortunately, animals like rats and ants are attracted to leftover food, and will shamelessly rummage through garbage bags for free and easy food. Keep garbage bags in a sturdy garbage can and keep it tightly closed with a secure lid. Trash should be kept at a safe distance from the house.
Seal cracks and holes in the home
Unwanted critters can easily sneak into the home through cracks and holes. Alternatively, if they find the opportunity to enter the house through the door, they will be able to look for holes to hide inside. There, they will create a new home and breeding ground without the knowledge of the owner. As a result, creatures like termites will cause property damage and thousands of dollars in repair work.
If a person wants to achieve pest control to preserve their home or business, he or she should regularly check for gaps and holes. Cracks found on the outside of the house should be sealed. Cracks around cabinets and baseboards can be sealed with caulk, which can be purchased at a hardware store. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, steel wool can be used to fill the spaces around pipes.
Avoid standing water and humidity in the home
Annoying creatures aren’t that different from humans when it comes to basic needs. Like humans, they need water to survive. Termites are not only attracted to wood, they also thrive on moisture and humidity. This is the reason why it is very important for a homeowner to remove standing water, moisture, and moisture for maximum pest control. Homeowners should never hesitate to repair a leaking pipe. Basements, attics, and crawl spaces can easily get damp and humid, so remember to keep these areas dry and ventilated to avoid a potential breeding ground for ants, termites, rats, and cockroaches. Also, a dry and ventilated home can prevent mold.
Cleaning is a preventive measure
A person can never go wrong in keeping the house organized and orderly. Need another reason to organize your basement or garage? It will keep pests away by creating an unfavorable environment for unwanted guests.
Animals love clutter. A person may see stacks of boxes and stacks of old newspapers and unused trash, but a rat would see hiding places and a potential place to raise a family. Once they start to breed in these hiding places, it will be difficult to locate and dispose of them effectively.
These four basic steps go a long way toward protecting a home from infestation.