Most people don’t realize that their homes aren’t theirs alone. Today’s modern houses are also homes to insects, bugs, and even pests. Without proper maintenance and pest control, these bugs can become very comfortable in your home.
Over time, these pests can cause destruction, health problems and even cost you $250-400 for a pest control service visit. The best way to avoid a tragic end and take care of your house is to create a bug and pest-free environment. Below are some tips on how to protect your house or apartment from harmful bugs and pesky pests.
Organize and Seal Your Trash Bins
The smell of trash can attract pests, especially if you’ve thrown out food. Mosquitoes, cockroaches, and even maggots can appear in your bins if you don’t close them properly. After all, your trash cans are rich with food for these critters.
Seal your bins if you want to keep them from eating out of and laying eggs in your trash. Tie trash bags well and separate food waste in sealable plastic bags. You can also use natural repellants like vinegar, cloves, and some aromatic flower buds.
Place your trash in bins or cans to avoid spilling. Don’t overfill trash bags to the point that you can’t keep them sealed or shut tight until garbage day. Better yet, use an ultrasonic pest repeller to ensure pests stay out.
Clean Regularly and Often
We can’t emphasize enough how important cleanliness is in keeping out pests and unwanted bugs. As much as possible, never lose focus on maintaining the cleanliness of your kitchen. It’s where you prepare your food and where bugs can find food bits or crumbs to eat.
The bathroom is another essential place to keep clean and dry. A damp bathroom can attract bugs. Try to deep clean your bathroom once every month or at least once every two months.
Put Food Away Properly
Don’t leave food out and try to consume it before it goes bad. Fruits and vegetables that are going bad invite bugs and rodents. Even though fruit flies are harmless, they can attract bigger pests like cockroaches and ants.
Organize the way you eat and store food. Ensure that you consume all your fruits and vegetables before they rot or start rotting. Instead of displaying your fruits and vegetables on your countertop, place them in refrigerators instead.
If you don’t like putting your fruits in the fridge, invest in a food cover for your countertop. These covers look like domes or tents made of fine mesh materials. This way, you can still display your fruits on the counter without worrying about attracting fruit flies.
Keep Your House Dry
Damp areas are breeding grounds and nutrition sources for many pests and bugs. It’s why you’ll find more pests hiding and building homes near or below washing machines, leaky pipes, and other damp places. Standing or stagnant water also draws dengue and malaria-carrying mosquitoes, so always make sure your drains are running.
For a bug-free home, dry up all your damp places, including drains, your attic, and your basement. Remember, water is the source of life, even for bugs and pesky pests. The most common bugs you’ll find in such areas include house centipedes, silverfish, cockroaches, and ants.
Maintain Your Garden or Yard
Rodents and bugs don’t move into your home right away. Usually, they make your yard or garden their homes first. Rats can make thick foliage their homes.
The best way to keep pests out is to thin out your plants. If your garden features a fountain or other water feature, keep the water running to keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in it. Consider planting crops or floras that act as natural insect repellants.
Cover Openings and Cracks into Your Home
Let’s say you’ve already got screens on your doors and windows. Don’t feel too complacent yet, especially if you’ve had your screen for years. Check for holes or cracks in the screens.
Inspect other places where you see cracks or openings, as well. These are doorways for bugs and small creatures into your house. Caulk or repair all holes and gaps you find around and in your home as soon as possible.
Remove Clutter From Your Home
Finally, are you the type of person who likes to keep things you don’t use or need? If you like hoarding, you’re inviting pests and bugs into your home. Declutter your home if you want to keep them out and protect the things that matter.
Throw out unused boxes, clothes, old toys, and other things that gather dust in storage. If you feel bad about throwing them away, you can give them away to people who might need them. If they’re too valuable to be given away, consider selling them instead.
We know that some people find it difficult to part with their things. When you’re decluttering your stuff, always ask yourself if you’d use the item in the next three months. If the answer is now, the thing should be trashed, given away, or sold.
Conclusion
Don’t wait until it’s too late to pest-proof your home. Remember, getting rid of pests and bugs can be expensive, especially if they’ve already infested your home. Incorporate the tips we mentioned above as housekeeping habits or routines right away.