No one wants to share their home with pests. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also carry diseases and contaminate food. If you have a pest problem, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of them as quickly as possible. While there’s no silver bullet when it comes to getting rid of pests, there are a few things you can do to reduce the infestation and make your home less inviting to them.
Inspection and Repair
Inspect your home regularly for signs of pests and repair any damage. Here are some signs of a pest infestation in your home:
Droppings
Many animals and pests leave droppings around where they nest or spend a lot of time. So if you see droppings in your home, it’s a good indication that you have an infestation.
Nests
Finding a nest in your home is a good indicator that the pests have been there for a while and have started to reproduce. Nests are usually made from materials like paper, leaves, or insulation.
Holes
Pests often create holes in walls or furniture to create nests or to get into your home. If you find holes in your home, it’s a good sign that pests have been there and are using your home as a base.
Cracks and Gaps
Pests can enter your home through cracks and gaps in the foundation, walls, or roof. Inspect your home for any damages or crevices and seal them to prevent pests from getting in.
Repairs
Some places you should also inspect are those leading outside, such as your garage and attic. Your garage is susceptible to damage, and this can be an opening for rats and other pests. You should immediately hire a garage door repair service for this job. They can cover any cracks and gaps, making it difficult for pests to enter.
You should also inspect your attic since this is another place where animals like to nest. If you find any damage or openings, seal them off so no more pests can get in. Roof repair can deal with it if you can’t do it yourself.
Clean Your Home
Keep your home clean and free of food scraps and other potential attractants. Here are some ways you can do that.
Clean Up Any Leftovers
Many pests enter your home because they can smell food. To prevent this, clean up any food scraps after meals and keep your garbage can sealed. Also, feel free to invest in pest-proof food storage, such as a glass or metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
Wash Dishes
Another way pests can smell food is if there are dirty dishes in the sink. To prevent this, make sure to wash your dishes regularly.
Vacuum
Vacuuming is a great way to remove food scraps, dust, and other potential attractants from your home. Vacuum regularly to reduce the chances of attracting pests.
Take Out The Trash
Make sure to take out the trash regularly and keep your garbage can sealed so that pests can’t get in.
Avoid Clutter
Pests hide in clutter because it provides them with a safe place to nest. To avoid this, keep your home free of clutter and tidy.
Natural Repellents
Use pest-repellent plants around the perimeter of your home. Here are some natural repellents you can plant around your home.
- Marigolds: Marigolds release a chemical that repels many pests, including mosquitoes, rabbits, and nematodes.
- Lavender: Lavender releases a scent that repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes.
- Garlic: Garlic releases a smell that repels many pests, including aphids, beetles, caterpillars, slugs, and worms.
- Peppermint: Peppermint releases a scent that repels many pests, including ants, cockroaches, mice, rats, and spiders.
- Rosemary: Rosemary releases a smell that repels many pests, including carrot fly larvae and slugs.
- Sage: Sage releases a scent that repels many pests, including cabbage loopers and carrot fly larvae.
Pest Control Products
Several effective pest control products can help you quickly and effectively eliminate an infestation. However, follow the instructions carefully when using these products, as some can be harmful if misused.
Hire an Exterminator
If you’ve tried everything and you’re still seeing pests around your home, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator who can identify the root of the problem and eliminate the infestation.
Pests are never fun to deal with, but luckily there are things you can do to reduce the chances of an infestation in your home. Following these five tips, you can make your home less inviting to pests and help keep them out for good!
