Most homeowners come in contact with nature in one way or another. That’s why they seek tips for caring for new kittens, gardening advice or getting rid of pests.
Household pests can be a huge nuisance, and it can be difficult getting rid of them once they’ve taken up residence. In this article, we’ll discuss 7 permanent ways to stop pests from entering and taking over your home.
Know Your Enemy
First of all, it’s important to learn what types of pests are common in your area and study their behaviours and habits. This way, it’ll be easier for you to identify if there’s an infestation or not. The quicker you can identify their presence, the sooner you can remove them before they spread throughout your home. Regularly look for signs of pests (such as droppings, nests), or damage that could be caused by them.
Additionally, learn to recognize the sounds and smells associated with certain types of pests so that you can catch an infestation early. You should also research the various methods for removal – including trapping and baiting, natural repellents, chemical insecticides, diatomaceous earth (DE), and more.
Employ A Professional
Pest removal companies can come and inspect your home for any existing issues. They can also offer advice on how to prevent future infestations. They’ll be able to identify the types of pests in question and use integrated pest management strategies to get rid of them. In addition, they may provide regular checkups and maintenance services to ensure that there are no new or recurring problems.
Discover effective solutions for long-lasting pest prevention, including commercial rat control strategies, to keep your home pest-free for good.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and it’s a centre for many businesses. When people need commercial pest control in Edinburgh they often book a free survey to get help with mice, rats, birds, cockroaches and more. Thanks to chemical, biological and cultural control methods they can establish sustainable long-term control and pest prevention.
Before choosing a company:
- look at their qualifications and experience
- ask for references
- read online reviews
- ask about warranties
Seal Up Any Cracks, Holes Or Openings
These could be located in or around your windows, doors, and pipes, or in your home’s foundation. Pests such as insects and mice can use these to access your home, so it’s important to check for any potential entry points. Seal up any cracks with caulk, put screens over windows and doorways, and make sure all of your pipes are secure. For larger openings, you can use steel wool as a temporary solution until you’re able to seal it properly with the caulk.
Some other tips include:
- Checking the attic, basement, and crawl spaces for any potential entry points
- Checking your patio, deck, and porch for any gaps that need to be sealed
- Sealing up any openings in your vents or chimneys
- Closing off all access points in the garage
Create A Clear Space Around Your House
Trim bushes and shrubs away from the exterior of your home and keep walkways clear and free of debris. You should also remove any wood piles or compost heaps near your property.
Some other potential things to remove include:
- Trash cans
- Boxes and other stored items
- High grass or weeds
- Leaves, twigs, and other organic matter
- Puddles or items that accumulate stagnant water
These things can provide hiding spots for pests like rodents, insects, and reptiles. By creating a clear space around your house, you can make it harder for them to get inside.
Check Your Roof
If you don’t address overhanging trees near your roof, the branches could collapse during a storm. This could damage your property and endanger your household. Also, creatures like squirrels can use branches to gain access to your roof and cause harm. For this reason, you should trim bushes and trees so they’re at least five feet away from your roof. Also, clean out your gutters and drains if they’re filled with debris. This could attract unwanted visitors such as mosquitoes.
Here are some more tips:
- Check the roof regularly and repair any damage or gaps that may appear.
- Check for chimney caps if you have one. This will keep out pests like birds, bats, and squirrels
- Secure water tanks properly so they don’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes
- Inspect areas of the roof that have been damaged by storms as these can become prime entry spots for pests.
Use Traps Or Repellants
Traps give you a chance to catch pesky critters like mice or rats and take them somewhere else. Repellents use scents that pests don’t like, to make them stay away from your home. Glue traps are an excellent option for catching small rodents, while bait traps can attract larger animals such as squirrels or raccoons. Place the traps in areas near where the pests have been seen, so they’ll be more likely to come into contact with them.
There are many natural repellents you can use to make your home less inviting for pests. For example, scented candles and oils like peppermint or eucalyptus can be used to repel insects. Mothballs or cedar chips will keep away moths and mice, and garlic or onions can be used to deter some types of rodents. These items will need to be replenished fairly often, so it’s best to use traps if possible.
Clean Up Food And Water Sources
Clean up fallen fruits or vegetables, and any other items that may attract foraging pests such as mice or rats. Make sure pet bowls are cleaned daily to remove spills and residue. Take out garbage regularly and store it in containers with tight-fitting lids.
In terms of water sources, make sure that bathrooms, kitchens and other areas have no leaks or standing water. Fix any plumbing issues that may be allowing water to accumulate.
These 7 methods can help you keep pests from accessing your home for good. This will preserve your house, protect your health and save you money. In turn, you’ll be able to enjoy life at home without worrying about things like flea bites or pest infestations.
