Insects and rodents are more than just irritating. Many species, such as rats, mice, and cockroaches, can spread diseases, while some, like termites, can cause damage to wooden structures. Many property owners in Gaithersburg often don’t realize they have a pest problem until the situation reaches the next level. While fixing an infestation is critical, soon after you spot the first signs, you also have to be proactive and take preventive steps to prevent infestations from happening. Click here for immediate assistance. Below, we have shared nine essential guidelines that will come in handy.
- Seal Entry Points: Check the exteriors of your home, including walls and foundations, to check whether there are visible cracks, gaps, and holes. Also, look at windows and doors to see whether you need screens. Rats and insects can come through the smallest gaps, and you can use caulk to seal these spaces. However, if pests are inside the house, don’t seal them immediately, as you would trap them inside.
- Clear Gutters and Drains: Clogged gutters serve as breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects. If you haven’t cleaned your drains and gutters in the last few months, consider calling professionals to get that done. Even if there is no clogging, they can remove existing debris and ensure there is no moisture buildup.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Do you have standing water in your yard or garden? The chances are high that you haven’t even noticed that in your daily life. Check if there are empty containers, birdbaths, or even pots that contain water. Ensure you remove all these sources at least once every week.
- Store Food Properly: This one is a no-brainer. Pests enter your home for two reasons. The first one is shelter and warmth, while the second one is food. If you leave scraps on the counter or don’t store your pantry essentials properly in airtight containers, you will continue to see cockroaches, rodents, and other insects.
- Maintain Your Yard: You have to clean your yard every few weeks. Get rid of shrubs and plants you don’t need and cut the grass. If tree branches are very close to the building, call a landscaper to trim them. Branches and leaves work as bridges for many pests, including spiders, to enter your home.
- Dispose of Trash Regularly: How often do you remove your trash? Are your trash cans secure with tight lids? If you don’t dispose of waste efficiently, rats, mice, and other rodents will return time and again, no matter how you clean your home. In fact, pests often search for food around trash.
- Consider Roof and Attic Repairs: Vents and attic spaces allow birds, squirrels, bats, and rodents to get inside your home. If the roofing is in need of repairs or there are nesting materials in the vents and chimney, call a team of experts to do the work. Alternatively, you can let the pest control company do the initial check to give you a nod about repairs.
- Keep Firewood Away: Termites and ants love wet wood, and if your firewood stock is extremely close to the house, these pests can easily get inside. Rodents also use wood piles to hide until it’s dark. Either don’t stock wood at all and if you have to, ensure everything is at least 30 feet away from your main building.
- Watch out for Signs of Infestation: Droppings, shed body parts, gnaw marks, chewed insulation, foul orders, and urine marks are some telltale signs of pest infestations. Keep an eye out for these problems, and you will be able to spot an infestation early, which often means spending a lot less on pest control.
Call a professional pest control company in Gaithersburg today for a routine inspection!
