Pests are irritating, dangerous, and unfortunately, they’re everywhere. If you’re trying to make your home a nicer place to live, getting rid of any pests is your first port of call. While it can take some time to start with, your family and your property will thank you. With this in mind, here are a few tips to help you get rid of any unwelcome intruders.
Do Your Research
The first step is to work out what the most common household pests in your area are likely to be. Different places have different pests to deal with, and each pest might have its dangers and its own methods to get rid of them.
You should also look for signs of potential invasions in your home and backyard. Some signs are more obvious than others, such as a visible wasp nest. But you might also look for signs of damage to plants or property that could suggest a hidden friend somewhere.
When to Hire a Professional
In some cases, you can get rid of the pest yourself. If the pest is dangerous or needs special care to be moved, it’s best to hire a professional.
For example, a large wasp nest or beehive will need protective gear to be safely disposed of. In the latter case, a beekeeper might even be able to move the bees without damaging the hive, hopefully allowing the colony to survive elsewhere.
Otherwise, you might need a professional if your efforts to get rid of the pests aren’t proving fruitful. The professional can then do their job and give you tips to prevent the return of any pests.
Prevention Rather Than the Cure
Ideally, the best way to stop pests is to stop them from bothering you in the first place.
Look for gaps, holes, or cracks in your home that might allow a pest inside. Even small openings can let mice in, and bugs can get through most tiny gaps with no worries. Seal them up with caulk or plaster.
Check your shed, garage, or any other outdoor structure. These can very quickly become home to pests. A well maintained property is a property that’s far less prone to pests.
Clearing Your Exterior
Debris, junk, and large plants close to your home all provide potential shelter for unwelcome visitors. Clear out anything that doesn’t need to be in your backyard. Keep it tidy and pests will be less likely to visit.
Some people do like to have a wilderness area in their backyard. If you do want to help the local wildlife in this way, keep it away from your home to prevent anything getting into the house.
If you have compost, make sure it’s secured as it can attract rats. Only put vegetable waste in the compost to keep it clean. Meat or dairy products, as well as cooked food, can encourage pests to move in. Hotter compost is also far better, because it breaks down more quickly.