Bugs can enter your home through openings in your walls. They are often more prevalent during the winter months, but they can invade at any time of year. To help keep your home protected from pests, follow the tips below.
1. Trim Your Trees and Use Less Mulch
Cutting off excess tree branches reduces the chance of bugs entering your home. The extended limbs can act as bridges for them. Make sure to trim the ones closest to your house first.
Also, when doing yard work, limit the amount of mulch you use. Mulch can be a hiding place for many pests. Consider using rocks as an alternative ground covering.
Here are some other alternatives to mulch that you can add to your garden:
Pea gravel
Newspaper
Leaves
Grass clippings
Pine needles
2. Seal Doors and Windows
Pests can squeeze through the cracks in your windows or doors. This is why it is essential to inspect them regularly. Also, look out for any rips or tears in your window screens. Properly sealing your doors and windows can help eliminate these gaps. You can use either caulk or weatherstripping to close up any holes.
3. Remove Animal Nests From Your Roof
Insects can create nests on top of your roof. During the winter, they enter your home through small openings within your exterior. Regularly perform a roof inspection to keep your house protected. You want to get rid of these nests before the bugs reproduce and you end up with an infestation.
4. Properly Dispose of Any Trash or Litter
Your garage can attract pests inside your home, so make sure your garbage bins are tightly covered. You should also rinse out the cans and remove any food spills.
Here are some additional ways to keep your trash can pest-free:
Keep all garbage in the bag
Clean out any containers before throwing them away
Repair holes
Install motion detectors
Spray ammonia
Your yard can also provide homes for pests to hide in. Keep your lawn free of debris, such as leaves, paint clippings or standing water.
5. Use the Right Lightbulbs
To help reduce the number of bugs around your windows and doors, add high-power pressure sodium vapor or halogen lights. Bulbs with pink, yellow or orange tints can help keep pests away. Yellow lights are often used because bugs confuse the light source with the moon, which they use as a navigational tool. They will want to keep a distance from the light.
You may also consider changing the location of your lights. It is common for exterior lights to be located near your doors. Instead, you might want to place them further away from your home on a pole. This can draw insects away from your house.
How to Keep Your Home Pest-Free
Your home should be a place to relax. However, bugs can find their way in through gaps in your exterior. Consider these tips to keep your house safe from unwanted pests.
Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.
