When it comes to pest control and prevention of any kind of insect infestation in or around your home, entry prevention is one of the most common and important topics. How do you keep unwanted insects from invading your home, whether they’re looking for food, moisture, shelter or some other desirable quality?
At Logan Extermination, we’re proud to offer the very best pest control services around Logan, including everything from insecticide spray services to specific needs like spider exterminator, boxelder bug exterminator services and more. Here are some broad tips from our pest control experts on how to keep unwanted insects away from your home, ensuring no infestation issues crop up.
Sealing Cracks and Crevices
Insects are incredibly small already, and many of them are capable of fitting themselves into even the tiniest cracks and crevices. This makes it important to regularly check your home for any openings that could serve as entry points for pests.
For instance, openings like gaps around windows and doors, cracks in the foundation, or tears in window screens should be sealed up. This can be done using caulk, weather stripping, or even mesh screens.
This may not just be a one-time job, either. You may have to regularly maintain and seal these openings as they can wear out over time, particularly over periods of years.
Repairing Window Screens and Vents
Another possible set of entry points for insects can be damaged window screens and vents. These should be repaired as soon as possible, to prevent any unwelcome guests from making their way inside.
For window screens, if the damage is small, it may be possible to repair it using a patch kit or by applying glue to seal up any holes or tears. However, if the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to replace the entire screen altogether.
Similarly for vents, any damages or openings should be sealed off using a mesh screen or other appropriate material. This will not only prevent pests from entering your home but also help maintain proper ventilation.
Reduce Indoor Insect Attractors
Depending on the insects in question, there are a few things inside your home that may be attracting them. For example, leaving food or crumbs out in the open can attract ants and other small insects. To prevent this, be sure to clean up any spills or messes immediately and store food properly in sealed containers.
Another common indoor insect attractor is standing water. Mosquitoes are known for breeding in stagnant water sources such as uncovered rain barrels or clogged gutters. Be sure to regularly check around your house for any potential areas of standing water and eliminate them.
Emptying your trash regularly is another important step in preventing indoor insect infestations. Trash cans are a prime breeding ground for flies, which can quickly multiply and become a nuisance. Make sure to take out the trash on a regular basis and keep your trash cans clean.
Natural Deterrents
There are a few examples of natural deterrents that many readers will already have around their homes, and which can serve as quality tools to prevent insects invading your home:
- Citrus peels: Flies and ants are known to be repelled by the smell of citrus, so placing orange or lemon peels around your home can help keep them away.
- Garlic: A strong scent that many insects don’t like, garlic can be used as a natural insect repellent. Crushed garlic cloves can be placed in areas where insects frequent.
- Peppermint oil: The strong scent of peppermint is also known to deter insects. You can mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water to create a spray that you can use around doors and windows.
- Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder is made from fossilized algae and can be used to control insects. Sprinkle it around your home, particularly in areas where insects are known to enter, such as cracks and crevices.
Outdoor Insect Control Measures
Finally, you can take even further steps to prevent an indoor insect infestation by also controlling the outdoor environment around your home. Here are a few measures you can take:
- Keep your yard clean: Insects are attracted to clutter and debris, so make sure to regularly clean up your yard and remove any piles of leaves, branches, or other organic material.
- Trim vegetation: Overgrown bushes and shrubs provide hiding places for insects, so make sure to regularly trim them back and keep them away from the perimeter of your home.
- Don’t leave standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so make sure to regularly empty any containers that may collect rainwater, such as flower pots or bird baths.
As you can see, there are some simple ways to keep unwanted insects out of your home. For more here, or to learn about any of our pest control services, including insecticide spray, contact us today at Logan Extermination!