by Mubanga Sampa 
Whether you are frightened or fascinated by pests, we can all agree that they do not belong in the home. Not only do pests create unsanitary living conditions, but they are also annoying. Home pest control need not be an elaborate and daunting procedure. You can keep pests and critters away without spending money on costly pest management. Ready to get started? Read on for some effective tips for a pest-proof home.
Pest-proofing your home
Here are some highly effective tips which you can easily incorporate to keep those unwanted pests out of your home.
Seal your doors
Similar to the way a locked door can keep intruders out, a properly sealed door can keep out unwanted pests. Any unsealed gaps in your entryways are easy ingress paths for pests. One of the best ways to stop critters from crawling under your entryways is to install sturdy threshold under your door. In addition, you can add a door sweeps to your doors to cover the gaps between thresholds the bottom of your doors. Moreover, by installing weather stripping to a door, you can stop pets from entering along the sides or top of the door.
Install screens
Many people are dependent on natural ventilation from doors and windows to bring fresh air into their homes. This is especially true during the warm summer spells when it is hot and humid. Unfortunately, summer is also the time of the year when flies, fleas and mosquitos are most active. By installing screens in windows and doors you will be able to enjoy the feeling of fresh air without the annoyance of insects.
Maintain your yard
Do you know that there is a correlation between yard maintenance and pest infestations? An unkempt yard can be an excellent breeding ground for many pests and insects. With this in mind, it is important to take good care of your yard and get rid of any areas that might be habitats for pests. Here are some of the maintenance tasks you should undertake:
- Firstly, eliminate any pooled water in your yard as mosquitos require water to breed.
- Secondly, maintain regular drainage channels such as gutters and drains.
- Also, remove piles of leaves and debris as these are the perfect hiding areas for insects.
Repair cracks
Many insects will enter your home through cracks or holes in the structure of your home. Repairing cracks on your home’s exterior is one of the most effective ways to pest-proof your home. identify and repair any damaged or missing sections of siding, cracks in foundations, rotted wood or loose bricks.
Store trash properly
The trash in your home can be an excellent place for cockroaches and other pests to thrive and breed. To stop pests from feeding on your trash, proper handling and storage of your trash are critical. Place trash in a can with a lid which you empty regularly. In addition, your trash cans should have self-closing lids along with tight seals to keep pests out.
