Keeping Your Home Pest-Free
Dealing with the occasional household pest comes with the territory of being a homeowner. However, there are several key things that you can do that will help deter unwanted guests from invading your space, potentially spreading disease and decreasing the value and comfort levels of your home. When a pest control problem becomes too big or unfamiliar to handle on your own, we invite you to contact us, and our friendly team of pest control professionals will help you reclaim your home from any type of pest. That said, here are some simple, practical measures and precautions you can take to keep your home pest-free.
Plan Your Outside Storage
If you store anything outside or near your home, consider the placement of those items. Critters love to seek refuge in wood piles and rocky areas. Although it may be convenient to stack firewood or lumber up against the exterior of your home, you may inadvertently be providing pests with shelter and potential food sources. Materials like these placed around your home are essentially little fortresses for creatures that you do not want anywhere near you and your family. If you have a shed or another area of your property that can store materials like these, that may be a safer option for pest control.
Secure All Trash Cans
An easily accessible trash bin can serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet for many different forms of wildlife. Where you store your trash cans and the manner in which they are secured can have an impactful effect on pests invading your property. Make sure that all refuse bins are in good condition and that the lids are able to be closed securely. If it is possible to keep trash and recycling bins away from your immediate house property, you should consider the option to do so. The last thing you want to have happen is for unwanted pests to learn that you provide for them a regular food source, making it that much more difficult to keep them from your property.
Eliminate Potential Water Sources
Similar to pests’ desire to be near food sources, if you are providing them with a water source, you may end up in the same situation. We recommend making sure that any garden hoses or faucets outside of your home are always turned off, and that these sources are in good condition. Even a slow drip can provide enough water for pests to set up shop in your area. Keeping water from collecting around your property is also good practice for keeping your home’s infrastructure in a healthy condition, minimizing the chance for water damage.
Routinely Check for Cracks, Holes & Openings
Giving your property a routine once-over on a regular basis can help you spot trouble areas before they become an issue for pest control. Check your foundation, siding, eaves, windows and roof for signs of damage that could admit pests into your home. If you see any holes, cracks, or openings that are not supposed to be present, take the necessary steps to fix these problems. 1st Choice Pest Solutions also offers property inspections, so if you want to make doubly sure that your property is as pest-proof as possible, we are more than happy to come out and have a look at your home.
Maintain Trees & Bushes
While trees and bushes close to your home may look beautiful, it is vital that you maintain them and keep them trimmed back from your house’s perimeter. Trees and foliage like this can be a haven for rodents and ants, and can become a highway into your home. If there are particularly troublesome plants on your property, you may need to consider your options in changing or removing certain elements. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice that nice hedge if it means keeping your home free of potentially damaging pests and decreasing the value of your home. In the long run, you will be thanking yourself for taking those precautionary measures.
Safely Secure Pet Food
If you own an animal and you keep a food bowl or other food source available to them outside of your home, you need to be vigilant in monitoring it. Consider keeping all pet food inside your home and away from potential pests. If it is necessary for your pet to have food outside of your home, it is recommended that you have a way to cover or otherwise secure it when your pet is not eating. Keeping pet food outside of your home may just as well be a dinner-bell for unwanted pests, because it is just as appealing to them as it is to your dogs and cats. Because pet food is so easily perceptible to pests, you may even consider moving pet food away from doors that lead outside of your home. It is not uncommon to find a nice little line of ants going from your pet’s bowl to a nearby door or window.
Remain Vigilant
The most practical step you can take in preventing pests from taking advantage of you and your property is to maintain a sense of vigilance. Keep your eyes open to any opportunities pests may have, like ripped window screens, improperly sealed doors and windows, or holes around the foundation of your home.If you can spot a potential problem before pests do, your home will be that much safer from potential invaders.
If All Else Fails, You Know Your 1st Choice
There will be instances where, despite your best efforts, a pest control situation rears its ugly head and you need help. When the need arises, contact your friends at 1st Choice Pest Solutions! We can service your property from foundation to rooftop, making sure that all problem areas are addressed, and that any insect, rodent, vermin or wildlife pest is taken care of in a professional and safe manner. Call us today if you have any questions. We can’t wait for the opportunity to serve you and our neighbors in and around Eau Claire!