Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
The pest control industry is on the up. It’s expected to generate $16 billion in revenue across the US in 2019. The reason for this is the increased presence of various pests, such as termites, bed bugs, and rats.
There’s no doubt it’s costly to have to call in an exterminator. That’s why you should take steps to reduce the chances of experiencing an infestation in the first place.
In This Post:
Keep the House Clean
Most pests can be controlled simply through keeping your home clean. Mice, rats, and cockroaches aren’t interested in an immaculate home. They seek out the darker, dirtier parts of the world where they can better rest undisturbed and gain easy access to food.
Sweeping, dusting, and mopping are all things you should be doing regularly.
You don’t need to become obsessed, but your home should receive a deep clean at least once per month.
Be Careful with Food
Most pests feed on the crumbs from your table. Of course, the occasional missed crumb is not going to lead to an infestation, but a carefree attitude is tempting fate.
Don’t carry food around the house and have a designated eating area. Once the food has been cleared away, try to wash down tables and vacuum the floor immediately.
You should also take extra care with your trash. Poorly stored trash outside can lead to an infestation inside.
Pay Extra Attention to Soft Fabrics
Soft fabrics are havens for the bed bug. The prevalence of bed bugs has almost single handedly led to the huge growth seen in the pest control industry.
They’re master hitchhikers, are common in both clean and dirty environments, and are extremely good at hiding. Bedbugs can also lay up to 500 eggs during their lifetime, making it a difficult infestation to get rid of for good.
Clothes, bed covers, cushion covers, and mattresses are just some of the fabrics that need some special attention. Wash them well, and at least once per month.
Act When Returning from a Trip
Speaking of which, many attentive homeowners discover a problem with bed bugs when returning home from a trip. Bed bugs can cling to anything and hitchhike to the next location.
Whenever you return from a trip, throw all your clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 15 minutes.
Go Green at Home
Adding certain types of greenery to your home can make life miserable for many pests. Lavender, eucalyptus, mint, and marigolds are just some of the options you have.
Keeping them in your garden or on your windowsills is an excellent natural way of reducing the risk of infestations.
Last Word – Act Quickly if You Suspect an Infestation
The longer you ignore the signs of a potential infestation the more costly it gets to remove it. That’s why you should call a professional pest control company.
They’ll be able to perform a diagnosis of your home and act to remove the pests before they start to cause real damage.
What’s the biggest pest problem in your area?
