One nightmare of home ownership is the discovery that you have very unwanted guests—and we’re not talking about relatives who outstay their welcome. Rodents, insects, and birds all have the potential to wreak havoc on our houses, and an infestation can occur quickly if you fail to notice for a few days.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of your home being invaded by these critters, from experts, such as Nature First Rat Control Services, to sealing your dry goods, here are our top tips to prevent a pest invasion, and keep them far from your property.
Remove Temptation
One of the biggest reasons for pest infestation is a temptation. Food left out is an ideal signpost for rats, mice, and bugs, and could even encourage them to return for a second course. Signs are usually obvious. There will be physical damage such as bite marks or missing pieces in the foodstuff with bags torn open and contents spilled. To help reduce the likelihood of this, keep all foods sealed in airtight containers and make sure nothing is left out overnight.
Secure The Building
Your home is warm and cozy, and many pests will see this as an ideal breeding ground in which to nest and procreate. They will, therefore, take advantage of any opportunity to infiltrate your home, seeking out gaps in roofs and walls and sneaking in to make themselves at home.
Make sure your property is properly sealed and secured, and pay attention even to the smallest holes–these can be nibbled and enlarged to gain access. It is also a good idea to cut back trees and plants which may be overhanging. A clever pest will use this to access the roof space, and this can provide the ideal way for them to enter your home.
Take Action As Soon As Possible
Time is the biggest asset to a potential infestation, and so it is important to take action as soon as you spot a problem. Allowing the issue to linger could cause it to spread out of control rapidly, and this will require more extensive action which will likely cost more and be more invasive to your daily life. As soon as you suspect that you have unwanted guests, you should take steps to evict them.
Avoid Standing Water
One area you may not have considered is pools of standing water. This can include poorly maintained drains, water containers and catchers, and even deep puddles and potholes. Such environments are ideal breeding grounds for a number of insects, such as mosquitos, and these will often lay their eggs only to emerge in a swarm when the warmer weather arrives. Keep drains cleared, make sure water is not left uncovered, and regularly check any pools or ponds for signs that insects are laying their eggs. In this instance, prevention is better than cure. The last thing you want is a gang of unwanted buzzing guests!
