How to Prevent Pests In Your Home

Stop Pests From Invading Your Home

Dealing with pests invading your home can be annoying at best and a serious hazard at worst. Recent surveys show a majority of Australian households deal with some type of pest intrusion each year. Over half the population needs to use some form of pest control in their house annually.

The most common household pests reported in Australia are ants, cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, flies, mosquitoes, rodents, and termite swarms when in season. These unwanted critters don’t just creep people out, they can cause property damage by nesting in walls or wood structures. Biting insects spread diseases in some cases. These unwanted guests get into stored food sources and contaminate things. Many people experience allergies or asthma attacks triggered by them in their home.

The good news is there are steps you can take to pest-proof your entire house to keep these intruders out in the first place. It takes diligence to properly store food, block access holes, manage moisture sources, keep things clean, and make your property less inviting to the bugs wanting to come inside.

This article outlines key tips for Australian homeowners to deter and prevent common house pests. Follow these DIY prevention guidelines to reduce the need for pesticide use. Or call exterminators to deal with infestations down the road.

1. Keep Things Clean

One of the best ways to prevent pests is by keeping a clean home. Sweep and mop floors regularly, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Wipe down countertops daily and clean up any crumbs or spills right away. Taking out garbage frequently also helps avoid attracting them and make your house clean.

2. Manage Your Rubbish

Make sure trash cans have tight fitting lids and the bins are not overflowing. This prevents pests from getting into the garbage and finding food scraps. Bag all trash items properly and avoid just tossing loose waste into the bins. Take garbage out to outdoor curbside bins frequently.

3. Repair Any Leaks or Cracks

Inspect exterior walls, exterior doors, windows, and ceilings for gaps or cracks. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal up any holes that could allow pests to enter. Things like leaky pipes can also attract them to look for water. Make necessary repairs.

4. Pest-Proof Food Storage

Store all food items in airtight containers. Things like cereals, pasta, rice, and snacks should go in containers with tight lids. Refrigerate perishable goods, clean up spills right away, and avoid leaving source of food out. Manage compost piles away from the house.

5. Manage Drain Pipes

Clogged drains with stagnant water and debris attract some pests. Use drain cleaner and covers for tubes regularly. Fix any leaky plumbing that can lead to moisture.

6. Eliminate Standing Water Sources

Get rid of any sources of water around the home. Fix leaky outdoor faucets, clear out rain gutters, and empty any pots or buckets collecting rainwater. It attracts mosquitoes and others.

7. Landscape Away From Home

Keep all vegetation, wood piles, compost bins, tree branches and bushes back from the perimeter of your home. This creates a buffer zone so pests have less access right up against your home’s foundation.

8. Sanitation is Key

Disinfect countertops, mop floors, and do other cleaning steps like washing bedding to get rid of odors or residue that could attract creepy crawlies. Keep things as sanitary as possible.

When to Call a Professional

If you already have a pest problem, calling a professional exterminator is often the easiest solution. They have powerful treatments and can fully eliminate the issue safely. For prevention, try these DIY tips first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key safety considerations when doing pest control?

Use natural DIY ingredients when possible versus harsh chemicals, especially if you have kids or pets. Only use outdoor chemicals away from children. Read all warning labels carefully on any pesticides before using them properly. Consider calling a professional for serious infestations.

How do I know when it’s time to hire a pro exterminator?

It’s best to call in an exterminator if you see multiple signs of the same pest, an infestation has rapidly spread, or your DIY prevention efforts did not resolve the issue. Severe problems like a Termite infestation require professional treatment right away.

Should bedding be washed to prevent pests?

Yes, wash all bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and blankets regularly in hot water then run through a hot clothes dryer cycle. This kills dust mites, bed bugs, and other tiny pests that can live in bedding materials as their breeding ground if not washed frequently.

Conclusion

Preventing unwanted pests takes some diligence with cleaning, maintenance, storage, and landscaping. But putting in the effort can pay off by avoiding pest infestations or the need to use harsh chemicals or hire exterminators.

Start with these DIY tips as a line of defense to keep them out all year long. Stay vigilant and address any problems right away.