Many people are struggling with pest infestation, which makes the home uncomfortable and in most cases, inhabitable. The first step in figuring out how to get rid of pests is to understand why they are there in the first place: to get their basic needs; food, water, a place to breed, and shelter.
If your home has a severe pest infestation problem, consider getting professional Toronto pest controller to restore your home’s comfort, otherwise, here are a few things that bring pests into your home:
Stagnant Water
Areas like pools, buckets, birdbaths, pet dishes, and other containers that have stagnant water are breeding spots for mosquitoes. Getting rid of this water or covering the respective containers is the first step towards eliminating the annoying, biting insects.
Clogged Gutters
The other place you might need to check would be your gutters. Mosquitoes only need half an inch of water to breed, which is more than your gutter has to offer. Remove the leaves and ensure that the pipes are transporting the rainwater effectively.
Outdoor Lights
These lights are excellent for deterring burglars, but they bring another kind of uninvited guests. Many insects like moths and termites are attracted to light. To solve this issue, install the light bulbs further from your house or invest in special bulbs whose light wavelengths do not appeal to bugs.
Cracks, Holes, and Crevices
These gaps in your walls are a great entry point and hideout for bugs. Try to seal as many cracks as possible to prevent ants from creeping through them.
Fruits
All fruit enthusiasts have to contend with the nuisance of fruit flies. While it may not be possible to store all of them in the fridge, avoid buying excessive amounts and buying more when there’s fruit at home. This leads to accumulation of overripe fruit, which brings a massive influx of fruit flies.
Pet Food
Most pets love having a bowl full of food, but as it sits there and starts to become stale, it attracts insects.
The Trash Can
The average home’s trash will consist of food, peels, and other foul-smelling components, which serve to attract houseflies, ants and other nuisances. To avoid drawing them, empty the garbage as often as you can, clean the can with soap and water then line it with a fresh bag. You should also clean up any spillages and garbage overflows.
Piles of Wood
If you own a fireplace, you might be tempted to stack the wood against your wall, but this is a bad idea. Termites love wood, and getting rid of them will be exceedingly difficult. Have the stack far away from your home.
Bushes and Long Grass
These not only attract pests but also far more dangerous creatures like scorpions, snakes, and spiders. Be sure to trim your hedges and the grass around your house, especially that area below your windows.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get your space treated a few times a year, infestation or not for preventative measures. Based in Kansas? Consider giving pest control Olathe, KS a call for some assistance.
Conclusion:
When it comes to pest infestation, prevention is better than cure. It is essential that you keep your home free of all the factors that make it attractive to pests, as many are vectors of serious diseases.
*This article was contributed.