Preventing Dangerous Pests From Entering Your Michigan-Area Home
Every year, when the cold weather starts to break in Port Huron, Michigan, we start gearing up for the Spring season, hopeful that the warm weather will come faster than last year. We prepare for this change in season by switching the garage around, making the lawn equipment more accessible then the snow blower and finally packing our winter jackets deep in our closets. It’s no secret that warmer weather means, unfortunately, more pests around your house. The goal is to have the least amount of these pests enter your home. It’s simply foolish to think you will be the lucky one spared from having to deal with any bugs like stinging insects this summer. However, there are many proactive things that you, the homeowner, can do that cost very little to nothing at all.
Below, you’ll find 18 helpful tips that you can do to help prevent destructive rodents and dangerous insects from invading your house this year:
Use low-watt, yellow insect bulbs around the exterior of your home.
Refrain from stacking piles of firewood, lumber, or similar items against the side of your home.
Store all human and pet food in lid-sealed containers.
Regularly clean floors and countertops.
Install a tight-fitting weather strip on the bottom of all your doors; this includes your garage door. Make sure all doors seal tightly.
Avoid leaving pet food dishes out for long periods of time. We recommend not leaving pet food bowls out over night in the summer months. Most pest activity peaks during the night time hours.
Seal up cracks and small openings along the foundation, soffits and roof outside of your home.
Seal around all pipes inside your home. Make sure to check pipes entering your home from the outside, there should be no openings. Even the tiniest opening can be an entry point for some insects.
It’s important to check around bathtubs and toilets. A good caulk job assures that even the smallest insects can’t enter.
Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water.
Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house. Here at Eco Pest Control, we tell our customers, as a general rule, to allow themselves enough room to be able to walk between their landscaping and house.
Keep your lawn mowed, so the grass is no longer than 3 inches tall. Tall grass provides safety and security for many pests like fleas and ticks.
Check gutter drains to ensure water is flowing away from the house. Also, make sure gutters are not filled with leaves and debris. This helps discourage moisture build-up and prevents potential nesting areas for rodents and insects.
Keep trash containers clean and sealed, both indoors and outdoors.
Repair or replace damaged screens on windows and doors.
Replace damaged wood.
Fix all leaks, no matter how small.
Remove spider webs. Discourage web building by vacuuming or sweeping in closets, under furniture, and in corners. Use a long pole to remove webs from hard-to-reach corners inside and outside your home.
It’s important to note that even though you can do all of the above, some pests are persistent and sneaky. If you continue to have a home pest control-related problem, it’s important that you contact a trained professional in this field. Ensure they have trusted experience related to your pest problem and that they’re licensed and insured.
