Pest Control: Think Smart
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This is a bug paradise.
Even the cleanest homes and businesses can attract pests with water leaks, mature vegetation, dirty trash bins and other seemingly innocent household issues. Do a quick once-over to find potential trouble spots.
Water Leaks
Water can accumulate around your house for lots of reasons: a leaking roof, blocked gutters, a leaky faucet or a sprinkler system that over-waters the lawn. All that moisture is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a welcome mat for crickets and flies.
Dirty Dishes
Too tired to do the dishes? Better think again. Pests make a beeline for dirty dishes and sinks, food left out in the open and food in the pantry that’s not tightly sealed. Grain weevils, cockroaches and rodents are common after-dinner guests.
Attic Space
When it’s cold outside, pests look for warmth. The tiniest gaps between plumbing pipes and walls and around windows and vents can lure rodents, spiders and other pests to set up housekeeping in your attic or crawl space.
Pet Food Bowls
Your pets aren’t the only ones who appreciate their water and food bowls. Insects, especially ants, are attracted to water, leftover dog food and even the dirty empty bowl.
Vegetation
Mature vegetation close to your house does wonders for pests. They use it for shelter, food and even as a bridge to get inside your home. Old leaves and stacked firewood can draw carpenter ants, termites and other bugs.
Trash Bins
Trash is a necessary evil for people and a nonstop party for pests. Frequently emptied, closed, clean trash bins can help keep flies, rodents, roaches, ants and other pesky creatures to a minimum.
