10 Tips For Keeping Pests At Away In Summer
The last thing you want is to be bothered by pests in your home during the hot weather. Some pests, such as cockroaches, are resilient and can be a problem no matter what the weather is like. However, you are more likely to experience a serious pest problem when the temperature is warm, especially if the humidity levels are high as well. Pests such as termites thrive in these conditions, and they can cause a lot of damage to your property.
This is why you need to avoid issues with pests or solve pest problems as soon as they happen. There are several measures that you can take which can help keep pests away from your home where possible and enable you to identify a pest problem quickly, so that pest control work can be carried out.
Look out for gaps and cracks
Ideally, you want to stop pests from getting into your home in the first place. One of the best ways to do this is to block off any potential entry points. Most pests only need a small space to enter through, so any cracks or gaps in the exterior walls of your property should be filled in.
Do not leave unwrapped food on countertops
It’s easy to leave a piece of overripe fruit in a dish or to leave plates with scraps of food on them waiting to be cleaned. Doing so is a great way of attracting unwanted pests, so you should make sure that food scraps are cleared away and that overripe fruit is used or disposed of.
Keep food sealed when it’s stored away
Even when food is stored away it can still attract pests, if it’s not sealed effectively. Make sure that all items are fully sealed before you put them away in kitchen cabinets.
Prevent bringing bed bugs from your travels
Apart from souvenirs and beautiful photos, there is a chance to bring bed bugs and other unwanted companions from your travels. Be precautious while visiting new places and don’t leave your belongings in the places where bed bugs can easily reach them.
Clear away debris in the yard
A backyard full of debris is the perfect place for insects and rodents to hang out. You need to make sure that dead plants are cut back, leaves are brushed up and any grass you have is mown.
Keep the kitchen clean and tidy
We have already said how important it is to make sure that unwrapped food items are not left out in the kitchen. It’s also important that your whole kitchen is kept clean. This includes washing the floor, wiping down surfaces and cleaning out cabinets.
Keep bushes and trees cut back
Bushes and trees can provide an excellent springboard for pests to gain access to your home. This is why it’s so important to make sure that they are cut back on a regular basis. Ideally, there should be a least a five-foot gap between any bushes and trees and the exterior walls of your home.
Make sure that trash is emptied regularly
Trash is a great attraction to pests. This is why it’s so important to empty the trash from your kitchen each day. You should then keep your trash can covered until the trash has been collected.
Get rid of standing water
Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes. Check for areas of standing water in the yard of your home and get rid of them. You also need to deal with the issue which may have caused the water to gather, such as a bunch of fallen leaves or a leak.
Think about doors and windows
Pests can get into your home if there are gaps around doors and windows or if screens are broken. Make sure that screens are kept in good repair and fit weatherproofing around doors and windows for extra protection.
Carry out regular pest checks
All of the nine tips we have mentioned can help prevent pests from becoming a problem. However, there is always a chance that pests could find their way into your home. This is why it’s a good idea to check for signs of pests on a regular basis. You may be able to spot chewed wood or wiring, or you may find pest droppings in your home. If you have any doubts about whether you may have a problem, it’s a good idea to get some help from professionals.