DIY Pest Prevention Tips

Keep your home clean and tidy

One of the best ways to prevent pests is to keep your home clean and tidy. Pests are often attracted to food and water sources as well as clutter they can hide in.

• Vacuum and mop floors regularly, especially under appliances and furniture where crumbs may accumulate.
• Wipe down kitchen counters and clean up spills right away.
• Store food properly in sealed containers, and don’t leave pet food or water bowls out overnight.
• Take out the trash regularly, and be sure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
• Don’t let dishes sit in the sink, and run the dishwasher frequently.
• Clean laundry should be folded and put away, not left in piles around the house.
• De-clutter closets, storage areas, basements and garages. Get rid of things you don’t need to eliminate hiding places.

Keeping my home clean and free of clutter is the first line of defense to prevent pests from wanting to take up residence in my house. A little effort every day goes a long way.

Seal cracks and gaps around the home

Another key pest prevention step is sealing any cracks or gaps that could allow pests to enter the home.

• Caulk or seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes, vents and anywhere wires come into the home.
• Weather strip under doors and install door sweeps to cover gaps at the bottom.
• Use copper mesh, steel wool or other materials to seal any openings wider than 1/4 inch.
• Maintain weather stripping around doors and windows to ensure a tight seal.
• Repair holes in window screens to keep insects out.
• Cover dryer vents and floor drains with fine mesh when not in use.

Taking the time to properly seal my home leaves pests fewer options to sneak their way inside. Cracks and gaps can allow all kinds of pests like mice, cockroaches, ants and more to get in.

Remove exterior pest habitats

The area right outside your home is an extension of the indoors when it comes to pest prevention. Eliminate potential pest habitats outside:

• Clear leaves, mulch and grass away from the foundation. These provide shelter for pests.
• Trim bushes and tree branches so they don’t touch or overhang the house.
• Remove wood piles and other clutter near the home’s exterior.
• Ensure good drainage around the foundation to prevent standing water.
• Change outdoor lights to yellow LEDs – these attract fewer insects.
• Move firewood and compost bins further from the house.
• Clean gutters regularly so they drain properly.

Maintaining a zone about 3 feet around the foundation will go a long way in removing tempting environments for pests outside. This helps prevent them from getting so close to the home.

Use pest-repelling plants

Certain plants are known to help repel common pests, and are worth incorporating into your landscaping. Some good options are:

• Mint – repels ants, mosquitoes, spiders, fleas and flies
• Lavender – repels flies and mosquitoes
• Chrysanthemums – repellent for roaches, ants, ticks and more
• Catnip – deters mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants and flies
• Garlic – helps repel mosquitoes, spiders and ants
• Rosemary – repels mosquitoes, flies and beetles
• Marigolds – work against mosquitoes, nematodes and other garden pests

Planting these around doorways, windows and the foundation can make your landscaping aesthetically pleasing while boosting pest defense. Be sure to keep them trimmed and healthy for best results.

Use traps appropriately

Traps can be an effective part of your pest prevention strategy, but should be used properly:

• Place traps out of reach of children and pets. Read instructions carefully.
• For indoor use, place traps in dark corners, under appliances, or anywhere you’ve seen signs of pests.
• Use traps made for the specific pest you want to target. Different styles work better on certain pests.
• Use enough traps to cover infested areas – one or two is often not sufficient.
• Check and replace traps frequently according to package directions. Empty out dead pests.
• Dispose of used traps properly – seal in plastic bags before throwing away.

Using traps proactively when I first notice signs of pests can help eliminate them before they multiply and become a bigger issue. But traps alone are not enough for serious infestations.

Know when to call a professional

DIY efforts should be your first line of defense, but it’s important to call an exterminator for certain scenarios:

• You have a large, established pest infestation that traps and home remedies have not resolved.
• You need help identifying what type of pest you are dealing with.
• There are pests in hard to reach areas like walls or attics.
• You rent and do not have full control over repairs and maintenance issues.
• There are health and safety risks like cockroaches, termites or wildlife.
• DIY removal of beehives, wasp nests, bats, rats, bed bugs and other pests is not advisable.

Though I always try DIY methods first, I watch for signs it’s time to call in a professional exterminator. They have the expertise and proper equipment to fully eliminate a major pest problem.

Keeping pests out of my home boils down to maintaining cleanliness, reducing entry points, monitoring for signs of activity, using the right removal methods and calling a pro when needed. With some diligence on my part, I can deter pests and enjoy a pest-free home.