With the temperatures rising and flowers blooming, we all know that spring has arrived. It is time to take out our spring-cleaning checklists and look through the house to ensure it is free from pests of any kind.
As you start spring cleaning for a pest-free home, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Where should you start? How can you ensure that pests do not find their way into your safe space? Don’t worry; we’re here to help you out. Here are a few tips you need to follow:
Get Rid of Clutter
It’s simple, really; a messy room increases the chances of a rodent and pest infestation. In fact, this is why pests usually live in the basement, attic, and garage. They enjoy feeding and breeding in undisturbed places. To ensure that pests do not build a home in your safe space, it is important to perform a thorough spring cleaning of your home. Get rid of the things you no longer need. Store your belongings in air-tight containers and Ziploc bags to keep them protected.
The more clutter in a room, the harder it will be for you to detect pests. They can easily hide underneath and behind your belongings and create nests without ever being worried about getting caught. Even professionals will have a hard time getting rid of pests in your house if your belongings are scattered around. In short, get rid of clutter!
Fix Your Wiring
When it gets cold, pests need a warm place to survive. They find comfort in electrical boxes and jumbled-up wiring. Don’t believe us? Go open your electrical box right now and look for insects inside. However, before you physically touch a wire, make sure that it is not live (has current running through it). Pests tend to bite through wires, damaging them in the process. This causes appliances to get damaged as the exposed wires overheat and spark. If you’re not careful, this could lead to a potential fire.
Rodents are the worst pests to have at home. They gnaw and sharpen their teeth on electrical wires and chew through plastic covers, exposing the wiring underneath. It is common for rodents to also damage the wiring itself. If this goes unnoticed, it can be dangerous, as whoever gets close enough can get electrocuted.
Clean Up After Pets and Children
Make sure to clean up after your pets and children when they are done eating food. Pet food, bird food, and crumbs lure hungry pests in, providing them with a steady supply of food. Hence, it is important that you keep food in air-tight containers and ensure all honey bottles are properly sealed.
This is also true for animal food. Once your pets have been fed, make sure to sweep the area and empty out their bowls. After a family barbecue, use a hose to clean your yard. If you allow your children to have snacks in their rooms, make sure they clean up well!
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Pests are curious, stubborn creatures who can make their way into your home through the smallest of cracks and gaps. These gaps can be found around windows, doors, and even around the vents in your house. If you want to prevent pests from squeezing into these places, make sure to seal them up tightly.
Getting rid of pest entry points is probably the best way to prevent an infestation inside your house. Sealing gaps in your house also have numerous other benefits, such as lower energy costs, fewer chances of water damage, and greater security.
Fix Leaks As Soon As Possible
Termites, mosquitoes, and rodents are more likely to breed in areas with an overload of moisture. Hence, it is important to get rid of anything that could collect water and contribute to increased moisture levels. This includes plants, toys, and birdbaths that no longer work. Moreover, make sure to get the gutters inside and outside your house cleaned. If there are any leaking faucets, call a plumber and get them repaired.
Make sure to always wipe down bathroom sinks and kitchen countertops with a dry cloth before going to bed. Spiders, silverfish, and even ants can find their way into your home through pipes in the kitchen. If you live in a humid area that feels hot and damp in the summer months, invest in a dehumidifier.
Keeping your home pest-free is not a one-day job. Make sure to clean every day and keep things in order so you do not have to worry about pests bringing diseases into your safe space and destroying your belongings. Need help getting rid of pests that may have already entered? Give us a call at Ants Plus, we are more than happy to help!