This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
Keeping the Home Pest Free
I hate to sound like a wimp, but I’m seriously creeped out by bugs and other pests. When I first moved into my condo and was living by myself, I had some embarrassing moments regarding bugs. I called my dad several times to come over and rescue me from spiders, crickets and other creepy crawlers.
Ironically, my husband studied entomology in college. When we first started dating and I admitted to my stories of bug-fearing episodes, I’m pretty sure he thought I was crazy. But as they say, to each their own. While I couldn’t understand why someone would be interested in bugs and other “pests,” he couldn’t understand my fear of them.
At the end of the day, there is one thing we agree on: bugs and pests don’t belong in the home. You should keep your home pest free to maintain cleanliness, health and wellbeing for all. And since we have different methods for getting rid of bugs and pests, we can also agree the best solution is to keep them out altogether.
So, I did a little research and tried to find the best ways to keep a home pest free. I prefer methods that are safe, effective and as environmentally sound as possible. Most of these are preventative measures that also cost very little to maintain. The idea is to prevent bugs and pests from entering your home before they become a bigger issue.
8 Ways to Keep Your Home Pest Free
Seal windows and doors
Maintaining the most obvious points of entry is a good place to start for keeping your home pest free. Make sure your windows and doors fit probably so there are no gaps or openings. Install screens for windows and storm doors and check often for tears or damage.
Look for interior gaps
I learned recently there can be large gaps in your walls where pipes come in (for instance gas pipes behind your stove or water pipes behind your washer). If you’re like me, you may not think of these as points of entry because they are hidden by large appliances. If you inspect under cabinets and behind large appliances, fill any gaps (larger than ¼ inch) with steel wool.
Keep your house clean
I know I am guilty of putting off cleaning sometimes, but it’s so important to regularly clean. Crumbs and debris can attract small pests and invite them into your home. Piles of papers or other recyclables can also be breeding grounds for pests.
Store food in sealed containers
This may seem obvious, but keeping food out on the counters can invite unwanted house guests. Store all food in airtight containers or place in the refrigerator. Also store dry pet food and treats in sealed containers, as these can also attract pests and bugs.
Keep trash at bay
Store all food trash in the kitchen and try to use a garbage can with a lid. Trash, especially food trash, is an open invitation for pests and bugs. Make sure to take out trash regularly and if you need to store it outdoors, keep it away from your house.
Maintain the outside of your home
Ensure proper drainage around your home to avoid having wet areas around your foundation which can invite pests who thrive in moisture. Also, avoid standing water which can breed mosquitoes. And keep firewood piles away from the house, since this can attract termites and other pests.
Encourage natural predators
You can help manage bugs and pests by encouraging birds and bats to nest near your home. Find local flora that attract birds and bats to encourage them to stay near your home. This may help mitigate small insects like mosquitoes, spiders, bees and wasps.
Call a professional for help
If you are still having difficulty keeping your home pest free or you have larger pests that are more difficult to get rid of, it’s time to call the professionals. It’s important to find a company that uses safe, effective and humane methods to help control your pest issues.
If you live in New Jersey, one local service to try is Surf Termite & Pest Control. They are a family-owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience, and many satisfied customer reviews to show for it.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with bugs and pests can be a challenge. Whether you are intrigued by little critters or totally creeped out, it’s safe to say they don’t belong in the home.
There are a lot of methods you can try to keep your home pest free. In fact, you are probably doing most of them already. Things like keeping your house clean, your trash maintained and your food stored properly are simple steps to keeping pests out.
Inspecting your home for points of entry and maintaining the outside of your home are additional ways to keep bugs and pests away. At the end of the day, though, if you are experiencing a real issue or don’t know where to start, it’s important to call in a professional.
Looking for a company with years of experience, satisfied customer testimonials and safe, effective and humane methods will put you at ease for keeping your home pest free.
What steps do you take to keep your home pest free? Let me know in the comments below.
These are great tips! I’m not a fan of bugs either, especially in my home. In the spring time, I put drops of peppermint essential oil on cotton balls around my windows to keep ants and spiders away.
I love that idea! I have heard there are natural remedies that keep bugs away. I’ll have to try the peppermint essential oil! Thanks for reading 🙂
We tend to get ground bees every spring – but this year I had an experience while cutting back my plants for fall clean up – I disturbed a nest of ground bees and got stung in the head. We do get this professionally treated every year – and I’m glad we do, as they are nasty when disturbed!
Yes, you definitely need to be careful and call in professionals when you are dealing with an issue like that. I hope you’re okay!