In Florida, pest activity can often feel year-round because of our humid, warm weather. Pests like mosquitoes, termites, ants, mice, and roaches will all infest your home looking for food, water, and shelter. To prevent these pests from invading your home, prevention is key. Check out this pest control checklist you can utilize, year-round!
Seal Entry Points
Pests like ants and mice can enter through the smallest hole, gap, or crevice leading into your home. Take the time to inspect the exterior of your home for these areas, including the foundation, pipes, windows, doors, and HVAC units. Seal any openings with caulk if you find them. Between the floor and the door, consider using a sweep to seal the gap. Likewise, utilize screens on doors and windows, keeping them in good condition
Remove Standing Water
Standing water attracts mosquitoes and roaches, making it essential to remove it from your home. Check for any leaks outside and inside your home, such as dripping faucets and loose fixtures, and repair them as soon as you can. Look to remove any items in your yard that collect water, including flowerpots, old tires, tarps, and toys.
Store Woodpiles
Pests, like termites, will use the firewood we store to make their way inside our homes. Make sure you keep your woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your home. Likewise, elevate woodpiles from the ground and consider placing them in plastic containers to keep pests from infesting them. Before entering your home with firewood, make sure to inspect it and brush it off beforehand.
Declutter Your Home
Pests love clutter, often using it for a place to inhabit! Start from the ground floor up and work your way up to declutter your home. Clean your floors, sweep, mop, dust, and vacuum on a regular basis. Likewise, empty your closets and drawers of clutter and items that you don’t need. Remove any old newspapers and cardboard boxes from your attic and basement, as these will attract rodents and silverfish looking for a nesting spot. In your yard, remove any old tree stumps, twigs, and debris. Make sure to rake up all the leaves and continue mowing your lawn on a regular basis.
Clean & Store Food Properly
An available food source is just another reason pests keep coming back. Rats, mice, and roaches look to your kitchen for your leftover food crumbs and spills. It’s crucial to keep your kitchen clean and store any leftover food. After each meal, make sure you’re wiping down your counters and appliances, cleaning up any crumbs and spills. Utilize a trashcan with a tight lid, taking your garbage out on a regular basis. When you’re storing food, such as grains, use airtight containers so pests can’t get to it.
While these tips are great to utilize year-round to ensure pests don’t invade your home, sometimes it’s necessary to call a professional pest control company for help. These professionals will be able to inspect your home for pests, identify the pest at hand, identify entry points, and provide a pest control and prevention strategy customized to your home!
