No matter the season, pests can be a problem at any time. Whether it’s freezing cold or sizzling hot, your home is always a target for possible invaders.
The best way to stop any possible infestation, however, is to keep pests from weaseling their way inside in the first place. Fortifying your home from pests is the first step in combating any possible infestations from harmful to overwintering stowaways. Stop them at the door, or wherever they try to slip in, with these seven helpful tips.
1. Know the Enemy
Before you can protect your home, you have to get some intel on the enemy. Know what you are up against. Whether it’s rodents, wildlife, or a devastating batch of bed bugs, take the time to arm yourself against several threats. Thankfully, most preventive measures will work on multiple pest groups.
However, for the rarer infestations, such as an invasive species like the spotted lanternfly, there may be different precautions set in place.
Regardless of what type of infestation you may encounter, it’s best to take precautions and check what pesky creatures are native to your area. Once you know what you’re up against, you can make a plan to protect your home.
2. Seal All Entryways
An easy way to keep pests out is to simply not let them in. Take care of your home’s yearly maintenance and make sure there are no openings for any creatures to slip through.
This could be cracks in your foundation, torn window screens, cracks beneath your doors, or even vents that lead outside. Remember, some insects are smaller than the head of a pen, which means they can easily find their way inside through the smallest crack.
Any of these areas has the potential to let unwanted creatures inside. The best tools can be good caulking, screens, and a sharp eye to spot potential openings.
If you want to go a step further, you can add pest solutions, traps, or other pest control methods to be certain you are protected. However, keep in mind, some pest repellents and sprays can be harmful to children, pets, and some other creatures you may not intend to harm.
3. Tend your Garden
Another simple way to keep your home pest-free is to tend to your garden. Insects especially enjoy rich, overgrown areas, like ticks and mosquitoes. Rodents often like to nest in thickets or cluttered areas.
Just keeping your garden under control can deter any unwanted creatures from coming to your home. Take care of vines or overgrown areas, monitor bush and hedge growth, and don’t let your weeds grow unchecked.
Rule of thumb: the wilder and more untamed your yard becomes, the more enticing it can be for unwanted houseguests.
4. Keep Grass Cut
Much like your garden, an overgrown lawn can be a draw for unwanted visitors. Ticks especially like long grass, as it makes it easier to latch on to a host successfully.
You can also attract ants, fleas, some stinging insects who may decide to build a nest in the growth. Don’t give your lawn a chance to host any of these pesky pests. Practice exterior pest control today by routinely tending to your lawn and removing the clippings afterward.
5. Clean up Garbage
Two things make your home attractive to pests; the promise of food and steady water supply. If you have open garbage or trash, that could mean big problems. Rodents especially search for open containers, but leaving open trash containers can also attract bigger, more dangerous visitors, like bears.
On a smaller scale, trash can be very appealing to the disease-carrying cockroach. Find a way to seal any possible containers uptight and way from prying claws.
Trash isn’t limited to food. Clutter, in general, can provide a perfect hideout for many pests. An overburdened garage or shed can mean hidden snakes or spiders, while a pile of wood can attract termites or other pests. The goal of this exterior pest control is not to leave anything enticing potential invaders, so do your best to keep your property tidy.
6. Watch for Stagnant Pools
Rain and snow happen. Unfortunately, when they do, they can leave standing pools all over your property if you aren’t careful. You can’t always help puddles, but a birdbath, clogged gutter, or leaking pipe can provide the perfect water source.
While not all pests will flock to still water, there is one dangerous pest that needs it to survive: the mosquito. All these flying insects need is a bit of blood and a stagnant pool and they can bring life to plenty more, right on your property.
Even an overturned lawn chair or empty planter can provide enough water for hatching.
Carefully monitor your yard for any areas that typically pool water and be sure to store or clean any objects that may sit out in the rain.
7. Other Treatments and Specialty Services
When it comes to protecting your house, you can’t be too careful. Sometimes, even with all these precautions, you can run into a pest issue – even if you keep them outside. If you run into any issues or discover you have an infestation, you can always refer to a pest control specialist.
Most pest control experts offer services to treat your yard and your home’s exterior to provide extra protection. They offer different services from yard spraying to pest removal.
Often, they offer free to low-cost inspections to spot any potential issues before they have a chance to grow. When in doubt, refer to a professional.
Stop Pests Before They Get In
The best offense is a good defense, especially when it comes to battling pests. Stop these intruders before they can even get inside with a little knowledge and a few simple maintenance tasks about exterior pest control. No matter the time of year, don’t live in fear of infestation.
If you are worried you may have an infestation or want to take a few extra precautions, contact a pest control specialist today.
