Did you know that over 14 million American households reported seeing roaches in the past year? Another 14.8 million reported rodents! Adequate pest prevention and control can prevent this from happening to you. 

Do you know how to prevent and control pests in your home? We’re here to offer a few helpful pest control tips so you can keep your home free of invaders. Read on to learn more.

1. Make Pest Prevention Part of Your Cleaning and Maintenance Routine

One of our best pieces of pest control advice is to make sure that you’re including pest prevention in your normal cleaning and maintenance routines. This doesn’t have to mean that you spend hours searching every nook and cranny for a potential intruder, but even just taking a cursory glance around areas where pests may want to gather can make a huge difference.

When you’re cleaning under the sink, look for signs of pests. While you’re doing your yard work for the spring, make sure that there aren’t any unusual cracks in your foundation or walls. 

If you spot even a single pest, make sure that you get rid of it right away so the problem doesn’t get worse.

Checking your home often while you’re also taking care of other tasks will ensure that no creepy crawlies go unnoticed. 

2. Leave Your Kitchen Free of Organic Waste

Conventional kitchen cleaning wisdom says “clean as you go,” but anyone who cooks all of their meals at home knows that it’s not always that easy. Sometimes dishes end up in the sink or dishwasher for a few days before they get cleaned. It happens!

Do your best to get rid of organic waste (in this case, food) before you set your dishes aside for future cleaning. Throw any scraps into the trash, compost bin, or garbage disposal. 

Make sure that your trash can has a tight cover on it. Bugs will still try to get into garbage cans to investigate any rotting food. Those banana peels that you threw away might turn into a serious problem!

Kitchens are hotbeds for pests, so protect yours!

3. Check for Potential Entry Points

Have you noticed that there are a few ants or spiders hanging out in your home? Where are they coming from? 

There are plenty of hidden entry points from which pests can emerge. There may be gaps between your windows and walls, small holes in your foundation, or unsealed doors. 

You may even have a hole in your attic or basement that’s attracting those unpleasant roommates. 

Look for those entry points and block them so nothing else can find its way into your home. 

4. Keep Doors and Windows Closed When Possible

This is a tough one. It’s always in your best interest to keep your doors and windows closed all day long. If the door or window is open, you’re inviting pests to come inside!

During the winter, this is easy. Of course, you’re going to close your windows so you don’t let the warm air out. During the warmer months, however, it’s not so simple.

If you must open your windows, get a fine mesh screen to put over them. This way, only the smallest of bugs can get in (and it will take more effort for them to do so). You can also put a screen door in front of your normal door so you can keep that open as well.

If you want to fully open your doors or windows for your pets or for easy access during a garden gathering, take a close look around your home when it’s time to close them again so you can spot and remove any invaders. 

5. Check Items When You Bring Them Home

Do you love secondhand shopping? Make sure that you give your new (to you) items a close look before you bring them inside. They might be carrying annoying pests. 

This is also true for produce. Yes, you want to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but it’s possible that those fruits and vegetables will come bearing some unwanted guests.

It’s not uncommon for summer produce to gather bugs. While many of them won’t spread through your home, fruit flies will. They can get into the rest of your produce.

Wash your produce and look for any mysterious spots to mitigate the problem. 

6. Check Your Pets Before They Come Inside

Speaking of checking things before you bring them home, give your pets a once-over before you let them in from outdoor playtime or even a walk. Pets can attract and carry bugs into your home.

If your dogs or cats go outside, it’s also a good idea to use flea and tick treatment on them. This way, they’re less likely to bring in any new guests. 

7. Hire a Pest Control Company

If you’re still worried about pests getting into your home, hire a pest control company for regular maintenance. Any good pest control company can do a quick sweep of your home, point out potential pest risks, and treat your home to decrease the chance of pests.

They can also give you advice about how to handle common pests around the home if they turn up. 

Many people think that hiring a pest control company is only for serious pet emergencies and infestations, but this isn’t true. They’re also great for pest prevention. 

Try These Helpful Pest Control Tips

These pest control tips can help keep your home free of pesky unwanted roommates. Keep your kitchen clean, check your pets and purchases, avoid creating new entry points, and hire a pest control company for maintenance and advice, even if you don’t need to get rid of pests right away.

Are you looking for a new local pest control company for your home in St. Louis? Contact Amco Ranger for a quote today!