Tips to prevent common pest infestations
As temperatures increase, more insects and vermin are coming out to play. Unfortunately for homeowners, this means that their risk of pest infestations is much higher. This is why you should take precautions to safeguard your home. Here's what homeowners can do to prevent common pest infestations.
While most people associate fleas and ticks with their pets, it's important to understand that humans are also susceptible to bites from these nasty parasites. Not only do flea and tick bites make life itchy and unpleasant, but they may also expose you to serious diseases as well. To reduce your chances of a flea or tick invasion, you need to start with cleaning up your yard. By keeping your lawn mowed, your shrubs trimmed, and your garden neat and tidy, you can lower the chances of wildlife hiding in your yard and bringing flea and ticks with them. Inside your home, you should vacuum your carpets carefully and always throw away the dirt and dust that your vacuum picks up to ensure that you are removing any eggs and larvae that may have made their way into your home. Finally, if you do have pets, then make sure you take them to the vet and have them treated with flea and tick repellant. This will prevent your furry friends from accidentally bringing an infestation to your door.
While gnats are more annoying than harmful, no one wants a swarm of these tiny bugs inside their home. The best way to keep gnats out is by keeping your doors and any windows without screens closed. You should also avoid leaving food or dirty plates lying around, as this can attract the winged invaders. If gnats do manage to get inside, then you can trap them using apple cider vinegar. Simply fill a jar a quarter of the way with the vinegar and place a funnel over the top of the jar. The gnats will be attracted to the vinegar and fly into the funnel, but will not be able to get back out.
Ants are some of the worst pests to deal with. When the weather turns warm, ants try to find ways inside homes to access food and water. This is why one of the best ways to prevent an infestation is by never leaving food out. The foods stored in your fridge and cupboards should be sealed in airtight containers, so that ants are not attracted by the smell. You should also inspect the areas around your home's windows and doors and seal up any gaps or cracks where ants can enter from. You can also attempt to ward off ants using some home remedies. Many homeowners claim that sprinkling cinnamon, coffee grounds, or chili powder around their homes' points of entry is an effective way of keeping these tiny invaders away.
Bugs enter your home to look for water, food, and shelter. Therefore make sure to keep your kitchen clean and store all food items in insect-proof containers. Regularly vacuum your carpets, floors, and mattresses to eliminate hidden bed bugs. If you use the garage as your storage area, make sure to remove clutter that becomes a breeding ground for bugs, such as piles of newspapers, storage boxes, and more. Bed bugs can easily hide in furniture, so thoroughly inspect your furniture for any signs of bed bugs. Perform a preliminary inspection before buying used, antique, or vintage furniture.
Houseflies
Houseflies carry bacteria and viruses that can spread when they bite. They are mainly attracted to food waste and pet waste, so don't leave dirty plates or food sources out and clean your pet's litter box immediately. Close your garbage can with a tight-fitting lid and make sure your windows, doors, and other vents are properly sealed. Avoid using rat poison to kill rodents, as carcasses can attract files. As flies are attracted to lights, turn off your outdoor lights at night if possible. Take cayenne pepper, mix it with water, and then spray around the house to prevent flies from coming in.
These are some of the things that you can do to prevent common pest infestations. Want another way to protect your home? Then secure the right homeowners insurance. For assistance with all your home coverage needs,
contact the experts at Fuller Insurance Agency in Southern California today.
