Are infestations due to poor hygiene? How can pests be avoided?

Infestations are not strictly due to poor hygiene. They won’t appear out of thin air because your home is a little messy. Pests must be living nearby or be brought into the home to start an infestation.

Insects, for example, crawl through the walls between apartment units, or crawl through broken window screens. Bed bugs cling to pyjamas and pieces of furniture. Mice and other rodents may only appear when they are already living outside. Pests spread from one area to the next. If they’re not around, they won’t come into the house.

There is more than one reason why a pest may end up in your home. It may be looking for a warm place to stay, or it ended up there by accident. Hygiene is not the only thing to blame. However, keeping the house clean does help to prevent infestations. Pests like mice and ants are attracted to homes that smell like food. Cleaning up the house on a regular basis will reduce the smell of food, making your home a little less likely to get pests. If you’re interested in pest-proofing your home, reach out to The Exterminators in Oshawa.

How do you keep pests out?

In a nutshell, the keys to avoiding an infestation are to practice good hygiene, block entry points, and use caution. Here are some tips you can use for a pest-free home.

Keep the house clean

This isn’t a cure-all, but it definitely helps. Vacuum your floors every week and mop every other week or so. This will remove the crumbs and grease that attract pests. Wipe down your countertops every day and keep appliances clean. You should also keep things off the floors and reduce clutter.

Store food in airtight containers

Are Infestations Due to Poor Hygiene

Pests love pantries that are full of open containers. Pour loose items like flour, rice, pasta, and lentils into airtight containers so pests can’t smell them. You can find a variety of jars in home goods stores and online.

Keep garbage out of reach

Flies, rodents, and bugs love garbage. Take the garbage out at the end of the day and keep your garbage cans clean. Use lidded bins and secure the ones you bring out to the curb with bungee cords.

Plug holes in the wall

Pests get into the house somehow. Examine the exterior walls of your home closely and plug every hole you find with silicone or steel wool. Check your cable lines and plumbing and don’t forget to look under the deck.

Add weatherstripping and fix window screens

Is there a gap under the front door? Seal these gaps by adding weatherstripping. You’ll be keeping mice and bugs from crawling into the house while eliminating drafts.

Cover wall vents

Weep holes are important for the structure of your home, but they may be wide enough to fit mice. Cover these with stainless steel covers. Don’t use plastic because mice can chew them. You can find metal covers online and in most hardware stores. Use mesh to cover wall vents.

Inspect your belongings

Beware of bed bugs in hotel rooms and used pieces of furniture. Inspect your belongings carefully when you return home from a trip and be careful when buying used furniture. Avoid using shared laundry services. Bag up your clothing as soon as you are done using them.

Hire a Pest Control Professional

Technicians offer inspections and pest-proofing services in addition to pest removal. They can find entry points on your property and address them for you. Many companies offer warranties with this service. If pests break in, they will come and solve the problem for free.