If you don't like pests setting up shop in your home, you might be interested in hiring a professional exterminator to help you with your problems. However, unless you understand the tools that they are working with, you might find yourself wondering what else you can do to curb issues. For example, if you don't mention that mosquito problem, your exterminator might not know to treat that water feature with a pesticide that targets larvae. My site explains different ways you can prepare for your professional pest control treatment, so that you aren't left with issues later down the road.
No one wants to share their home with bugs or rodents, but pests are a common problem inside homes. They will find any way to get inside and take over your home. If you frequently have problems with pests or you simply want to protect your home, check out these four common ways you may be attracting pests into your home without even realizing it.
Leaving Rotting Wood in Your Yard
Rotting wood is like a feast for bugs, especially for bugs like termites, which eat wood. Therefore, having rotting wood in your yard can attract pests. One common reason you may have rotting wood in your yard is because you had a tree cut down but didn't remove the stump. Stumps are hard to remove without professional help, dangerous tools and hazardous chemicals. However, the stump is dead and will begin to decay, which attracts bugs. Remove any rotting wood you have in your yard.
Of course, even wood that hasn't started to rot can attract bugs. For example, firewood creates a food source and hiding spot for pests. This doesn't mean you can't store firewood in your yard. Just make sure you store your firewood well away from your home. It may be less convenient, but you'll see fewer pests.
Having Plants Too Close to Your Home
In fact, having anything that attracts bugs too close to your home is not a good idea. Planting a few bushes right next to your house may not seem like a big deal, but bugs like healthy plants, too. They also provide food and shelter. This attracts the bugs closer to your home, which increases the chance of them finding a way inside your home.
Plants too close to your home can also attract rodents, who may use the plants for shelter or as a way to reach an open window. This is particularly the case if you have ivy on the exterior of your home. Climbing ivy is beautiful, but it can also serve as steps for a rodent (or bug) to travel to an open window.
Having Holes or Gaps in Your Home's Exterior
It's not just open windows that can allow pests to enter your home. Pests will find any and every way to get inside your home. Some slip in through damaged screens, holes around windows, gaps around pipes, etc. This is especially a problem if everyone else in the neighborhood is improving their home by sealing holes and gaps. You'll be the easiest target for the pests in your neighborhood.
If necessary, repair all screens and ensure every window has a screen. This will also help reduce the amount of flying bugs that enter when the window is open. You'll also need to fix the holes and gaps around windows and pipes. This can be done easily with spray foam insulation. Head to any local hardware store, and buy a can. You simply spray the foam and watch it expand as it dries.
Providing a Food/Water Supply
Like all living creatures, pests need water and food to survive, so if they find plenty in your home, they won't leave. Start by eliminating any food source for pests. This may be as simple as ensuring you keep your kitchen clean and don't leave food lying out. Even something as simple as leaving some food on an appliance becomes a potential food source.
Getting rid of the water supply may be a little more difficult, especially if you can't find it. The water supply may be a leaking pipe somewhere in your home. Pests also like it when you have clogged, water-filled gutters. Other water supplies may be more noticeable, such as a pet water dish or a birdbath. Make sure any potential water sources are either removed or placed away from the home.
Pests are annoying and can spread disease. These four tips can help protect you and your home from a bug or rodent invasion. If you believe you have pests, or if you would simply like more information about pest control, contact a pest control company like Affordable Pest Control in your area today.
Share13 April 2018
