IBISWorld estimates that the UK’s pest control industry is worth £653 million. This sector is very profitable because pests are a pesky problem that homeowners go to great lengths to eliminate. Pests like termites can destroy your home if you don’t get rid of them in time. Others like roaches and mice can transfer a wide range of diseases. Thankfully, there is no shortage of smart tips and steps you can take to keep these animals out of your house. Here are some things you can do to keep your home pest-free.
Use smells to ward off pests
Certain smells put off some pests. Therefore, making these scents abundant in your house is an excellent strategy to keep them at bay. Mosquitoes and other insects reportedly can’t stand the smell of fresh rosemary, sage, lavender, lemongrass, and citronella. Similarly, treat your timber furniture with menthol, citronella oil, or eucalyptus oils to discourage wasps from residing in your house. Additionally, consider learning how to make DIY spider repellent to use in your home to keep spiders away. Spiders are generally harmless, but you may be among the 45% of Brits who are scared of them anyway. Therefore, making a strong-smelling repellent with peppermint oil is ideal for kicking them out.
Get rid of leftovers
Cockroaches, mice, ants, and many other pests are attracted to homes that offer easy access to food. Therefore, get rid of your leftovers to prevent these pests from staying in your house. You can tightly shut any jars containing food or lock away your groceries to prevent pest access. Also, clean your kitchen as often as possible to get rid of crumbs. Furthermore, don’t leave any food out for long since ants and other pests can quickly flock to it. Finally, regularly remove overly ripe fruit from your fruit bowl to avoid attracting insects.
Seal pest entry points
Pests require access to infiltrate and infest your house. Therefore, you can prevent them from entering your home by simply blocking off their access points. Doors and windows are the first entry points to consider. However, you can’t keep these access areas shut all the time since fresh air is also vital. Consequently, invest in fly or bug screens for your open windows to prevent these pests from entering your home. Also, varnish your wooden shelves and units to seal them from cockroaches and other pests. Additionally, close any wall cracks and holes that give access to cupboards and loft spaces. This way, pests cannot hide and breed in them.
Keep your bathroom clean
It is no secret that many pests are attracted to damp areas. Therefore, keeping your bathroom clean and dry is vital to keep them out of your house. You can use a toilet cleaner to wash your pot every other day. Also, wash your sink once weekly with a powerful bathroom cleaner. In addition, keep your shower curtain dry and moss-free. Finally, ensure that your drain isn’t clogged with hair and other particles to prevent water stagnation.
Collaborative post. Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay