By the time you notice the signs of an infestation, it’s often too late– a few bugs or a couple stray droppings often mean a full-scale invasion in progress. Fortunately, there are some things you can do.
Cut off the food supply
One of the biggest attractors to pests is human food. Your food should be carefully stored away when it is not being used. If you have fallen food or crumbs on the floor, you will want to clean it up right away instead of leaving it there, as that usually will attract pests like bugs and mice. Pests also love dog and cat food. You will also want to make sure that your pet’s food is also carefully stored away. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to invest in some good, airtight food containers. Discard anything that shows signs of being tainted (webs, cocoons, droppings, or a clumpy, "staticky" appearance), and lock everything else up where your intruders can’t snack on it.
Fix leaks
A lot of pests rely on dripping taps as a water source, including cockroaches. Fix any leaky faucets, and make sure they’re always turned completely off when not in use.
Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth
While diatomaceous earth may feel soft, it’s actually comprised of very small, sharp particles that puncture bugs’ exoskeletons. Sprinkle some down wherever you see bugs to kill them, but don’t worry– it’s completely non-toxic.
Clear the trail
Some pests, like ants, rely on pheromone trails to find their way to food and shelter. Mix up a solution of dish soap, vinegar, and water and spray down their trails to remove the scent. A couple drops of orange oil and some vodka can help keep ants from trying to forge a new path. Compounds in the oil are deadly to ants, but safe for pets and people.
Call in a professional
Sometimes cleaning up trails, cutting off their water supply, and keeping food on lockdown isn’t enough to repel an infestation. In that case, it’s best to consult a competent exterminator like A-Alert Exterminating Service, Inc. Professionals have access to tools and equipment that laypeople don’t, and can help wipe out serious pest problems quickly.
Close the gaps
Make every effort to hunt down and seal off any holes pests could be using to gain access. Be sure to double-check under sinks, around windows, and in basements, and have some caulk and gap filler at the ready.
Living with pests doesn’t have to be an inevitability. Whether it’s sugar ants or rodents, these measures can help keep your home safe, clean, and pest-free all year round. They key is to not let them take over your home to the point where it becomes infested. Once your home is infested it can start effecting the health of you or your loved ones as well as the foundation of your home.
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