Pests are a homeowner’s nightmare, and there is no better time to have one than in the middle of winter. With all of the indoor activities we like to do during the colder months, it is an ideal time for pests to make their way into our homes. As much as we might not want them around, having pest control in your home also helps keep your home clean and healthy. Your home is a safe haven from all those creepy crawly things lurking outside. Having pest control in your home allows you to keep those things out so you can enjoy being indoors without worrying about unwanted guests. Here are some helpful tips on how you can keep your house pest-free this cold season.
Clean Up Your Garbage
Having pests in your home is a sign that there are possible food sources for them in your house. To help keep them out, you should clean your garbage regularly. Make sure your trash can is tightly sealed, and remember to change the bag regularly. Trash left on the curb is a feast for pests, and they will gladly come over for dinner. If you have fruit trees in your yard, make sure you are cleaning up after yourself, as there may be fallen fruit in your yard that you are inviting pests to come and take advantage of. If you have meat eaters around, make sure your barbecue is cleaned out regularly and that any food has been removed from it. You can also place a screen over your barbecue to keep the pests out of it. When it comes to the kitchen, be mindful of any crumbs on the floor or counters. You may not think it’s a big deal, but pests love to snack on those. You can also place food waste in your compost instead of the trash, as it will not attract pests and will help your garden grow.
Seal Up Holes and Cracks
Holes and cracks around your home can be gifts for pests, as they will use them to get into your home. Make sure you are sealing up any holes you find in your home. You might even want to check your walls and ceiling for holes, especially around lighting fixtures. Pests love to get into the warm and cozy places, so the area around your light fixtures is a big attraction for them. You can also use caulk to seal up smaller holes around your home. If you have a leaky pipe, try to avoid a big hole by using a sealant to cover up the hole temporarily until you can get it repaired.
Try Natural Bug Repellents
If you have a home or patio with a lot of plants, you may want to try using natural pest repellents. Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme are all herbs that naturally repel insects. You can also place eucalyptus branches around your home to repel pests. You can also repel pests by keeping your plants healthy. Make sure you are watering them regularly. You can also use cornmeal to help repel slugs and snails from your plants. You can also use baking soda or cayenne pepper to keep pests away from your home. You can place these around the areas you don’t want pests to go to keep them out. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper around the base of a plant to keep pests from coming up the stem. Doing these things will also help keep your home smelling fresh, too.
Hire a Professional Pest Service
If you are noticing pests around your home, you may want to consider hiring a professional pest control company. You can find many reputable companies online, and they will come to your home and inspect it to see where the pests are coming in from. They will then recommend the best course of action to get rid of the pests and keep them out. Many times, a one-time treatment is all you need to rid your home of pests. Other times, you may need to have them come out on a regular basis to make sure they don’t come back. There are many types of pests you may want to keep an eye out for this time of year. Some of the most common pests include ants, roaches, mice, rats, and bats. You may also see other pests like spiders, ticks, and fleas. If you find any of these pests in your home, contact a pest control company as soon as possible to avoid an infestation.
Install Screens on Windows and Doors
When you are indoors, you can close the doors and windows to keep pests out. Make sure you have good-quality screens on your windows, however. If the holes in the screen are too big, you are inviting pests inside. You can also use natural repellents on your windows to keep pests out. You can use a mixture of water and essential oils to help repel pests from your windows. You can also use coffee grounds or orange peels to help repel pests from your windows. When you go outdoors, make sure you are wearing shoes, as pests can travel into your home by crawling on your shoes. You can also use natural repellents to keep pests away from you while you are outdoors. You can use peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender to repel pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. You can also use DEET-free bug sprays to help repel pests from you, too.
Conclusion
Whether you are enjoying the winter season or just trying to survive it, pests are something you want to avoid at all costs. If you find pests in your home, it is important to get rid of them immediately. Pests can bring diseases and bacteria into your home, which can make you sick. Having a clean and healthy home is a great way to be prepared for whatever the winter season brings. Pests can be pesky, but with these helpful tips, you can keep them out of your home and enjoy your indoor activities without worry.