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Nobody enjoys sharing their home with creepy crawlies or furry freeloaders, but it can be an uphill battle trying to convince them to move out for good. Fortunately, it’s possible to achieve a pest-free paradise. Let’s explore which pests annoy most homeowners and examine some permanent solutions designed to keep those unwanted guests out for good.
In This Post:
Identifying the Enemy
Whenever a homeowner laments over the fact that they’re struggling to evict some stubborn pests, they’re most likely talking about one of a few common suspects. Before these pests can be removed for good, they need to be identified. Once a person knows what they’re dealing with, they can actually begin to address the issue.
The most common culprits include ants. These tiny trespassers leave trails as they scout for food, which can make figuring out where they’re coming from a little easier. To begin fighting back, seal entry points and invest in a bait station or two. If a person is lucky, these small fixes can eliminate entire colonies.
Mice and rats are also common pests. While some might find them cute, they’re not only destructive but also have the potential to spread disease. They can also be incredibly difficult to eliminate because they’re a bit more clever and might need more outside help to evict. If a homeowner expects mice to be the issue, it’s wise to learn more about mice control before deciding whether to call in a professional exterminator.
Next up are roaches. These gross bugs love to live in dark and damp environments and they can be challenging to fight because they’re mostly active at night. It’s a good idea to fix any leaky faucets and keep a space clean and clutter-free to make a home less hospitable for these creepy crawlies.
While mostly harmless, spiders can be extremely unsettling houseguests. If a person wants to remove a large spider without hurting it, there are ways to do this without much fuss. If the fear of interacting with one is too great, individuals can instead focus on disrupting their webs and eliminating potential hiding spots. They won’t stick around if their quiet corners are constantly being disturbed by a vacuum or feather duster.
Permanent Solutions for Dealing with Common Pests
While small fixes like traps and sticky strips can help remove pests in some cases, sometimes the best cure for pests is a few permanent changes. The first line of defense lies in creating an unwelcoming environment that pests don’t enjoy living in.
If there are no cracks in a wall or under a door, roaches and mice won’t be able to come and go as they please. Maintaining a clean and clutter-free space is also a good idea. Regularly wipe down surfaces, store food in sealed containers and avoid moisture build-up to avoid giving pests a free lunch. With no food to nibble on, small unwelcome guests will have no reason to hang around.
For targeted defense, make use of natural solutions alongside traditional bug sprays. Certain plants like peppermint, lavender and citronella work as natural repellents that make a home smell good for people but not for critters. Strategically placing these plants around a home and near entry ways can add an extra layer of protection.
Buying and placing bait stations or traps specifically designed for the identified pest usually work well but take extra time. Remember that consistency and patience is key. Combining these permanent solutions with vigilant monitoring will create a long-term pest-free environment.
Living Preventatively
Unfortunately, living a pest-free life doesn’t simply stop after the initial eviction. To make a home permanently unwelcoming to creepy crawlies, keep living spaces clean. Regularly vacuum carpets and furniture to remove crumbs and potential nesting materials, store firewood away from the house and keep foundations clear by trimming back overgrown plants.
Finally, it’s worthwhile to inspect all incoming packages for potential hitchhikers before bringing them inside – a box from the store could be harboring a stowaway bug eager to turn a new house into their home. Preventative measures might mean more time cleaning up, but when they’re part of a routine pests will get the message that a home is off-limits.
