If you want to make sure you don’t have any pest infestations this summer, there are a few steps that you should take to do so. Pest infestations can be frustrating, and whether you’re experiencing one or you just want to get out in front of them before they happen, you should take the steps necessary to avoid overarching concerns regarding pest infestations. Here are the three steps that can help you avoid pest infestations in your home.
1. Stop the Pests From Coming Inside
Obviously, the first step should be to make sure that pests stop coming into your home. You can’t mitigate the problem if you can’t stop it. Seal any openings that allow pests to come into the home from the outdoors. This may mean sealing windows and doors, including adding rubber trim, covering up crawl space vents and encapsulating your crawl space, and sealing cracks in your foundation and walls.
It’s also a good idea to schedule home foundation and HVAC inspections. During an inspection, an expert can tell you whether or not there are any places where pests can enter or exit your home. That way, you can get an expert opinion on your pest-proofing.
2. Remove the Pests From Inside the Home
Next, you need to remove the pests from inside the home. You have to do this after you stop the pests from coming inside, because removing the pests as the first step may result in the pests simply coming back before you can stop them from entering the home.
To remove pests, you might use bait or pesticides yourself, or you might choose to call in an exterminator. This may have to do with how serious the problem is; if you’re seeing and hearing pests all day, every day, chances are the problem is very serious, and you’ll need to invest in an exterminator.
3. Protect Your Basement and Crawl Space
Lastly, make sure that you’re protecting the spaces that tend to attract pests the most. This is typically the basement and crawl space. Moisture and standing water are very common in basements and crawl spaces, so removing those sources of pests are key.
To do this, you’re likely going to have to talk to an expert. An expert can help you waterproof your basement or crawl space, including encapsulation and installing sump pumps and dehumidifiers. You also may need to do things like clean your drains and making sure your gutters work properly, to avoid water overflow during rain.
Conclusion
Avoiding pest infestations in the summer isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible. Creepy crawlies can be a frustrating experience for any homeowner, but just because you see pests doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to a life of infestation. All you need to do is stop the pests from coming inside, remove the pests either by yourself or with the help of an expert, and make sure your home isn’t enticing for the pests in the first place.
