Pest Tips
There are several things a homeowner can do to help prevent pest
infestations. To help maintain a pest-free home, take these precautions:
- Tip 1
- Seal cracks in your home's exterior to help keep pests like ants, spiders
and cockroaches from getting inside.
- Tip 2
- Be sure all doors and windows are properly sealed with tight-fitting
screens and weather stripping.
- Tip 3
- Don't leave uncovered food sitting out. It can attract flies that might
land on it and spread harmful bacteria.
- Tip 4
- Consider storing clothing in plastic boxes or pouches to prevent fabric
pests from getting to them.
- Tip 5
- Ensure that the attic and crawl space have sufficient ventilation. Proper
ventilation creates an environment unsuitable for cockroaches and other pests.
It also improves the heating and cooling efficiency of the home.
- Tip 6
- Do not allow pet food to sit out overnight, indoors or outdoors.
- Tip 7
- Remove any piles of debris, stones, bricks, etc., around your home. They
serve as a harborage for pests, especially rodents.
Termite Tips
With their shear-like mandibles, a colony of termites can destroy the wood in
your home, hollowing out wooden beams, gutting walls and ruining floors. They've
even been known to chew through vinyl, linoleum, PVC, pipe and underground
cables.
There are some things that you can do yourself to help prevent termite
infestations:
- Tip 1
- Repair any roof or plumbing leaks as soon as possible. These leaks can
allow termites to survive above ground in a house.
- Tip 2
- Eliminate any wood-to-soil contact around your foundation and remove wood
debris near your home.
- Tip 3
- Prevent mulch and soil from touching the siding of your home. They make it
much easier for termites to enter.
- Tip 4
- Store firewood away from your home.
- Tip 5
- Use mesh screens on all windows and doors, as well as in ventilation
openings for attics and crawl spaces.
- Tip 6
- Seal nail holes and cracks in exposed wood to help prevent easy access by
drywood termites.
- Tip 7
- Contract with a professional pest control company to regularly inspect
your home. This will help detect termite activity and allow for prompt and
proper treatment.
