Steps You Can Take To Minimize Pest Invasions

Pest control is an unavoidable responsibility once you become a homeowner. After all, like us, insects want a hospitable environment to survive and thrive. But unfortunately, bugs don't make the best roommates. Not only do they cause our skin to crawl, but they can also cause substantial damage to vegetation and physical structures. Termites alone cause billions in damages. In the United States, insects cause tens of billions of dollars worth of damages yearly . Though much of that is due to their crop destructive, a notable amount trickles to homeowners merely trying to protect their property. 

If it sometimes feels like a constant battle to reclaim your house for yourself, you are not alone. Even if you aren't doing anything outrageous, minor missteps can add to a big pest problem. Many new homeowners don't realize that there are many ways they could be unintentionally attracting bugs to their homes.

How Might You Be Attracting Bugs To Your Home?

Though insects don't discriminate (for example, bed bugs infest even spotless homes), embracing cleanliness is one way to dissuade numerous critters. Cardboard boxes and piles of paper provide ample hiding opportunities that make it challenging to identify an infestation. Moreover, the cellulose in a cardboard can attract hungry termites. While a leaky faucet or dripping air conditioner might not seem like a big deal, the unfortunate truth is that many bugs are attracted to humidity (/). Even damp or unused drains appeal to the desperate wanderer.

You might be surprised to learn that maintaining the outside of your property is just as essential for controlling indoor pests. For example, if your landscaping appeals to critters, they are more likely to accumulate near buildings and sneak inside your home whenever possible. Overgrowth, such as untrimmed shrubs and unkept lawns, is ideal for insects and rodents to conceal themselves. Also, a common mistake for homes with built-in fireplaces is to stack firewood against the house. Though it might seem like a lifesaver in the dead of winter, you may regret it when you have to spend hundreds of dollars on a fumigation treatment.

Steps For Preventing A Pest Problem In Your Home

It might seem like there are an overwhelming number of ways to attract pests but try not to get too discouraged. There are just as many viable strategies for keeping them away. For example, dehumidifiers can prevent unwanted moisture in rooms susceptible to dampness. Another relatively inexpensive preventative measure you can take is to change your indoor and outdoor lights to soft hues. Many insects are attracted to cool-toned bulbs since they can only see ultraviolet, blue, and green colors.

A good habit is not to leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Make sure to wipe down counters and other surfaces after using them, and try not to store ripe fruit in the open. You must adequately seal food items and make them inaccessible to curious critters. Keep in mind that some rooms are more important than others to stay clean. For instance, pay extra care to eliminate clutter in your garage. And, if you have them, the attic and basement are also vital targets to keep clean.

A neat landscaping design that is also easy to maintain is ideal for the outdoors. At a bare minimum, keep a 6-inch gap between the side of your house and the foliage. Routinely clear gutters, trim lawns, and pick up trash. If you store garbage outside, ensure the bins are well-sealed and cleaned regularly. Standing water is perhaps the most significant risk for a rampant mosquito issue, as they only need half an inch to breed. You can't go wrong by keeping your property tidy both inside and out. Make sure branches hanging over your home are cut back, as they are rodents' favorite bridge, especially roof rats.

Expert Pest Control In Wisconsin & Minnesota

The preventative measures you take can go a long way in helping you avoid costly pest problems. However, even the most diligent homeowners can be on the receiving end of a pesky bug invasion. According to experts, termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches are the worst pests to deal with. As such, it is essential to have a trustworthy pest control professional ready. 1st Defense Pest Solutions offers one-time services and ongoing maintenance to meet the pest control needs of homeowners in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help extinguish current infestations and prevent future pest issues.