The Key Steps First-Time Homeowners Need To Take For Pest Control
As a first-time homeowner, it can take some time to get used to all of the responsibilities involved. But as you adapt to these new responsibilities, it's important not to overlook pest control. The sooner you start thinking about keeping pests away and taking action in that regard, the fewer problems you will have with pests, overall. Here are the key pest control tasks you should tackle as a homeowner.
Keep trash enclosed.
Make sure you have a dedicated plan to store your trash where pests cannot reach it. Make sure all of your outdoor trash cans have lids, and make sure those lids stay closed. You might want to get some bricks or cinder blocks to put on top of them; this will keep raccoons and rats out. Also ensure you have a good, enclosed trash can for kitchen scraps and other indoor trash. This will help keep flies, roaches, and ants from entering the can to eat its contents. Still, make sure you take your kitchen trash out every day, or at least every other day.
Trim the weeds and plants along the sides of your home.
Pests like cockroaches, mice, and rats like to hide out in any weeds or tall plants that grow alongside your home. Then, they don't have to travel very far to get into your home itself. If you keep the plants trimmed down, you'll have fewer pest problems overall. Get into the habit of trimming back your weeds every week or two. Consider cutting down any shrubs or bushes that are growing right up against your foundation, too.
Install and run a dehumidifier.
Pests love moisture. Most basements are more humid than they should be, and this attracts pests. So, it is wise to buy and run a dehumidifier in your basement. If other parts of your home are moist, you may want to set up dehumidifiers in those areas, too. Also, make sure that you run your bathroom fan after showering and your kitchen fan after cooking. This will help keep your bathroom and kitchen, both of which are places where bugs tend to hang out, dryer and less appealing to pests.
If you take the steps above, you will be well on your way toward better pest control. If you do see any pests hanging around, call a local pest control company ASAP. The sooner they start working, the better.
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