Don’t Fall Foul To Intruders: How To Keep Pesky Household Pests Out

Many of us love having a pet, but what happens when you realize that there are unwanted intruders making themselves at home? Pests can make your life a misery, and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Here are some handy hints to help you keep pesky pests out.

Mice and rats

Mice and rats are among the most common household pests. They tend to enter through cracks and gaps in doorways and walls, and they’re often on the lookout for scraps of food and warm shelters. Droppings are the most common sign of infestation, but you may also hear rodents scrabbling around or notice holes in trash bags or cardboard boxes. If you’re keen to keep mice and rats out, it’s always a good idea to keep your kitchen clean. Tidy up at the end of each day, and make sure you don’t leave food lying around. Take the trash out on a regular basis, and wash the dishes. If you do notice droppings or you think you’ve heard rats running around in the loft, you can put some traps down, or consult a local pest control firm.

Termites

Termites are a real problem for homeowners because they cause extensive damage. They tend to feed on materials like wood, which can affect the structural strength of a building. Termite infestations are particularly worrying for people who are trying to buy or sell a home. In many cases, a termite inspection is required before a sale goes through. If there is evidence of infestation, a buyer may pull out, and the seller will have to pay for treatment before selling. If you think you may have termites at home, it’s best to seek professional advice and consider options like Turner Pest Control termite treatment. It can be very difficult to tackle a termite problem, so it’s best left to the experts. Signs to look out for include finding winged termites indoors and spotting mud tubes on walls and joists.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are opportunistic pests, which approach apartments and houses looking for morsels to feed on. If you have cracks in the walls or ceilings, they can easily be exploited. To prevent cockroach infestation, keep your surfaces and floors clean, especially the kitchen. Keep food in sealed containers, and don’t allow dirty dishes to pile up on the counter. If you do spot cockroaches, it’s usually best to get pest control experts in. There are DIY treatments you can try, but they tend to be less effective.

Pests are a concern for many homeowners. They can be difficult to get rid of, and by the time you notice they’re there, they may have already caused significant damage. Sometimes, there are things you can do to keep pests out. Clean your home frequently, seal up gaps holes in doors, window frames and ceilings, and don’t leave bits of food lying around. If you are worried about pests, and you think unwanted visitors may have breached your home’s defenses, seek advice. It’s usually best to act quickly, as pests often multiply very quickly.