It can feel like a full time job keeping our homes and gardens clean and tidy. Indoor spaces can easily become cluttered, especially when we are very busy or have children in the home. Our gardens are great for relaxing, but hedges and lawns require regular maintenance. Weeds also often seem to appear out of nowhere.
Besides all of these things, there is the additional problem of pests. They can cause problems both outdoors and indoors. They love to hide and breed in dark places. When the infestation sets in, building structures can be damaged or people can suffer from breathing problems. There are also unpleasant bites from bed bugs or fleas. Fortunately, there are a number of proven strategies for addressing such problems. We'll look at some of these.
Know your limits
Not everyone knows how to identify a pest problem. They may not be sure where to look and when problems are discovered they may not know what to do about them. According to this website, many people request electronic reports from qualified professionals. Third parties can carry out house inspections with thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters or endoscopes. Professionals can identify problems such as structural or safety issues, termite infestation, or moisture and leaks.
Keep the girth of the house
The closer pests are to a house, the easier it is for them to get into the house. If branches or bushes hang over a house, unwanted animals can get onto the roof or window sills. It is therefore important to keep everything out of the house. This will scare off things like wasps, flies, ants, cockroaches, or biting insects. Also, clean the gutters regularly and make sure the rainwater can drain effectively. Many people keep firewood in their gardens, which can be a haven for unwanted creatures. The wood should therefore be kept between 15 and 20 feet from the house. All trash cans should be securely locked and no animal feed should be left on the floor.
Don't let the garden overgrown
If a lawn is not mowed regularly in summer, insects will linger. If anthills appear on bare ground, spray them with insecticide. Old furniture or garden waste can be another threat. Discard this as soon as possible. Another thing to consider is the standing water problem. This can easily build up in wheelbarrows or unused flower pots. Bird baths can fill up too. This often attracts pests like mosquitoes. Remove the water if it is discovered and regularly service the bird bath.
Fill in the gaps indoors
Pests are constantly looking for ways to get into your home. This can happen through gaps in your tile or through unsealed doors, vents, or windows. The garage can have weak spots outdoors as well as in basements or attics. Also, check cables or pipes for holes. Different materials must be used to keep vermin, insects or snails away. There are grout or poly filler for gaps between tiles. For holes in walls, composite cement or expanding foam insulation can be used. Closing gaps around windows and doors also treats unwanted drafts and keeps the rooms warmer.
How to deal with fleas
If they have become a problem, the first thing to do is address the culprit. A cat may need a special collar and a spray or tablet. Alternatively, a dog may need flea treatment. Use a special house spray to clean the rooms. Vacuum the carpets thoroughly on a regular basis, paying particular attention to the edges where fleas are trying to hide.
Don't trust clothes
It can be common for bed bugs to be brought home from vacation. You can jump from hotel mattresses onto our clothes very quickly. Therefore, it is worth washing everything at a temperature that will protect our clothes, but kill the pests. Some people store their seasonal clothing in attics or basements until they are needed. Again, it is important to check that there were no unwanted guests present. We have now found that many of these approaches are relatively easy to perform. We need to look after our pets and do regular house maintenance. Then we can enjoy our home without any unwanted or unnecessary pests.
