For most homeowners, dealing with pests is more of a reactive task. We see a pest, we want it gone, so we buy whatever off-the-shelf treatment promises the quickest eliminating action. In reality, all it takes is a few preventative pest-proofing steps and a little on-going monitoring of at-risk areas to prevent occasional invaders.
Why pest-proof your property?
You may think you only need pest control after you notice an infestation, but getting rid of most household pests starts long before it gets to that. By the time you actual notice signs of a pest infestation, chances are that it’s been a few weeks, if not months, in the making already – making it that much harder to deal with. Stopping pests from making the first move to establish a nest or colony on your property will save you time and money – and the frustration of trying to stave off unwanted pests.
Know your most at-risk spots
The indoors offers a lot for pests (think warmth, shelter, food, water), and they will do what they can to get inside undetected, from crawling through tiny holes to chewing their way through. It’s important to keep tabs of vulnerable spots and entry points in your home and do your best to close them off to pests.
Doors and Windows
While it’s not always possible to keep all windows and doors shut all the time (especially in the warmer weather), putting preventive steps in place to ensure a tight close can help to prevent wandering pests from gaining entry. Seal cracks around door frames and window panes, make use of door sweeps, or fit in window screens.
Attics
The space between your ceiling and roof is most often a dark, musty place – making it the ideal hideout for pests like rodents, flies and termites. Occasionally checking your roof for broken roof tiles and other holes can help to prevent entry to these pests. Be sure to also trim any tree branches or foliage away from your roof which may act as a bridge for rodents, and if you have a chimney, consider installing a cap or screen.
Vents or Ducts
While vents carry air outside, they may also allow pests inside. Make sure exterior vents like attic vents, soffit or dryer vents which could serve as a potential pathway for pests are sealed properly. Small gaps and cracks within the ductwork can turn into pest highways, which is particularly problematic because odours, debris and allergens carried by the pests into the ductwork will be distributed around the home.
Plumbing
Leaky pipes, dripping faucets and broken water heaters offer an attractive water source for pests like ants and roaches which is why the majority of pest sightings occur in kitchens and bathrooms. Regularly inspect your home or property for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.
When simple pest-proofing isn’t enough
Try as we might, pests are sneaky and even with all the right preventative efforts in place, they still seem to find their way into buildings. If you’re looking for a surefire way to prevent pests, let the experts at The Specialists help. We offer an array of different preventative and reactive pest control treatments — keeping common household pests out of your home for good.
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