Ugh, don't get me started on pests. I'm dealing with a pest issue here and nothing seems to be working. Here are some tips so that hopefully you won't need to deal with them.
There are few things more annoying than household pests. You work hard to keep your house in good condition, only for insects and rodents to come in and ruin it. They are a real nuisance and frustratingly difficult to get rid of.
If you have pests in your home that you want gone, you can of course buy pesticides and poisons to eliminate them. But these harsh chemicals are not only cruel, they are also dangerous to have around the house, especially if you have young children around. Instead, here are some alternative remedies for keeping pests outdoors.
Keep your home clean
A lot of pests are attracted by the smell of food. If you have dirty countertops, crumbs on the floor, and trash bags filled to the brim then it’s no wonder mice and flies are coming into your home. Make an effort to keep your living environment clean and you will greatly reduce your chances of unwanted visitors. Wipe down surfaces after cooking and eating, and make sure you do dishes and take the bins out promptly. Do a deeper clean at least once a month in which you wipe out your kitchen cupboards and tackle the hard-to-reach areas underneath appliances and behind cabinets.
Store food securely
Even if your home is spotless, a smart creature might still be able to track down your food. Make sure you keep your edible items well secured in airtight containers. This prevents animals from getting to it, but also keeps in odors that might attract pests. Make sure you do the same with pet food. Any perishable food should be kept in the fridge or freezer as it’s harder for insects or rodents to get inside.
Seal off entry points
How are the pests getting into your home? By sealing off potential entry points, you will make it a lot harder for them to gain access. Inspect your doors and windows to check for gaps through which an insect or rodent could fit. Seal them up with caulk and let them dry. Adding mesh screens over your windows can help to keep out larger animals like mice and rats, especially during summer when you keep your windows open.
Use traps
There are plenty of effective traps that don’t rely on harsh chemicals. If you are having issues with flies, you can hang up fly paper in the affected area to catch them. Wasps and hornets are best attracted to something sweet like honey, and sticky or snap traps are a good way to kill mice and rats. You can purchase most of these items at your local hardware store.
By following this advice, you should be able to avoid future pest problems. It’s important to bear in mind that these tips will only work for smaller infestations. If you have a serious rodent or insect problem, you will need to call in a pest control company. They will be able to eliminate the problem with minimal disruption to you and your family.