4 Easy Ways to Bug Proof Your Home Before Summer

While you may be looking forward to summer, it’s safe to say you’re not looking forward to the nasty creepy crawlies that go along with the warmer months. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to minimise a potential bug invasion. 

Many homeowners opt for the annual preventative measures offered by the pest control services Melbourne residents rely on for a pest-free environment. In addition, there are a few simple actions that you can take to keep your home as pest-free as possible. 

Creating a Pest-Free Environment—Easier Than You Think

Pest control, like everything related to your home, requires continual maintenance to be effective. That means, whether you’re hiring a professional, or opting to do it yourself, you will need to do it regularly. With that in mind, our team of highly skilled pest experts compiled a few simple tips that you can do in addition to your annual inspection. 

1. Check Your Home’s Foundations

Since your foundation is the part of your house that’s closest to the ground, it’s often the main port of entry for pests such as cockroaches and termites. When checking your foundations, be sure to check for the following:

• Remove moisture: Foundations and close surrounds should be free of moisture such as leaks or water pooling against the house.
• Move the wood piles: Ideally, wood piles should be moved away from the house and rather kept in a cool dry area away from any buildings.
• Garden refuse: Ensure that leaves, grass clippings and mulch are cleaned up regularly as these make wonderful nesting grounds.
• Move the garbage: Wherever possible, keep any garbage cans away from the wall of your house, especially in zones where pests can climb out of the garbage and into a kitchen window or doorway.
• Check for wasp nests: Be sure to check the door frames and the area directly under the roof or gutter for budding wasp nests. Don’t try to remove these wasps yourself, rather opt for professional wasp nest removal to avoid being stung.

2.  Maintain Your Yard

Yard maintenance is one of the best and most natural ways to eliminate pests from setting up residence on your property. Some aspects to consider when you do yard maintenance include:

• Empty containers: Remove containers such as buckets and empty plant pots if they’re not actually serving a purpose. These can gather water after the rain and become perfect nesting areas for insects.
• Prune annually: Pruning trees, shrubs and other plants annually is not only important to sustain plant growth but also to reduce hanging branches where pests can nest. Be sure to remove your tree cuttings and leaves so they don’t create welcoming homes for critters.
• Mow regularly: Long grass is another wonderful habitat for certain insect species. It’s a firm favourite of ticks and fleas that then jump onto your pets as they walk through the grass.

3. Seal the Cracks and Other Openings

No matter how new your home is, cracks and crevices may appear as the building material ages or becomes exposed to the elements. Since pests such as ants, cockroaches and termites can get in through the smallest spaces, it’s important to check for any cracks or crevices and attend to them.

Here you want to focus on the following:

• Seal cracks and crevices: Gaps around the door and window frames and any in the walls should be sealed.
• Include pipes and installation points: Any utility pipes that go into walls may not always be closed off properly. Ensure that these gaps are closed using the correct sealant.
• Wire mesh: In instances where the opening is too large to close with sealants, such as chimney flutes or roof vents, it’s best to opt for wire mesh that you can place over the opening. This will ensure that you don’t limit necessary airflow but you can keep many pests at bay.

4. Keep a Clean House

Bugs, like most other living creatures, are attracted to food and water. So, if you’re going to leave dishes in the sink or crumbs on the floor, you’re sending an invitation for cockroaches and ants. Consider the following:

• Eat in the kitchen: Limit eating to the kitchen, to reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do in the rest of the house.
• Clean the sink: Wash dishes immediately after mealtime. Create a schedule where everyone in the home helps with the tidying up.
• Store leftovers: Any leftovers, open food, fruit or veggies should be stored in airtight containers to avoid attracting insects.
• Pet food: If your fur kids stay in the house, be sure to pack their food away after mealtimes, as insects simply can’t resist the smell of dog food, even dry kibble!

Final Thought

In most instances, it should be relatively easy to keep pests out of your home. A good cleaning routine paired with an annual pest inspection is the best preventative measure to keep the critters at bay this summer!

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