Home is where the heart is. No one wants uninvited pests invading the space that’s nearest and dearest to them. That’s why pest control is so important. Here are steps you can take as a homeowner to keep those pesky visitors away without needing to call the professionals.
Protecting Your Home From a Pest Infestation
The key to preventing pests from entering your home is to block all entrances:
- Seal openings such as windows and doors. Vents, pipes, chimneys and roof shingles are also places bugs can sneak through. If you notice cracks in these areas, fill them with caulk or steel wool.
- Use flashing to keep your roof dry. Certain parts of your roof can accumulate moisture, which can lead to rot. Wet wood attracts termites, so it’s important to keep your roof dry.
- Block exterior crawl spaces with siding. When vinyl siding isn’t installed all the way to the ground, smaller pests such as bunnies and rats can make their way in. Installing siding in these empty areas can block their entrance and prevent them from nesting.
- Keep your home clean. This may seem like a given, but some homeowners overlook simple things that may attract pests such as not covering the trash, having fresh fruit on the countertop, or leaving open containers of food and water out. Also, some bugs (e.g., cockroaches) love the smell of paper, so avoid leaving boxes, stacks of magazines, or bags lying around.
Hiring a Pest Control Company for Peace of Mind
If you feel like your efforts to keep your home pest-free aren’t working, get in touch with a reputable company that specializes in pest control Salem Oregon. It has the right tools and knowledge to treat your home. Whether your home is full of fire ants or a gang of mice, a pest control company can get rid of them.
You want your home to be a welcoming, habitable spot, but pests can make that difficult. Unfortunately, you may not always be able to get rid of the problem on your own. Sometimes an experienced exterminator may be just what you need to get the job done.