Have you thought about how to keep bugs out of your home? Bugs outweigh humans as a species by a wide margin. The research suggests that for each person there are around 1.4 billion insects on our planet. A large amount of them are domestic and seek homes to settle in. Of course, nobody wants bugs in the home even though most of them are invisible due to their size. Pests like spiders, centipedes, or ants can make you feel uncomfortable rather than safe, and that’s why you may want to have indoor bug prevention strategies and methods.
The top popular indoor pests in Canada are silverfish, ants, cockroaches, and spiders. They are naturally meant to stay outdoors, but they enter homes chasing food, cover, or warmth. The majority of them are only annoying but some can be dangerous as well, as they can spread germs or illnesses. An example of the most unwanted and dangerous ones is cockroaches.
Let’s discuss some useful pest control tips you may put into practice to help level up your bug prevention at home:
- Seal Entry Points
Cracks, gaps, and holes in the exterior parts of the home are your top enemies, as this is how bugs enter indoors in the majority of cases. What you can do to prevent bugs in your house is regularly inspect the foundation, doors, and windows to find any openings. Once found, you need to seal those as soon as possible with caulking or weather-resistant sealant.
Think about caulking window screen gaps and adding weather stripping around doors. Pests like ants and spiders may enter via even the tiniest holes and openings. Of course, it is impossible to eliminate all access spots but you can reduce the likelihood greatly.
- Keep Your Home Clean
Maintaining a clean home is crucial for pest prevention and is one of the natural pest control solutions. Insects are looking for dampness and food so if you keep the environment clean, it will not likely attract them. Wipe down countertops, vacuum up crumbs, and store food in airtight containers. Taking out the trash frequently and cleaning up any spills can prevent pests like ants, cockroaches, and rodents from invading your space. Even the cleanest homes can occasionally attract pests, as these creatures are drawn to even the smallest crumbs or water sources.
- Tidy Up Your Yard
Always remember that if you have a yard and it's not clean and tidy, you have a constant source of bugs that can enter your house. One of the best ways to keep bugs away is by keeping your yard well-maintained. You can reduce the likelihood of this happening. Trim vegetation and shrubs away from your house, and remove any debris like leaves or firewood that could serve as hiding spots for pests. Also, eliminate any standing water, which attracts mosquitoes and other insects.
- Use Natural or Chemical Repellents
For a nontoxic approach, essential oils like peppermint and citrus can act as natural bug repellents. Spraying diluted oils around windows and doors can help keep insects out. Alternatively, for more persistent problems, chemical pesticides can be effective when used properly. Applying a perimeter treatment around the outside of your home, known as perimeter pest control, can create a barrier that prevents bugs from getting inside in the first place.
- Inspect and Treat Outdoor Structures
Areas like garages, sheds, and outbuildings can often go unnoticed when it comes to pest control. However, these spaces can serve as entry points for bugs to eventually make their way into your home. Ensure that these areas are kept tidy and free from food or water sources, like pet food spills, that can attract pests.
- Check and Treat Packages
It may surprise you to learn that pests like cockroaches can enter your house through delivery deliveries. Because cardboard attracts cockroaches, parcels left outside can serve as a means of entrance. Before bringing packages inside, check them, especially if they have been left outside for some time.
- Properly Store Firewood
Termites, ants, and other pests may be drawn to firewood heaps and enter your home. To lessen the chance of pests entering from this popular source, store firewood elevated off the ground and at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Install Door Sweeps and Window Screens
Fitting window screens and door sweeps is another method to keep pests out of your house. Insects such as spiders and ants can squeeze through cracks in doors and open windows. One further line of defence against pests entering your house is to use door sweeps and install window screens correctly.
- Declutter and Organize Storage Areas
Because clutter gives them somewhere to hide, pests adore it. The ideal habitat for insects like silverfish, cockroaches, and even rats is created by basements, attics, and storage rooms full of boxes and unwanted stuff. Pest infestations can be decreased by routinely clearing out these spaces and storing items in plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes.
- Maintain Dryness in Moist Areas
Wet conditions are the magnet for pests, including mosquitoes, cockroaches, and silverfish. Examine spaces such as bathrooms, attics, and basements for condensation, leaks, or moisture accumulation. Reducing the attraction for moisture-seeking bugs in these places can be achieved by using dehumidifiers, fixing leaks, and increasing ventilation.
- Keep Pet Areas Clean
Pests like ants and flies can be drawn to pet food and water bowls. Keep your pet's feeding area clean regularly by wiping up any food or water spills and storing pet food in sealed containers. Since pests are most active throughout the night, try to avoid placing pet food outside at that time.
- Invest in Professional Pest Control
Although there are many things you can do to reduce pests on your own, hiring a pest control company to treat your yard can be a wise long-term move. By erecting a barrier of defence around your house, perimeter pest control services keep out vermin such as ants, spiders, and centipedes. By taking a proactive stance, you may prevent pests from entering your house before they cause issues, which will lessen the need for chemical treatments.
Pest control for the home is important and cannot be neglected. You have a chance to make your home a more cozy place to live by following our tips to keep insects out of the home. You can start with sealing access points, cleaning and organizing the house and always checking for spots where they can find an entrance to the home.
The key is being proactive, no matter if you choose to do the process on your own or hire professionals to assist you. There are many effective home pest control methods that you can use to keep your home pest-free if you are cautious.
