If you’ve never suffered a pest infestation before, it would be best to keep it that way. Despite their tiny build, pests can cause immense property damage. For instance, termites are responsible for more than $5 billion in home damage in the U.S. And rodents and roaches can cause allergies. The good news is that simple pest-proofing strategies exist. Here are our top ten tips to pest-proof your home.

1. Introduce Natural Predators

Most people associate natural pest-proofing methods with chemical control and traps. Surprisingly, your furry friend and other pets can offer some level of protection. Cats, for instance, are well-known rodent predators.

As for dogs, there has been a growing utilization of bed bug-sniffing dogs. Such dogs receive training. Some can even sniff out termites. Today, pest control companies have begun using them for inspections. Birds are another natural pest control method. Songbirds, for instance, feed on mosquitoes, slugs, and moths

2. Seal All Openings

Examine all entryways inside your home to identify gaps. To seal door gaps, we recommend installing a steel threshold and a door sweep underneath. For maximum protection, use a nylon sweep rather than a neoprene.

Cancel your grocery delivery if you haven’t added door seal kits. It would help if you add door seal kits at the top and along the sides of your door frame. You can use clear caulk to close these gaps. Ultimately, you’ll need to ensure your doors remain closed. The best way would be to purchase a hydraulic device that will do that automatically. You can also adjust the device’s timer, especially if you have children and pets.

For the outdoor space, assess whether there are cracks on your home’s exterior. Fill these cracks using cement. Replace broken bricks and damaged timber. It would also be wise to add a protective layer of the backer board to protect your house from termite damage.

Also, check for possible gaps around pipes. Usually, a caulk gun works for smaller holes. You’ll need to use polyurethane foam for larger cracks. Some openings, such as vents and chimneys, require more sophisticated covers. You may want to reach out to a pest control company for assistance.

3. Install Screens

Summer is around the corner. And while it may be tempting to keep windows open for ventilation, this would also mean providing easy entry for pests. Thankfully, there’s a way to keep your house ventilated while keeping these invaders away. We recommend installing mesh screens on windows and doors. The installation process is straightforward. And, you can get the screens and tools at your local hardware shop. We can understand your worry about maintaining temperatures and for that, you just have to reset the Honeywell thermostat.

4. Yard Maintenance

What some homeowners may not know is that most infestations begin in the yard. This statement is especially true for mosquitoes and termites. Mosquitoes thrive in wet areas. Therefore, keeping your yard dry is a surefire way to reduce their numbers. Ensure all drainage is clear to avoid standing water. It would also help if you kept firewood about 3 feet or more away from your house. Ensure this woodpile is also off the ground to avoid trapping moisture.

5. Avoid Clutter

A cluttered house creates the perfect hiding spot for pests. Cleaning and decluttering make your home less attractive to these critters. Also, we recommend cleaning all clothes immediately after a holiday trip. As you may well know, hotel rooms are among the top hiding bed bug spots. Do the same for any second-hand item, especially furniture.

6. Eliminate All Possible Food Sources

Pests, especially rodents, can detect unprotected food items from afar. To keep such problems away, you need to store food properly. Do not leave your pet’s food dispenser outside overnight. Also, it would help if you transferred all opened food packets in tight-lid containers.

7. Properly Store your Garbage

Unlike humans, pests are not picky. These critters will devour your garbage contents if accessible. To prevent this feast, you’ll need to store trash correctly by using a secure garbage bin. Ensure you clean this bin regularly as well.

8. Keep Certain Plants Away

Plants have always been a fine choice for outdoor spaces. Unfortunately, some attract pests. These include vegetables such as tomatoes and cabbages so close to your home. We recommend planting pest deterrents such as Marigolds and Petunias.

9. Install the Right Bulbs

Halogen and sodium vapor bulbs are perfect for keeping pests away. Also, tinted bulbs such as orange and pink deter insects from flying around your house. You may want to consider placing your outdoor light bulbs on a pole rather than directly above your door.

10. Contact an Experienced Pest Control Company

The tips mentioned above are excellent prevention techniques. However, only a trained professional can perform thorough inspections and correctly pest-proof your home. A pest removal provider will also pin down an infestation early and offer permanent solutions.

Conclusion

You now know the simple steps you can take to keep pests away. Remember, these techniques are only helpful if you’re not dealing with an existing infestation. Ultimately, to keep your property bug-free, we recommend reaching out to a professional exterminator for a pest-free summer!