Small changes, big impact: Easy habits to prevent pests from taking over your home

Are you struggling with pests like ants, cockroaches, or fruit flies in your home? You're in the right place. Pest prevention tips are essential for maintaining a clean and safe living environment. This article will explore simple and effective habits to keep these pests at bay. Let's explore how small changes can prevent these pests from taking over your home.

1. Maintain cleanliness

Clean up crumbs and spills

A clean house is less appealing to pests. Regularly wipe down countertops and sweep floors to eliminate food residues that attract pests. Pay special attention to the kitchen and dining areas, where crumbs and spills are more likely to occur.

Regular vacuuming

Vacuum your home at least once a week, focusing on hard-to-reach areas and under furniture to remove food crumbs and pet hair that can attract pests.

Wash dishes promptly

Try not to leave unwashed dishes in the sink overnight. Wash them promptly to prevent attracting pests like ants and cockroaches.

2. Proper food storage

Use airtight containers

Store cereals, grains, and other dry goods in tightly sealed containers to keep pests out. This keeps your food fresh and makes it difficult for pests to get in.

Refrigerate Perishables

Keep ripe fruits and other perishables in the refrigerator to avoid attracting pests like fruit flies.

Regularly check expiration dates

Frequently check the expiration dates on food items and discard old or expired food to prevent attracting pests.

3. Effective waste management

Seal trash bins

Use trash bins with tightly fitting lids to keep pests out. Ensure the bins are permanently closed and emptied regularly to avoid waste build-up.

Regular disposal

Empty your trash bins regularly and keep them clean to prevent odours and pests from being attracted to them.

Compost management

If you have a compost bin, ensure it is well-managed and kept away from the house to avoid attracting pests like rodents and insects.

4. Seal entry points

Inspect and seal cracks

Frequently inspect your home for cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and utility pipes. Seal any openings you discover to stop pests from entering.

Install Door Sweeps and Repair Screens

Ensure all door sweeps and window screens are intact and repair any damage promptly to block pest entry.

5. Address moisture issues

Fix leaks

Promptly repair any leaking pipes or faucets to reduce moisture that attracts pests. Even a tiny leak can provide enough moisture for pests to thrive.

Use dehumidifiers

Employ dehumidifiers in humid areas such as basements and crawl spaces to reduce humidity levels and make these areas less attractive to pests.

6. Natural repellents and DIY solutions

Essential oils

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus are natural repellents. Mix some drops of water in a spray bottle and apply it around entry points and common areas to deter pests.

Vinegar spray

Take a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and vinegar and Spray this mixture on surfaces where you've seen ants or other pests. The vinegar disrupts their scent trails, making it difficult for them to navigate and discouraging them from returning.

Diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that effectively manages a range of pests. Sprinkle it in areas where pests are present, as the sharp particles damage the pests' exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death.

7. Regular inspections

Check the pantry and cabinets

Check your pantry and cabinets for signs of pests such as droppings, gnaw marks, and damaged packaging.

Inspect entry points

Regularly inspect windows, doors, and utility openings for new cracks or gaps and promptly seal them.

8. Monitor and replace traps

Use sticky traps and bait stations

Place sticky traps and bait stations strategically to monitor and control pest activity.

Regular maintenance

Check and replace traps regularly to ensure they remain effective. Monitor the traps for signs of increased pest activity.

9. Declutter your home

Remove clutter

Clear out newspapers, cardboard boxes, and other clutter that can serve as pest hiding places. Keep storage areas tidy to minimise hiding spots for pests.

Organise storage areas

Keep storage areas neat and organised to make it less attractive for pests to settle in.

10. Professional help when needed

Recognise severe infestations

Know when an infestation is too severe for DIY methods. If you notice a significant increase in pest activity, extensive damage, or signs of a large-scale infestation, it may be time to call the professionals.

Contact pest control professionals

Remember, you're not alone in this. If you're dealing with persistent or large-scale infestations, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Professional pest control will have the expertise, tools and techniques to handle severe infestations effectively, providing you with the support you need to maintain a pest-free home. Contact us today to send a

Regular maintenance and vigilance are vital to keeping your living environment pest-free. Remember, DIY methods are your first line of defence. Feel free to seek professional help if the problem persists. Stay proactive and enjoy a clean, safe home free from unwanted intruders. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a free pest inspection.

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