We’re nearing the end of the year, and that means it’s time to make sure your home is pest-proof for the new year. This is a time of fresh beginnings for you and your home. With a few simple steps, you can plan for a pest-free year. Read on for a year-end pest control checklist for your home and why you should have a professional pest control team by your side.
Check for Signs of Pest Activity
Check your attic, wall voids, insulation, basements, and crawl spaces for signs of pest activity. Since these undisturbed areas are often neglected, they’re usually where pests take up shelter. Inspect these areas, keeping an eye out for nesting material, chewed wires and droppings. It’s also a good idea to check around these areas for signs of moisture, like leaks or standing water, as many insect species are attracted to humid conditions.
Check for Entry Points (and Seal Them!)
Nearly every pest finds its way into your home in one way: through unseen entry points. Take a walk around your home’s exterior, checking for cracks and crevices around the foundation and siding. Check doors and windows for gaps, damaged weatherstripping and torn screens. You can also look around vents to see if there are gaps. If you can do so safely, check the roofline for loose shingles or openings that provide an entry point for rodents, bats and other critters. Make sure to seal any entry point you find.
Clean Out Storage Areas
Beyond checking for signs of pest activity and possible entry points, a huge part of your year-end pest control checklist will be to make sure your home isn’t attractive to pests. This starts by ensuring your home, especially storage areas, is clear of clutter. Garages, sheds and other storage areas are prone to clutter, which can also make them prone to pests. Some pests, like rodents and certain insect species, are attracted to cardboard. As you clean out the clutter, consider organizing your items by storing them in airtight plastic containers. Keeping these areas clutter-free is a great way to deter pests.
Refresh Your Kitchen
Besides storage areas, kitchens are another common stomping ground for pests. This is because there are plenty of food sources. Our leftovers are among the most common culprits, along with crumbs and trash. This is especially true for rodents. Even if food isn’t readily accessible, rodents will chew their way through packaging to get to it. Take some time to do a full cleanout of your pantry, wiping away any crumbs and throwing away food that’s out of date. Use airtight containers to store leftovers, and make sure your trash can is free of spills or sticky substances.
Do a Yard Cleanup
Pest-proofing the outside of your home is just as important as pest-proofing the inside. Since pests come in from outside, you want to make sure your yard isn’t attracting them or creating a way for them to get inside. Keep your yard free of clutter and debris that pests can hide in. Keep the grass low and trim back trees and shrubs to keep pests from using them as a bridge to reach your home. If you have firewood, store it away from your home. The best place is off the ground, on a shelf or table, or in a storage shed.
Have a Professional Pest Control Team
Going into the new year, make sure you have a trusted pest control team by your side! While you can take steps to protect your home, pests are sneaky and can still find their way in. The Omaha pest control pros at Pro-Staff are here to help you avoid infestations in the new year. We use decades of industry experience to get rid of existing infestations and prevent them from returning. Learn more about our pest control process or contact us online to put us on your pest control home team!
