Combating Pests

Mosquitoes reproduce in stagnant water, and there are usually high concentrations of mosquitoes near any source of water (even small puddles). To prevent mosquitoes from collecting (and sneaking in) your home, remove standing water regularly. Rainwater collects in empty buckets, flowerpots, and other containers.

Dealing with pests usually means learning how to keep ants and cockroaches away. Staying away from these intruders usually means keeping a clean, dry home. Sweep, vacuum, and disinfect regularly and take special care to clean up any spilled food immediately. Also, make sure leaks in pipes, dishwashers, refrigerators, and other indoor water sources are repaired immediately.

Since these creatures usually enter from the outside, carefully look for crevices, cracks, and other openings around the house’s baseboards and cabinets. Fill all openings with sealant.

As with ants and cockroaches, one of the best ways to keep rodents out is to clean up the house and make sure all food containers are locked. Pet food and water leftovers overnight can also attract unwanted guests.

You can’t see these creatures for yourself, but they leave the evidence in the form of feces. The most effective and pesticide-free way to solve the rodent problem is to use feathers or glue traps.

Vacuum the areas frequently cleaned by pets at least once a week and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent fleas from entering your room. If possible, place washable blankets or towels on the floor of the pet lounge.

In addition to the general tips above, we’ve rounded up some more detailed tips for cleaning your home and preventing pests.

• Clean inside and outside.
• Organizing Clutter can also help prevent insects and rodents from entering your home. These pests don’t like to show up in public. Cluttering is a potential hiding place for insects and rodents.

This principle also applies to the exterior of the house. Pests come from outside. So if you have a hiding place near your home, it may only be a matter of time before they enter your home.

• Check if your home has an entry point.
• Check for cracks in the house that could lead to insects.
  Do the same inspection on the outside of the house. Seal sealed cracks. Pay close attention to where pipes and the like go into the house.
• Check doors and windows.
  Weather protection around doors and windows is important to keep the house insulated. They also help keep insects and ants out. Check your doors and windows to ensure that all delays and seals are intact with no cracks or tears.
• Check Screens.
  Window grilles and screen doors are mainly used to keep nasty insects out. Check all screens for cracks and replace or repair if necessary.

Your garbage can attract harmful organisms. Discarded food attracts insects and rodents into your home. Proper garbage storage can go a long way in preventing pests. To prevent rodents and insects from entering, please put food waste in a covered wastebasket. Do not put groceries in open bins inside or outside the home.