Do you find yourself wondering how you can keep your home pest-free? Or maybe you worry that the pests lurking around will soon move in? If you’re struggling to keep your home clean and pest-free, then these DIY tips are going to help.
For one thing – it’s probably not because of any visible signs of disrepair. Instead, there may be a host of unseen little creatures that have made their way into the cracks and crevices in your walls, carpets and other items inside your home.
They may not be apparent to the naked eye, but they can still ruin everything they see if they are left unchallenged. Thankfully, there are some things that you can do without having to call in an expert exterminator or spend lots of money on chemical pesticides and other pest control remedies. Here we’ll share some helpful hints on how to eliminate pests without calling in an exterminator.
Seal up cracks and crevices
Cracks in your walls and floors are one of the most common entry points for pests. You’ll need to seal these up as soon as you discover them. Simply use repositionable caulk to fill them and make sure that the caulk is fully dry before it can be removed and reused. If you have wooden floors, you can seal up the gaps between the boards and the wall with a bit of silicone sealant. This will make it harder for pests to find their way into your home.
Vacuum often
Most homeowners know that they need to vacuum regularly to keep the dust down inside their home, but they don’t do it as frequently as they should. If you have an especially messy home, you’ll need to vacuum regularly to keep the pests from coming in. At the same time, though, it’s important to be mindful of your allergies. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you might want to vacuuming in a well-ventilated area to avoid aggravating your condition.
Keep your home dry
When you’re not using your home, it should be kept as dry as possible. Rains and/or snow will both quickly turn your home into a soggy mess that’s perfect for attracting insects. To keep your home dry, avoid leaving wet towels on the floor, use fans when you’re not in the house to help keep the air moving around, and make sure the water in your home is turned off whenever you’re not using it. It’s also a good idea to keep your windows closed when you’re not in the house to keep the air inside dry. If you have a swimming pool or well-water, you’ll need to keep an eye out for leakages. Make sure that any water features around your home are kept covered when you’re not using them.
Make sure food is stored properly
We’ve all had to throw out a bag of food that’s gone bad and stacked up in the cupboard because we didn’t realize how long it’s been there. In the same way, you should keep an eye out for expired food that has been left in the fridge too long.
Expired food has a higher chance of being infested with pests because it has been left out longer than it should be. Never store food in the same cupboard as other items that might be prone to attracting pests, such as cleaning supplies or other food. Also, make sure that the door to the cupboard is kept shut whenever the food isn’t being used.
Get rid of standing water
There are a number of things that you can do to reduce the amount of standing water in your home. For example, don’t leave bowls of water on the kitchen or bathroom sink. If you have indoor plants, make sure that they aren’t left sitting in water as well. You can also line the hole between your sink and the wall with baking paper or a garbage bag to keep the water from collecting there.
When you’re not using water in your home, make sure that it’s switched off. You can also use a bucket rather than leaving the tap running. This will keep the water from evaporating in the same way that a sponge does. If you have a swimming pool, make sure that the chlorine is at the correct strength and that the water level is low enough for there to be a layer of air above it.
Use scented candles and incense
There are a number of ways that you can use essential oils in your home to keep the pests away. You can burn a couple of scented candles in strategic locations, such as near your bed or by your laptop, or use an oil diffuser to create an artificial scent that’s going to keep the pests at bay.
You can also try burning aromatic herbs, such as bay leaves or cinnamon, in a ceramic bowl rather than on the stove or in a regular fire. These will release their scent into the air, which can keep insects away. Alternatively, you can try hanging up aromatic herbs and spices in strategic locations, such as near your bed or near a window where they can fill the room with their scent.
Summing up
Pests can make your life difficult, especially when they’re inside your home and you can’t see them. These tips will help you keep your home pest-free using DIY methods that don’t require hiring a professional exterminator. If you want to get rid of the pests that are lurking around, simply follow these steps to eliminate them and keep your home free of unwanted guests.
