
Summertime always sounds great, right? But those warm months also bring out all sorts of creepy crawlies, furry critters and rodents that love to invade our homes.
But don’t worry — we’ve got your back with these simple tips to keep those pests at bay.
1. Keep Your House Sealed
Think of your home as a fortress. Even the tiniest crack or hole can invite pests to move in. Take a walk around your house and look for gaps, cracks, or holes in the walls, doors, windows, and foundation, and seal them up tight with caulk or weatherstripping.
Pay particular attention to where pipes and wires enter your house, as pests love to use these as a way into your home.
2. Keep Your Yard Tidy
A messy yard is like a welcome sign for pests. Tall grass, overgrown bushes, and leaves piles are perfect breeding grounds for bugs and critters. So, to help keep pests at bay, make sure you mow the lawn regularly, trim those bushes, and rake up any leaves. Plus, ensure that mulch and other organic materials are kept away from your home’s foundation and any outdoor rooms to prevent attracting termites and other pests.
3. Eliminate Standing Water
Standing water is a magnet for mosquitoes and other pests — it’s like their own personal swimming pool (and breeding ground). So, do some detective work around your yard and look for any spots where water can collect. Think flower pots, birdbaths, gutters, and even those annoying little puddles that never seem to dry up.
Pro tip: Empty those containers regularly and keep your gutters clean. If you’ve got a puddle problem, try adding a French drain or simply re-grading the area to improve drainage.
4. Store Food Properly
Pests love a free meal as much as we do. That’s why storing your food properly and keeping your kitchen squeaky clean is important.
Use airtight containers for your pantry staples, make sure you regularly wipe-down your countertops, and make sure you quickly cleanup any spills or crumbs. Don’t forget to secure pet food as well, as it can be just as enticing to pests.
Plus, make sure you keep your garbage a pest-free zone by emptying your trash regularly and making sure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids.
5. Use Natural Pest Repellents
Natural pest repellents can be an effective and eco-friendly way to keep pests at bay. Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are known to repel insects like mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. You can even create your own natural repellent spray by mixing a few drops of these oils with water and spraying it around entry points and other areas where pests are likely to enter. Plus, planting pest-repelling plants like basil, marigolds, and citronella around your home can help deter pests.
Pests love a messy home, so keep your place tidy, and you’ll make it a lot less inviting for them. You could:
- Vacuum and dust regularly: Those crumbs under the couch and dust bunnies in the corner are like a buffet for bugs. Keep things clean, and you’ll starve them out!
- Declutter: Basements, attics, garages – those are like five-star hotels for pests. Get rid of the clutter and they’ll have fewer places to hide and party.
- Store stuff in plastic bins: Cardboard boxes are basically pest snacks. Invest in some sturdy plastic bins with lids, and you’ll keep those critters out of your stuff.
6. Perform Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Just like you go to the doctor for regular checkups, your home needs them, too! Keep an eye out for signs of pest problems, like droppings, nests, or chewed wires. You could:
- Complete a DIY yourself inspection: Take a walk around your house and yard every few months. Look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and any other potential entry points for pests.
- Call in the pros: If you’re not sure what to look for, or if you spot a problem you can’t handle, call a pest control expert. They’ll know exactly what to do to keep your home pest-free.
Horizon Construction & Renovations: Your Home Improvement Heroes
Need a helping hand with pest-proofing your home? Or maybe you’ve got a bigger project in mind, like a remodel or a new custom home? Horizon Construction & Renovations has your back!
We’re the experts in making homes beautiful, functional, and pest-free. Whether you need a few repairs or a complete overhaul, our team of skilled professionals will get the job done right.
Ready to transform your home and say goodbye to pests for good? Give us a call at (919) 542-4457. Contact us today, we’re excited to help you create a home you’ll love!