There is nothing worse than opening a door to have a pest run across your foot. Even finding them dead in the home is a little unsettling, so what can we do to discourage the invasion of our homes. We have some suggestions to have a pest-free home.
The No.1 attraction
Food! The top reason any pest makes its way into your home is food and water. The best way to keep your home pest-free is to not encourage their invasion. Different foods attract different pests;
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Baked goods left on the counter – Rodents.
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Sugar granules or sugary treats – Ants.
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Sugary drinks – Stinging insects.
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Wine, beer, and liquor – Fruit flies.
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Fresh produce – Fruit flies.
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Packaged foods (flour, cereals, pasta etc.) – Weevils.
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Crumbs – Cockroaches, Rodents, Ants.
During drier months of the year, water becomes very attractive to the pests too!
Cleaning tips for a pest-free home
Pests love dark areas with less foot traffic and a little dust. Our 5 cleaning tips will keep your home fresh and clean while deterring the pests from making your house their home too!
Reduce dust and dirt with 2 Mats
Trap more dirt by using two mats, one outside the door and one inside. To refresh, hose off and air-dry mats. Vacuum indoor ones on both sides — going over the back will push trapped dirt out onto the floor where it will be easier to pick up.
Freshen the drains
Got kitchen stink you just can’t kick? Try running a couple of lemon rind slivers through your garbage disposal and follow with cold water to get rid of any unwanted odors.
Clean the fridge
In addition to wiping down your fridge’s interior shelving on a regular basis, give the removable bins and shelves a deep clean every now and again. Pop-out the door shelves and bins, and wash in warm, soapy water to get rid of food bacteria and spillage.
While most pests will not get into the fridge, what about underneath or behind it? Pull out the fridge, vacuum, and wash the fridge, walls, and floors.
Bathroom cleanout
Bathrooms can quickly get dirty and attract those pests that you wish were not. Moist, dark, and plenty of hiding spaces attract pests all the time.
To freshen drains (not unclog them) and help keep them free-flowing, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by 1 cup of heated vinegar. It will foam and bubble. Let it stand for 15 minutes tops. Follow by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds. This is especially helpful for seldom-used drains, like in guest bathrooms.
Cleaned around, but what about on top?
Have you ever seen the top of a fan? Especially if they have not been used all winter long. Summer cleaning is all about tackling the areas you forget about during the rest of the year. Grab an extendable duster and attack ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, moldings, and more.
Pest Proof
Pest Proof Pest Management has professionally assisted many people in removing bed bugs and other pest infestations. Servicing the Manassas, VA and Alexandria, VA. Contact Pest Proof VA to have a professional assist you with removing pests from your home.
