Pest which have enjoyed the bounty of the Lakeland and Tampa Bay sunshine and warm weather we had over the summer are finally starting to realize that winter is coming! As a result, they’re doing the next best thing to hibernating, which is taking refuge in our homes and garages. Rather than suffer the unwanted attention of these pests, homeowners are gathering up some basic tools to keep pests out this winter. It’s a kind of preventative pest control.
Today we’re going to review some of the ways you can keep pests and cold weather out of your home.
Caulking
Bugs love to sneak in tiny spaces. In fact, an American cockroach can flatten itself down to the thinness of a quarter or even less. So, caulking the cracks in your home will not only keep valuable warm air in, but it will also keep bugs out.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a great tool for insulating your home, but it has the added benefit of keeping bugs out. Feel for cool air around all sides of doors and learn how to install weather stripping correctly.
Yard cleanup
Rake up any leaves on the ground and around flower beds. Old flower pots, toys, and other yard detritus should be cleaned up and thrown away or stored. Put away the pool toys for the season, and prune the bushes and trees away from the house. Make certain that there are no leaks in the irrigation system or any pots, buckets, or toys which can collect water.
Don’t forget to collect any fruit which falls from citrus or other trees. Roof rats are especially fond of these. The same is true for flyers and newspapers.
Clean the gutters and eaves
Gutters full of leaves can attract roaches and other bugs. Be diligent about cleaning your gutters regularly. Be certain there is adequate drainage at the bottom so water isn’t allowed to collect. Mosquitos love these little ‘ponds’ as breeding grounds, and they attract other insects and rodents in search of water.
Pet food
Clean up pet food when your pet is finished eating and don’t allow it to sit, as it becomes bait for bugs.
Don’t bring them inside
Remember that roaches love the glue in cardboard boxes, and may be hiding in that newspaper (or package!) on your doorstep. Get in the habit of shaking things up before you bring them inside.
Groom your pet
Our furry friends would never deliberately cause us grief, but they can sometimes be the bearers of extra friends such as fleas. Groom your pet carefully, especially if they’ve been out and about or rolling in the yard. It only takes a few minutes and will make them so happy!
Keep the garage door closed
Even leaving your garage door open a crack is enough to welcome unwanted visitors. Who hasn’t been driven batty by the sound of a cricket chirping in the garage? We always think in terms of bugs, but rodents and other vermin will seek refuge in a garage which is slightly open.
You can probably think of more ideas, but hopefully, these tips will get you thinking about ways you can make it harder for bugs to enjoy your home. As always, we are more than happy to come out and perform pest control services for your home, including bed bugs or termites.
If you need pest control services in the Tampa Bay area, call Pelican Pest Prevention at 888-270-0609.