Rather than waiting to take action once rodents, bugs, or other bugs have entered your home, you can instead prevent the pest problems in the first place. There are various ways of pest control that eliminate conditions both outside and inside your residence that attract pests.

1. Minimize Mulch and Plants

Trim back any shrubbery or tree branches around your home. This eliminates the “bridges” That pests could use to find their way into your home. Mulch can also provide shelter for pests. Therefore, rather than using mulch around your home, use ground cover such as rocks, which are less attractive to pests.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Pests can make their way through tiny gaps and cracks. You should, therefore, regularly repair and inspect and broken or warped windows and doors. It would be best if you also considered those that do not fit well. Promptly repairing any tears or rips in screens is also necessary for pest control.

3. Check for gaps and cracks

Windows and doors are not the only areas that can have small openings. Regularly inspect the whole exterior of your home for gaps, crevices, and cracks where pests could enter. Also, check for loose siding, foundation cracks, missing roof shingles, and spaces around utility lines, such as cable wiring, electric wiring, and pipes. Seal openings with mortar, sheet metal, coarse steel wool, or copper mesh. Are you interested in learning more? Visit Quality Affordable Pest Control for additional information.

4. Properly Dispose of Litter and Trash

It is common knowledge household trash can attract pests like rodents, roaches, and rodents. Yard waste is at times overlooked and could attract pests that see it as either a food source or nest. Ensure that all trash cans have fitting lids. Also, clean the cans regularly as well as the area they usually sit. The cleaning removes spills and debris which pests can feed on. Plus, keep garages, decks, patios, and yards free of standing water, plant clippings, and leaf litter, all of which could provide an environment ideal for pests.

5. Rinse Recyclables

Recyclables should be preferably stored in a bin with a tight-fitting lid. Some municipalities, however, provide their residents with open bins. If this happens, it is advisable to rinse the food from the recyclables before throwing them in the bin. This will help keep your bin free of pests. It is also better to store your bin outside rather than in your home or in the garage if possible.

6. Use the Correct Light Bulbs

To minimize flying insects around windows and doors, consider replacing standard lights with mercury vapor with halogen lights sodium vapor lights. Bulbs with orange, yellow, or pink tints are least attractive to pests. Changing the light’s location should also be considered. Though it is common to find lights near doors on the exterior, it is wiser to place the light on a pole far from the house. Ensure the light on the pole still illuminates the door for safety purposes.