|
     |
|
|
|
|
|
Your guide to green living in Montgomery County, MD |
How to Prevent Common Household Pests: Tips for a Pest-Free Home
By Abdul Wadood
Pests are a common issue in our homes, but there are many options to protect ourselves without pesticides by keeping them out in the first place.. Keeping the creepy-crawlies out of our homes can be challenging, but with the right techniques, you can significantly reduce the chances of infestation.
Pests love clutter, which creates dark spaces and traps moisture. And did you know many pests feed off of dust in the house? Clutter allows for more dust to build up. Organize items in storage containers and get rid of things that create a perfect spot for bugs to hide, such as:
Rodents are among the most common pests in Montgomery County. Some ways to eliminate conditions that attract rodents include organizing items on proper shelving and avoiding clutter where they could nest in your attic, garage, and basement. If you don’t need an item, donate or discard it.
Note: If you’re discarding a bed bug-infested mattress or furniture, seal it in a plastic bag and mark it “Bed Bugs” so it’s properly disposed of (and curb shoppers won’t think they’ve found a treasure!).
Pests are persistent and can enter your home even through the smallest openings. Inspect your doors and windows for gaps and seal them with weather stripping. Use a silicone sealant to seal any cracks in your walls.
Holes in walls and cabinets for pipes and ducts are potential entry points for rodents. They can enter through openings smaller than an inch, so thoroughly inspect and seal any gaps. Steel wool is great for deterring rodents — stuff it in holes and cracks in the walls and behind cabinets and no mouse will chew through it!
Pests love food just like you do. Moths lay eggs in flour products, mice eat everything from crackers to soap, and ants love anything with sugar. Store food in airtight containers in your pantry and fridge to prevent pests from accessing it, wipe down countertops and tables, sweep floors, vacuum behind the cushions, and always do dishes right away.
Note: If you have open food packaging, check the food for live insects or signs of pest infestation, like tiny holes or droppings, and dispose of it immediately. Eating infested food can cause food poisoning.
Pet food is as attractive as human food to creepy-crawlies, so store it in an airtight container. If your furry friend has uneaten food, pick it up immediately to prevent pests.
Many pests, like roaches, centipedes, and spiders, prefer damp environments. Regularly inspect pipes under the sink and faucets for leaks and fix them immediately. Keep basements dry and seal cracks and openings in basements — spiders, roaches, spider crickets, and other pests thrive in damp, dark spaces.
Spider crickets (harmless) are often attracted to damp areas, so drying out the basement will help, along with other methods like sealing cracks and gaps in doors, vacuuming them up, and sticky traps. Here’s a bunch of good tips to try first to eliminate spider crickets
For spiders, most of which are harmless and help eat other insects, they can frequently vacuum them up, along with sealing gaps and cracks, and using sticky traps. There are lots of natural spider repellents, too.
Clogged drains are breeding grounds for drain flies and other bugs. Here’s an eco-friendly way to clean your drain:
After a few tries, if boiling water alone does not work, you can try an extra step:
Trim trees and bushes around your home to prevent pests, especially lawn pests like ants, rodents, and ticks, from using them as pathways to enter inside.
Vegetation close to a home also provides food and nesting for termites — keep a clear barrier between plants and walls, foundations, and windows. Trim branches back from gutters and the roof where squirrels and rodents can jump between branches and the roof.
Pro tip: Remove fallen leaves, branches, and other debris from your lawn to eliminate hiding spots for pests. It’s also important to clean your gutters at least twice a year to ensure water flows smoothly, and eliminate corrugated drain pipes from gutters that hold water in the ripples where mosquitoes can breed. Stagnant water around your home can invite mosquitoes and other pesky creatures.
Inspect your home every three months for pests to detect infestations early and prevent them from worsening. Look for live pests, droppings, chewed food, and damaged wood.
If you hear unusual sounds from your attic, basement, crawl space, or garage, rodents may be causing them. Set up traps to capture rats and mice. Sticky traps are great for insect pests, but cruel for rodents — use rodent traps that snap or zap mice, not sticky traps.
DIY techniques usually don’t work for serious pest issues, especially termites, bed bugs, roaches, and rodent infestations. In this case, hire a licensed and reputable eco-friendly pest control pro to inspect and treat your home.
Mosquitoes are a nuisance, plain and simple. Unfortunately, they are a common issue in Montgomery County, especially when trying to enjoy time outdoors or on a balcony. Here’s how you can prevent them without using pesticides:
Bed bugs are a nightmare for homeowners. Here are some tips to keep them at bay:
Rodents damage your home and spread diseases like hantavirus and salmonella. Here’s how you can prevent rodents:
An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Regularly inspect your home for pests and take immediate action if you notice any issues.
Abdul Wadood has a lot of experience battling creepy-crawlies in his house, from termites to cockroaches and mosquitoes. He wants to share his valuable insights with homeowners to help them keep unwanted guests at bay.
|
|
© 2011 - 2026 My Green Montgomery |
