Top 7 Pest Control Tips for a Bug-Free Home

1. Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy

Pests are attracted to food crumbs, spills, and clutter. Regular cleaning can make a big difference.

What to do:

• Sweep and vacuum floors regularly.

• Wipe down countertops and tables after meals.

• Take out the trash daily, and ensure bins are sealed tightly.

2. Seal Cracks and Holes

Tiny cracks in your walls, windows, or doors are the perfect entry points for pests. Sealing these gaps helps keep them out.

How to seal effectively:

• Use caulk to fill cracks in the foundation or around windows.

• Install door sweeps to seal gaps under doors.

• Inspect for any damage to screens and repair or replace them.

3. Eliminate Standing Water

Standing water is a magnet for pests like mosquitoes. It’s essential to remove any sources of stagnant water around your home.

Key areas to check:

• Empty out plant saucers, birdbaths, and buckets.

• Fix leaky faucets or pipes inside and outside the home.

• Ensure your gutters are clean and water drains away from your house.

4. Store Food Properly

Don’t give pests easy access to your food. Storing it properly in airtight containers can keep them from sniffing around.

Best practices:

• Keep dry foods like cereal, pasta, and snacks in sealed containers.

• Don’t leave pet food out overnight.

• Regularly inspect your pantry for expired or open packages.

5. Trim Back Vegetation

Overgrown trees and shrubs near your home can act as bridges for pests. Keep your landscape well-maintained to avoid giving pests easy access.

How to maintain your yard:

• Trim branches and shrubs that touch your home’s exterior.

• Remove piles of leaves, mulch, or debris where pests might hide.

• Keep grass trimmed short to avoid insect infestations.

6. Install Pest Screens on Vents

Vents are often forgotten entry points for pests, but they provide easy access to your home. Installing screens can block their path.

Where to install screens:

• On chimney openings.

• Over attic and crawlspace vents.

• Inside dryer vent outlets.

7. Regular Pest Inspections

Even with preventive measures, it's essential to have regular pest inspections. A professional can spot issues before they become full-blown infestations.

Why inspections matter:

• Early detection means quicker and cheaper solutions.

• Experts can identify and treat hidden problems that DIY methods might miss.