Does your home have a pest problem? To effectively deal with pests, you need to cut off their access, food, water, and shelter. In this article, we’ll explore just how to go about doing that, and when you need to talk to a pest professional for further guidance.
Cut off their easy access
From a human perspective, your home might seem relatively secure. But, from the perspective of an insect that can squeeze into spaces tighter than a credit card, there are many easy options for entry. In fact, many pests come in right underneath the front or garage door. Others can get inside through foundation cracks, unprotected weep holes, or loose-fitting window frames.
With the right homework and some elbow grease, you can knock out all of these access points in a weekend. Add weatherstripping around doors for an airtight seal. Caulk around window leaks, and fill in foundation cracks. Add wire mesh netting over weep holes and other points of entry to the attic. Seal interior vents, such as those in the bathroom and laundry room.
Eliminate their food, water, and shelter
When they enter your home, pests are searching for three things: food, water, and shelter. Here’s how you can deny them all three, discouraging them from making your home into their permanent residence.
Food
Roaches, crickets, and rodents are all after the easy-to-access food in your home, whether it means raiding the pantry or feeding off crumbs. End this buffet line by thoroughly cleaning your home. Pick up pet food bowls immediately after they’re done. If you have fruit or nut trees in your backyard, quickly gather anything that drops.
Keep in mind that some pests feed on other pests. As omnivores, rats will eat roaches and crickets occasionally. So will scorpions, which is something to think about when planning for pest control in Phoenix, AZ. If you can kill off or drive away from the food supply, the predatory pests should depart, as well.
Water
Just like all living things, pests need water to survive. Around your home, they can easily get water from pet water dishes left outside or from an over-irrigated lawn. Removing this standing water can help discourage pests from making their shelter nearby.
Shelter
In the typical yard, there are plenty of ideal places for pests to find shelter. Rats and mice, for instance, love to make their burrows under piles of firewood, in rarely used sheds, and underneath overgrown bushes. Start by cleaning up your yard.
Then, move on to the inside of the home. Make sure there are no convenient hiding spots here, either. Organize any clutter and use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, especially when storing things in the attic.
Call in a professional
You don’t have to go it alone. Consult with a certified, local pest professional in your area and enlist their help in protecting your home.
