Maintaining a pest-free home is essential for health, comfort, and peace of mind.

Whether it’s ants in the kitchen, mice in the basement, or cockroaches scurrying through the bathroom, pests can quickly turn your sanctuary into a source of frustration. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can keep your home free of unwanted invaders and avoid the potential damage they bring.

Here are seven essential pest control tips to help you maintain a pest-free home.

Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure

The first and most effective line of defense against pests is preventing them from entering your home. Even the tiniest cracks or gaps can serve as an open door for insects, rodents, and other pests.

Inspect your home for potential entry points, paying close attention to doors, windows, and any other places where utilities or pipes enter the building. Some common areas where pests sneak in include:

• Cracks in the foundation
• Gaps under doors or windows
• Torn window screens
• Spaces around plumbing and electrical wiring

Seal any cracks or gaps with caulk or other appropriate materials. Use weather stripping to seal gaps around windows and doors. For larger openings like chimneys or vents, ensure screens are installed to block access without restricting airflow.

2. Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy

A clean home is far less attractive to pests. Many pests, such as cockroaches, ants, and rodents, are drawn to food and water sources, so eliminating these attractions can help keep them away. Here are some cleaning habits that will discourage pests from settling in:

Store Food Properly

Keep food in sealed containers, and clean up spills and crumbs immediately. Make sure pet food is stored securely as well.

Empty the Trash Regularly

Trash cans, especially in the kitchen, are a magnet for pests. Make sure to take the trash out regularly and use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

Clean Dishes Promptly

Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting in the sink for long periods. Even small traces of food can attract pests.

3. Eliminate Sources of Water and Moisture

Many pests, such as termites, mosquitoes, and cockroaches, are attracted to moisture. To keep your home pest-free, it’s essential to eliminate sources of standing water and moisture buildup. Here’s how you can reduce moisture in and around your home:

Fix Leaky Faucets and Pipes

Even small leaks can create enough moisture to attract pests. Regularly inspect your plumbing and fix any leaks promptly.

Use a Dehumidifier

Do you live in a humid climate or have areas in your home with excess moisture, such as a basement or attic? Make sure to use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.

Clear Clogged Gutters

Standing water in clogged gutters can attract pests. Clean your gutters regularly to ensure proper drainage.

Remove Standing Water Outdoors

Make sure there’s no standing water in containers like birdbaths, buckets, or flower pots outside your home. These can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

By reducing moisture inside and around your home, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of attracting pests.

4. Trim Vegetation and Maintain Your Yard

Your yard can serve as a welcoming environment for pests if not maintained properly. Overgrown bushes, trees, and grass provide shelter for pests, while fallen leaves and debris can be an ideal nesting site.

Regular yard maintenance can reduce the likelihood of pests making their way into your home. Follow these tips to keep your yard pest-free:

• Trim back trees and bushes
• Mow your lawn regularly
• Remove leaf piles and debris
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home

By maintaining your yard and keeping vegetation under control, you can create a less hospitable environment for pests.

5. Use Eco-Friendly Pest Control Remedies

If you prefer a chemical-free DIY pest control, there are several natural remedies you can use to deter pests from entering your home. Some of the most effective natural pest control solutions include:

Essential Oils

Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil are known to repel ants, spiders, and other insects. You can mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it around entry points and problem areas.

Vinegar

A solution of equal parts vinegar and water can be used to clean surfaces and deter pests like ants and fruit flies. The strong scent of vinegar is a natural repellent for many insects.

Diatomaceous Earth

This powdery substance is made from fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. It is harmless to humans but deadly to insects like ants, cockroaches, and bedbugs. Sprinkle it in areas where pests are likely to travel.

While natural remedies can be effective, they may require more frequent application than chemical treatments. However, they offer a safer, eco-friendly option for keeping your home pest-free.

7. Hire Professional Pest Control Services When Needed

While DIY pest control can be effective for minor infestations, there are times when professional help is necessary. If you’re dealing with a large infestation, pests that are difficult to eliminate, or recurring pest problems, it’s best to call a professional pest control service.

Professional exterminators have access to advanced treatments and techniques that are more effective at eliminating pests. They can also identify the root causes of your pest problem by doing a rodent inspection and offer long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.

Additionally, many pest control companies offer preventative maintenance plans to keep your home pest-free year-round.

Minimize and Prevent Further Damage and Health Risks

According to the U.S. EPA, rodents cause significant damage to properties around the U.S. and may also spread diseases that could be a severe risk to public health. They can transmit these diseases through bite wounds and contaminating food and water supplies. They can also be vectors or hosts to other infectious disease-carrying critters, such as fleas, mites, and ticks.

So, don’t wait for rodents to endanger your family. By scheduling regular pest inspection and control services, you can prevent these pests from reproducing, damaging your property, and posing many health and safety risks. 

Safe Pest Management Starts With You

If you don’t take the steps mentioned above to keep your home pest-free, then you are going to keep getting recurring pest infestations. 

Eastside Exterminators has been in the pest control business in Seattle since 1969. We bring eco-friendly pest management methods to clients and we would like to help you as well. 

Schedule an appointment with our team today.