If there’s one thing Floridians know, it’s that the heat outside can be brutal. If there are two things Floridians know, the second is usually that bugs are abundant. While there may not be much you can do about the heat – aside from staying in the A/C – there are some tips and tricks you can use to help make sure bugs won’t be bothering you inside of your home.
Tips for Pest Exclusion in Your Home
If you want to prevent pests in your home, you need to get good at pest exclusion. Pest exclusion is the practice of anticipating the factors that attract pests and working to eliminate them before they lead to infestations. Here are some measures you can take that will help set you up for success.
Dispose of your garbage regularly, and make sure it’s sealed
One of the more common pests you’re likely to encounter is the ant. It comes in many different varieties, and each species has its own set of problems it can cause your home. There are a couple of different ways you can reduce the likelihood they’ll find a great food source in your home; the first of which is getting rid of your garbage. It’s not a bad idea to take it out a little more often during the warmer months and always make sure it’s sealed properly so nothing can get in.
Properly store pet food
Along the same lines, we often forget our pet’s food can be a great source of nutrition for critters other than our furry friends. To make sure Spot doesn’t have to share his food with a colony of ants, store pet food in a sealed container. This will take away the temptation for bugs and will keep the food fresh.
Give common entry points a once-over
Pests, like these ants, often find their way into homes the same way we do – through doors and windows. At least once a year it’s important to check up on these common entryways. Replace any weather stripping on doors, and look to see if there is any loose mortar around your windows in need of repair.
Make sure foliage isn’t overgrown
Pests are sneaky and use anything they can to find a way into our homes, and that includes foliage. Trim back tree limbs and any other plants or shrubs that might be touching the side or roof of your house. This will reduce the chances of pests climbing the branches and eventually getting inside.
Check for humid areas and give them ventilation
If pests do make it inside, we surely don’t want to make it cozy for them. Check crawl spaces and in your attic for humid areas. It’s good to dry them out and keep them well-ventilated. Moisture is a breeding ground for any number of things, so you definitely want to get rid of it as well as you can.
Even with these defense mechanisms, pests can continue to be a problem, and when that’s the case, it’s time to call in the professionals. We’ll help you build a home defense plan to ward off these pests once and for all. If you’d like to schedule a no-obligation consultation, give Florida Pest Control a call today.