Pests tend to thrive when the weather is warmer. Hence, you may have a few unwanted guests in your home or garden every week. They will be rummaging around for food and water and possibly looking for some shade as well.
Common pests found in the house include ants, termites, as well the stingers such as bees and wasps. Rodents such as mice, rats, raccoons and bats can also be a problem. You can prevent them from getting too comfortable by including a few basic tasks in your weekly cleaning.
We asked Diamond Pest Control for some expert advice on the best weekly pest control options. Here are a few of the pointers they gave about your weekly cleaning and pest control.
1. Check Your Home for Easy Access Points for Pests
Points, where utility pipes enter your house, can admit pets especially insects such as wasps and roaches. Use silicone-based caulk to close up any crevices and small cracks. Steel wool is good for stopping larger gaps. Pests are unlikely to work through the steel wool to get in.
Termites are easy to detect as they leave a trail of mud tubes behind them. If your softwood sounds hollow when you tap and the paint is cracked and bubbling, termites are the culprits. Also, ensure there is no rotting wood especially around roof shingles.
Check the landscaping as you clean the outside and ensure the grass is cut low. Shrubbery and branches should not be nudging the windows or walls. Prevent leaves and other vegetation from collecting in the gutters. That can be home to quite a few pests.
2. Weekly Vacuuming is Essential
There some chores that you must do daily such as disposing of garbage keeping the kitchen clean. Give your house a thorough vacuum at least once every week. If you have pets, seal their food in plastic containers.
Have the pets checked regularly for fleas and other vermin. Also, ask your vet for advice on remedies for preventing ticks and fleas.
3. Dehumidify Your Attics and Basements
Inspect under sinks for damp areas and repair all leaking pipes. Areas such as basements, attics and crawl spaces could use regular dehumidifying. Check these areas out every week as you give your home the weekly do-over.
Keeping your home clean may help to keep many of the common household pests away. However, it is important to check the hidden corners as you do your weekly cleaning. Some of the chores mentioned may not be performed daily but you can factor them in once a week.
Conclusion
Pests are not just annoying. They may make you ill or cause structural damage that would cost a small fortune to repair. Additionally, they can be a challenge to get rid of once they get in. The best remedy is to consult with pest professionals to eliminate the pests.
They will not only eradicate the problem but also advise you on how to keep your home pest-free. Pest professionals will also assess the extent of the problem and prescribe effective measures to solve it. Ultimately, prevention is always better than cure.