When it comes to many things in life, the old saying holds true: An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. In other words, taking the necessary steps to prevent a problem is almost always easier (and cheaper) than the effort required to remedy a problem after it has developed.
That’s certainly true with regard to pest control, so what steps should you take right now to ward off a potential pest infestation later?
Keep your home clean. No, this doesn’t mean everyone with a pest problem brought it on themselves by failing to clean their homes properly. But it certainly helps! Vacuuming regularly can remove certain insect eggs from carpet and crevices, and removes food particles that might attract bugs. Sweeping, mopping, dusting, and generally tidying up are also key parts of routine maintenance. Remember that insects love a good place to hide, so reducing clutter will make your home less inviting for them.
Fix any leaks or standing water issues. Like humans and most other animals, insects need to live near a water source. Repair plumbing issues promptly, and check for drainage problems in your yard.
Take out the trash regularly. Remove the trash nightly, or at least several times per week, and store it in a closed container outside.
Store food in airtight containers. Insects love a good snack as much as anyone else. Pour open containers of foods, like cereal and crackers, into airtight containers. Make sure kids understand the importance of fully closing the lids on items like peanut butter. And definitely refrain from leaving food lying around after cooking a meal.
Repel insects with scents. Various pests have their preferences, but scents like mint, tea tree oil, citrus, and lavender can repel certain types of vermin. Many product manufacturers have caught onto this fact, and are making products that include these scents. Or, you can always make your own homemade cleaning agents.
No matter what you do, sometimes preventive pest control does fail. Don’t feel bad; it happens to everyone at some point! Just give us a call and we’ll help you evaluate your pest problem and then implement top-notch treatments to eradicate your unwanted guests.