How to Discourage Pests from Getting Inside

1. Keep it clean

Keeping a clean and well-maintained home is an important way to discourage pests from settling into your space.

Regular cleaning helps to eliminate food crumbs, spills, and debris that are attractive to posts. Pay attention to areas that often get overlooked, like under appliances, behind furniture, and the corners of rooms.

Keeping your home clutter-free as well as clean can also be a big help. If there’s less clutter present in a space, there are less hiding spots for pests to utilize– reducing their access to food and shelter, and keeping them away from your belongings.

2. Proper food storage

Keeping your food stored securely is an important component of pest prevention. Try investing in airtight containers for your dry goods and leftovers, and always avoid leaving food out on countertops.

Be sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids, too. This prevents pests like ants and roaches from being lured into your home by the scent of food, and ensures that they won’t be able to find an easy meal in your home.

3. Seal entry points

Pests can often enter homes through small cracks, gaps, and openings. Look closely around your home for potential entry points and seal them with caulk, weather stripping, or steel wool.

Some common entry points to look out for include gaps around windows and doors, utility penetrations, and holes in walls. Closing off these access points can create a barrier that discourages pests from finding their way inside.

4. Maintain landscaping and outdoor areas

When considering ways to keep pests out of your home, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t your backyard.

However, a well-maintained yard and outdoor spaces can also play a role in pest prevention. Trim overgrown vegetation near your home, since it can serve as a pathway for pests to reach your living space. Take note of any bushes or trees with limbs directly touching your home– these can serve as convenient methods of transportation for pests trying to find their way into your home!

Ensure that your gutters are clean and that your downspouts are directed away from the house in order to prevent water buildup, which can attract pests.

5. Regular pest control maintenance

Making regular pest control maintenance appointments is a proactive step in preventing infestations. Consider a pest control service that’s skilled in identifying and addressing potential pest problems before they become severe.

This treatment can include the use of traps, baits, and environmentally-friendly pesticides to prevent pests from establishing a presence in your home.

If you want to create a preventative barrier against pests in your home, or you’re dealing with a current infestation, don’t panic– just give the experts here at West Termite & Pest a call, and we’ll get right to work.