We’re all looking for a fresh start in 2021. Resolutions can be an important part of setting goals for what we want to accomplish in the year ahead. This year, that all starts with a healthy home. With most of us still spending more time at home than ever, it’s essential to keep our spaces clean, tidy, and free of pesky pests.
Regular pest control treatment with Terminix can help you keep the critters away and make sure your home doesn’t get overrun overnight. But in the meantime, here are some top ways to make sure you’re not sharing your new WFH space with unwelcome pest guests.
- Inspect Your Home for Hiding Spots
First, check your home for common entry points. Identify any cracks or crevices near doorways and windows, then use a caulk or sealant to keep future intruders out. Critters will often try to venture inside to seek refuge from cold weather or to find food and water.
- Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs
Although it’s icky to think about, there could be an infestation already in your home that you’re unaware of. Nocturnal critters like cockroaches are known for flying under the radar, and rodents can be lurking inside the walls of your home.
Identify any clear signs of an infestation, like droppings or egg cases. These may look like small piles of dark, oval-shaped debris, and can be found near common hiding places, like underneath kitchen appliances, in cabinets, and around water heaters.
- Discard Cardboard Boxes Immediately
Many pests thrive in a cluttered environment, so it’s crucial that you keep your home as tidy and neat as possible. Cockroaches in particular are known to hide out in cardboard boxes.
If you’re getting a lot of packages delivered these days, open the package outside and be sure to shake out the packaging materials before bringing the item in. Then, break down and discard the boxes immediately so no new creatures can find them and make themselves comfortable.
- Clean Out Your Kitchen Cabinets
Dark kitchen cabinets with remnants of food nearby? Those are a pest’s best friend. Often, bugs will hide out in the back of cabinets and drawers, potentially crawling on your pots and pans in the process. Besides the fact that your skin is probably crawling just thinking about that, this can also pose a health risk to you and your family. Many pests carry diseases and bacteria, which can then be transferred to your kitchen utensils and items.
Regularly clean out your cabinets, particularly any items you haven’t used in a while. Keep food in sealed containers or bags to ensure you’re not getting pantry pests crawling around in any opened bags either.
The bottom line: Be aware of what’s going on in your home, so you can stop a problem before it begins.
Want to start your new year off right? Contact us today for your free inspection. Pest control with the professionals is just a phone call away.