With fall just around the corner, homeowners should make the necessary preparation to prevent pests from invading their properties. Even as fall is associated with falling leaves and shorter days, it is also the time when pests come out of the woodwork and invade homes, which is particularly bothersome since we are still in the middle of a pandemic.
And when pests invade the home, the residents fall ill due to the diseases these invaders bring. So, homeowners should prepare the home to prevent these pests from entering it. Here are some things that you can do to control and eliminate pests inside the house.
Keep the Home Clean
Keeping the home clean is among the best ways to remove and keep pests at bay. A clean house is not an appealing option for pests. So, you should make sure to keep the kitchen counters and dining room tables free of food particles. You should also keep leftovers in properly sealed containers.
To ensure you cover all surfaces in the house, you can use a handheld vacuum to perform spot cleaning on different surfaces all over the house. Getting a good mop also helps you clean any spills on the floor.
If you see any shredded pieces of cloth or paper, it’s a sign of rodents and larger pests making a nest in the house. You should also look out for unusual holes and sawdust piles in the house. These are signs of termite or carpenter ant infestation.
Clean Storage Areas
Spring cleaning should not be limited to the season between winter and summer. Instead, you should clean different areas of the house, especially the storage areas, several times each year. This is particularly true these days with the emergence of new variants of the virus. Cleaning the home reduces the risk of viruses and bacteria staying in the house.
Spring cleaning also helps strengthen the immune system since it removes mold and mildew, which carry bacteria that can affect a person’s immune system. Research has also shown that deep cleaning a house has a positive effect on your mood. It also allows you to focus better.
Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of injury since you get to unclutter the home. This means you can clear the pathways in the house and secure rugs and other materials that can become tripping hazards.
Get a Good Vacuum Cleaner
Getting a powerful vacuum cleaner allows you to eliminate fleas and other small pests from the carpet. You should ensure that the vacuum cleaner has an S-class filtration system or a HEPA filter to ensure good air quality.
You should also clean the dust canister or dispose of the dust bag outside the house if you are dealing with an infestation in the house. Make sure to wipe down the device after you use it. A handheld vacuum cleaner is also helpful for spot cleaning in the house.
Ask Help from Professionals
There are instances when you need help from professionals when dealing with pests. So, it’s important to have the contact number of a reliable pest control company handy in case you need their help. If you see signs of rodent infestation, you should get in touch with them to deal with it for you.
It is also advisable to let professionals control tick and mosquito infestation in the home. They can also implement mitigation measures to prevent these pests from returning to the home. Additionally, you should bring your pets to the vet for regular checkups.
These checkups allow the vet to see if the pet has fleas. In this situation, the vet can provide your pet with a flea treatment that can remove these pests from them. You can apply the treatment on the pets at home as long you follow your vet’s instructions.
Seal Food Containers
If you have leftovers in the kitchen, make sure to store them inside containers that have lids. It’s best to use sealable containers to prevent its aroma from attracting pests. An airtight container like a glass storage jar or a plastic storage tub works best. You can also use empty ice cream tubs or jam jars if you want to save money.
Aside from keeping pests away, storing leftover food properly can preserve its quality and nutritional value. These airtight containers also prevent food spoilage and stop foodborne bacteria from forming on the leftovers. Just make sure to check the leftover food before you serve it.
Keeping the home safe from pests is important to protect the health and safety of everyone living in the house.
