What You Need to Do to Keep Your Home Pest-Free Throughout All Seasons

Nobody likes unexpected guests, especially the ones with six legs and a penchant for invading your personal space. On top of that, they’re riddled with so many different diseases, and they can damage your house, so if you spot them, you need to get rid of them ASAP. Dealing with pests can be a nuisance, but with the right strategies, you can keep your home pest-free no matter the season. 

But at the same time, you also need to keep in mind it’s not just about knowing how to avoid pests together, but it’s also about how to avoid pests throughout all seasons. Some pests show up only during certain seasons, such as mice, which usually get into people’s homes when it’s cold, or gnats during the warmer months. Since they all vary, it’s still possible to equally get them all out of your house. So, with that said, here’s exactly what you need to know!

Seal Up All the Entry Points

You really need to keep in mind that pests can find their way into your home through even the tiniest of openings. Even the smallest of crevices is more than enough for most pests. So, you’ll need to go ahead and conduct a thorough inspection of your house and seal any cracks, gaps, or holes in walls, windows, doors, and foundations. Ideally, you’ll want to use caulk, weather stripping, or wire mesh to block potential entry points, thereby preventing insects and rodents from infiltrating your living space.

Your Kitchen Needs to Stay Clean at All Times

If you’re wondering how to get rid of gnats in the house quickly, then this is exactly what you need to do! Every single day, you need to scrub your home clean and make sure it’s entirely impeccable. After all, the kitchen is a hot spot for pests attracted to food sources. So be sure to practice good sanitation habits by wiping down countertops, sweeping floors, and promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs. 

These are basic things that you most likely already know to do, but you should also store food in airtight containers and regularly empty and clean trash bins to eliminate odors that can attract pests. Now, gnats absolutely love the drain, so you can’t have gunk or food going down it. Actually, this is a breeding ground for them!

Declutter Fairly Often

When you think of decluttering, you’re most likely thinking of useless junk that’s clumped together, something that shouldn’t even be a breeding ground for pests, right? Well, that’s actually the surprising part! Pests love clutter, even if it’s clean clutter! 

Piles of clutter provide hiding spots for pests like cockroaches and spiders. So, you will absolutely need to make sure you can keep your living spaces tidy by decluttering regularly. If there are things you need, then it’s going to be safer to put them into sealed containers; that way, pests can’t get to them. 

Keep the Outside Clean, Too

Alright, so at first glance, when reading this header, you’re probably thinking, “That’s impossible,” right? Well, you’re right to think that since outside (even your backyard) is technically their domain. With that said, however, one thing you should absolutely keep in mind is that even if you at least maintain your lawn, this alone will massively impact what pests could get into your home. 

So what all needs to be done? Well, it’s honestly as simple as trimming back vegetation and bushes to create a barrier between your house and outdoor pests. You may also want to keep firewood, compost bins, and garbage cans away from the house, as they can attract pests like ants, rodents, and raccoons.

How’s Your Household’s Waste Management?

Do you remember earlier when it was mentioned not to put food down the drain? While yes, it’s a breeding ground for gnats, this isn’t the only waste management either. It’s also going to be garbage and recycling bins that can quickly become breeding grounds for pests if not managed properly. This means that you’ll need to keep bins tightly sealed and clean both inside and out to deter pests from scavenging for food scraps. Regularly empty bins and rinse them with soapy water to remove any residue that may attract pests.

Practice Proper Food Storage

Now, this one cannot be stressed enough! If pests see free food, they have no reason to leave! Just like ants, they’ll get the whole colony into your home. If you have chips, cereal, cookies, or whatever else, make sure these are all properly sealed. So, you’ll want to store food items in sealed containers made of glass, plastic, or metal to prevent pests from accessing them. 

Also, keep pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cereal in airtight containers to deter pantry pests like ants, beetles, and moths. It was already mentioned earlier, but be sure to clean up spills and crumbs promptly and avoid leaving pet food out overnight, as it can attract rodents and insects.

Educate Yourself About Common Pests

Knowledge is power when it comes to pest control. Take the time to learn about common household pests in your area, their habits, and their preferred habitats. Honestly, just by understanding the behaviors and vulnerabilities of pests, you can implement targeted strategies to prevent infestations and protect your home. 

This is a great practice for homeowners, renters, and landlords. It’s also the beginning phase of research if you want to know how to start a pest control business. Many SMB owners find it a natural progression. For example, people who own investment properties sometimes own the landscaping and pest control companies that serve those properties.

Use Natural Deterrents

Pest control absolutely loves your business, even though they know it’s not safe to fumigate a home regularly. A lot of them will recommend you go the DIY route to at least deter and avoid pests, and when it comes to your health, the health of your family, and your pets, it’s going to help to sometimes go the natural route. 

So, just keep in mind that certain plants and essential oils can help repel pests and discourage them from entering your home. Plant aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, and rosemary around your home’s perimeter to deter insects like mosquitoes and flies. Use essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil to create natural pest sprays and repellents.