How To Keep Your Home Pest Free

(image: pixabay)

Our homes are a great place to spend time with our families. However, sometimes we can attract unwelcome visitors, not only of the human kind. Unfortunately, we are outnumbered by the insect and rodent population, and like it or not; they can take up residence in our home without our invitation.

For parents, having an unwanted pest in the house can be a hazard. If your child is particularly young, you don’t want them picking up a toxic mouse dropping thinking it’s a tasty raisin. Bees and wasps can leave nasty stings, and some creatures can spread diseases. A company, such as Youngs Pest Control, can deal with the problem for you. However, there are ways you can deal with the problem by following these handy tips.

Clean your kitchen

There are many creatures tempted by the smell of food, such as wasps, ants, and mice. Ensure you keep them away by keeping your kitchen clean. Wipe down work surfaces, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, sweep away any crumbs from the floor, and empty the garbage regularly.

Use vinegar on your kitchen surfaces, as this can remove the odour of any food, long after it has been disposed of.  

Block entry points

You wouldn’t leave your front door open overnight to allow a burglar access to your home, so make sure you block any entry points that could let in mice and insects. Check the seals around windows and doors for any gaps, and install door sweeps and window seals to close gaps. Fill any cracks or holes with caulk or copper wool, and put up mesh screens around your doors and windows to prevent unwanted access.

Vacuum your house

Despite your best efforts in sealing your home, there will be times when a door or window will be left open, and insects will still get in. You may not like the idea of squishing a fly, and a wasp will put up more of a battle if you attack it, so use your vacuum to get rid of them. There are also home invaders such as dust mites which are impossible to see, so vacuuming your house regularly will alleviate the problem.

Protect your garden

Unwanted wildlife can also be attracted to your garden, so if you intend to spend time outside this summer, there are simple ways you can protect your family, as well as your plants and flowers.

Attract more birds to your garden with a birdhouse, and they will take care of pests such as hungry caterpillars keen to make a meal of any leafy plants and food you have grown.

Wasps are a menace, and they are particularly attracted to sweet items and fizzy drinks. Make sure you keep drinks sealed, and remove any sweets your child has dropped around the garden. Certain plants such as spearmint and thyme can keep wasps away, due to their particular odor, so add them to your garden.

With a little bit of care, your home and garden will be yours again.