How to Prevent Common Pest Infestations in Your Home

There’s nothing worse than the feeling of waking up in the morning and noticing telltale signs of an infestation in your home. As annoying as it may be, pest infestations are actually quite common in residential homes. From ants to cockroaches, to rodents, all sorts of critters can find their way into your house and wreak havoc.

But not to worry — with the right knowledge, diligence, and the help of an experienced professional, you can protect your home from pests and assure a safe, pest-free living environment for you and your family. To help you out, we’ve come up with this guide detailing how to identify and prevent common pest infestations. So buckle up and get ready to defend your home against room-invading critters!

Understanding the Causes of Pest Infestations

When it comes to pest infestations, there’s no one size fits all answer, as the causes can be quite diverse. Between climate, geography, food access, and sanitation, there are numerous factors that can play a role in a home becoming infested.

In some cases, an infestation may be the result of poor hygiene and sanitation. This is particularly true in the case of cockroaches, rats, and mice. When food sources are left unclean or open, the risk of a pest infestation increases dramatically. Similarly, if a house is prone to dampness and humidity, this can create a hospitable environment for all sorts of pests.

Ultimately, any home can become a target for an infestation, and precautionary steps should be taken regardless. That being said, there are some steps you can take that can help minimize the risk of a pest infestation:

1. Seal up any gaps and cracks in your home

The most common way for pests to get into your home is through small gaps or cracks around windows and doors. Take a quick look around the exterior of your home and look for any visible gaps that you can seal. Pay attention to any gaps between walls and flooring, window frames, and any old sealant around pipes or cables entering the property. Make sure you fill in all of these gaps with caulk and sealant to prevent any pesky visitors from getting in.

2. Store food in sealed containers

Food is one of the main attractions for pests, so to prevent them from coming in, make sure that all of your food is stored in sealed containers. This will make it much harder for them to get at the food and keep them away. Plus, it’s a good way to keep your food fresher for longer!

3. Keep your home clean

Pests can’t resist a home that’s dirty and full of clutter. If a pest finds a nice warm, dark place to hide, it can easily spread and breed. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you keep your home tidy and clutter-free. Vacuum regularly, wipe away any spilled crumbs, and make sure to vacuum the corners and crevices of your home too.

4. Get rid of standing water

One of the key attractants for pests is standing water. It’s easy for them to access and provides a much need source of hydration. Make sure to check for stagnant pools of water around your home or in any buckets or containers that are left outside. Get rid of any standing water that you come across to prevent any pests from taking up residence.

5. Plant certain plants around your home

Some plants can be used to repel pests by producing a strong aroma that they don’t like. There are a number of herbs and shrubs out there that can be planted around your home to keep pests away. This can be a great way to protect your property organically. Lavender, basil, and mint are some of the best for deterring pests.

6. Install screens around your home

If you want to take it a step further, you can install screens around any windows or doors. This will not only prevent the entry of most pests, but it will also help to keep out any flying insects, like wasps and mosquitos, too. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to protect your home and give you peace of mind.

7. Call a professional pest control service

Of course, if all else fails and you find yourself in the midst of a major pest infestation, it’s best to call in the professionals. North Alabama Pest Control is an established pest control company in the Florence & Muscle Shoals, AL areas. We provide a wide range of pest control services to home and business owners. You can count on us to remove pests and fortify your home or workplace against them. 

Conclusion

Nobody wants to deal with pests in their home. But if you want to be proactive and avoid having to call for an exterminator, you can use the tips outlined in this blog post to help prevent common pest infestations in your home. Make sure to seal all gaps and cracks, keep your home clean, store food in sealed containers, get rid of any standing water, plant pest-repelling plants, and install screens. If, however, you find yourself in the midst of a major pest infestation, you can always call the professionals at North Alabama Pest Control.

We’ll take care of the problem and fortify your home against any future infestations. So don’t hesitate – call us at 256-740-9742 now for a free estimate and leave the pest problem in the hands of the experts!