Pests are a nuisance that nearly every homeowner has to deal with at some point in their lives. While some pests like mice or ants might feel like a part of life, these pests are carriers of dangerous illnesses. Having them in the house risks making you very sick.
It’s important that you keep your home safe from pests. The following lists some rules of thumb that help to keep pests out of the house.
If you need help getting rid of pests, contact an Oshawa pest control company or other professional near you.
Seal entry points
While it may be hard to believe, pests do come crawling indoors somehow. One of the simplest and most straightforward things you can do to keep them out of the house is to seal entry points. Examine the exterior of your home closely and fix everything you can so there is no way indoors.
Here are some common entry points and how you can exclude them:
- Windows & doors. Add screens to your windows and have a screen door installed if you like to leave the door open for air. Make sure they fit properly and seal the cracks in your frames with caulking.
- Foundation cracks. Seal cracks in your foundation with epoxy. Larger holes can be stuffed with steel wool or covered with mesh.
- Porches. Check the sides of your porch for openings and seal them shut. If you can look underneath, use a flashlight and check your foundation for openings. Seal these the same way you would other foundation cracks.
- Wall vents. Cover wall vents with a quarter inch steel mesh to keep rodents out. You can also cover weep vents with metal covers from the hardware store.
Remove food sources
Food is a major attractant. Store all your food in sealed jars and containers and keep the kitchen clean at all times. Don’t leave any dirty dishes or pet food out overnight. You should also take out the garbage at the end of each day to get rid of the smell. Vacuum and mop regularly to get rid of crumbs.
Outside, get rid of the bird feeder or switch to one that you can hang far away from the house. Cover the barbecue and use lidded garbage cans that you can tie down with bungee cords. An expert of bird control in London will give you further details on how to keep pigeons away as they bring a unique set of issues to resolve.
Clear the sides of the home
Mice and insects love cluttered, overgrown, shady yards. If there is shelter surrounding the walls of your home, pests will be more likely to crawling along the sides of your home and sneak in.
Manicure the lawn and stay on top your landscaping to make your property less attractive to pests. Move leaf piles, firewood, and furniture away from the walls of the home and keep the area tidy. Pick up fallen fruit and protect your garden with row covers, if possible.
Keep humidity under control
Earwigs, centipedes, cockroaches, and rodents love humidity. That’s why they are often spotted in basements, bathrooms, and other wet areas. Keep the humidity of your home under control to lessen your risk of getting pests. Use windows and fans to increase ventilation and consider getting a dehumidifier. Don’t leave any wet dishes in the sink.
Call a pest control company for help
Call a local pest control company as soon as you witness some pest activity. Mice, rats, cockroaches, bed bugs, and many other pests will only get worse with time. The sooner you call, the easier the extermination will be.
Many companies offer pest exclusion, too. Licensed technicians can seal entry points with pest-proof materials and guarantee that no pests will come through.