Why Do I Keep Having Pest Problems? How to Pest-Proof Your Home
One of the worst things about pest problems is that they often seem to be never-ending. There's nothing more frustrating than trapping a dozen mice or spraying down hordes of ants, only for a bunch more to come crawling in next week. Pretty soon, you may find yourself asking "why do I keep having these pest problems?"
Pests may target your home for a variety of reasons, but they're usually after three basic, essential needs: food, water, and shelter. By depriving pests of these things and employing strategies to block their entry, you can effectively pest-proof your home in Raleigh. Keep reading to learn how you can permanently solve your pest problems.
A Guide to Pest-Proofing Your Home in Raleigh
The first step to pest-proofing your Raleigh area home is to make it less desirable to pests, and this process actually begins with your yard. Often, insects and rodents will first settle in your landscape before beginning to encroach on your home. You can prevent this from happening by making your outdoor property less appealing to pests. Make sure any outdoor garbage cans have a tight lid to keep pests from foraging from them. Be careful with bird seed and pet food, too, as leaving these things outside can attract rodents. If there's nothing to eat in your yard, pests are less likely to stick around.
It's also wise to get rid of places where pests can hide near your home. Never leave piles of brush lying around your yard, as rodents and bugs love to nest in these. If you keep firewood, make sure it's stored a fair distance away from your home and not right up against it, which can encourage a pest infestation. It's also best to keep your lawn mowed and any bushes on your property well-trimmed to minimize the vegetation that pests can use for cover. When pests don't feel safe on your property, they're likely to move on to another one.
Within your home, the best way to keep most pest species at bay is to make your food inaccessible to them. Pest infestations are so common in the kitchen because it's where pests like ants, mice, and cockroaches can feast on your table scraps and dry foods. To pest-proof your home, keep all of the stored food in your home in airtight containers. It's also vital to clean your kitchen regularly, vacuuming and wiping up all crumbs on floors, tables, and countertops. Remember that just because it looks meager and unappetizing to you doesn't mean it can't be an easy meal for a pest. Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight, too. As for your kitchen garbage, empty it out whenever it gets full or starts to smell; that rancid stench is appetizing to rodents and roaches.
While food is often their primary motivator, pests may also seek sources of water in your home, especially during drier summers in Raleigh. If there is a leaking pipe or drain in your home, fix it quickly. Moisture and wood rot caused by a leak can attract all kinds of pests to your home, including termites and cockroaches. Clean up any spills promptly for the same reason.
The final and most important step in pest-proofing your home is to work with a professional pest control company in Raleigh. Trained pest control technicians can implement more advanced measures to keep pests out of your home. This may include using durable sealant to close pest entry points, installing barriers to keep pests out of places like crawl spaces and attics, and performing habitat modification to make your home unappealing to pests. A combination of professional solutions and do-it-yourself efforts is the best way to keep your home pest-free.
Raleigh's #1 Pest Exclusion Company
Work with our experienced technicians if you want to pest-proof your home as effectively as possible. Get in touch with Sustainable Pest Systems today for the best household pest prevention services in the Raleigh area!