Written by Mike Longsdon, Photo via Pixabay

Keeping Pests at Bay: How to Prevent Rodent and Insect Infestations

Preventing rodents and insects from taking over your home can be tricky, especially during the spring and summer when the weather turns warm and everything is in bloom. If you live in a rural area, you might be inundated with flies, spiders, and mice; in the city, roaches and rats are more prevalent. Not only are these pests a safety risk — spreading disease and sometimes biting or stinging — they can also cause damage to your belongings or the home itself. That’s why it’s important to get a handle on an infestation right away and take steps to prevent them from taking over, especially if you are expecting house guests.

<br />

The good news is that there are many things you can do to keep bugs and rodents from showing up unexpectedly. Keeping food and drinks out of every room except the kitchen is a good start, but you can also remove clutter, keep sheets changed often, and do a good deep-clean of your house at least once a week. Getting rid of dust and keeping your cat’s litter box changed will also help prevent unwanted guests from sniffing around. So, here are a few things to think about when it comes to keeping insects and mice from making themselves at home.

Update and Organize

One of the biggest attractions for rodents and roaches is clutter, so go through each room in your home to ensure there are no belongings where they shouldn’t be. Clean out closets and drawers, remove stuffed animals from beds and the floor, and update old furniture. Getting organized is a great way to prevent unwelcome pests from moving in, and it can boost your mental health at the same time. Not only that, but it will also help you prepare for your guests!

Clean Often

Dusting, vacuuming, and keeping the sink free of dishes are all wonderful starts when it comes to keeping bugs and mice from making themselves at home. Create a chore chart so the whole family can keep up with the cleaning tasks, and make sure each room gets some attention throughout the week. Wipe down tables and countertops to keep crumbs from accumulating, and clean out the toaster once in a while as well. Don’t forget to give the pantry and food cupboards a good cleaning, as well, and keep items like cereal closed up in a reusable container.

Store Items in Plastic Bins

If you have items stored in your basement or attic, make sure they’re in sealed plastic bins. Not only will this prevent pests from intruding and possibly damaging your belongings, but it will also keep them safe from mildew and rot. If you recycle at home, make sure the areas where you store those items are covered and kept well away from the kitchen and food prep areas. Newspaper and other paper products to be recycled should be bundled, while aluminum cans and other drink containers should be washed out before placed in a bin.

Seal Up Cracks

Cracks beneath doors and windows, as well as in baseboards, can allow bugs to crawl on through, and this can be worse in homes that are built on a concrete slab. Seal up cracks with caulk, and if there’s a large space between the bottom of the doors and the floor, you can use an extra-long sock or pillowcase filled with uncooked rice or beans to create a barrier. This is also helpful in winter when cold air tries to seep in.

Keeping pests at bay can be a big job, but when you have guests coming over, or young children in the house, it’s imperative to make sure your home is free of insects and rodents in order to keep their safety a priority. Preventing infestations can both protect your house and save you money by keeping damage to your home to a minimum.

(This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click, or make a purchase by clicking on them, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, that will help me continue to bring you valuable content. Thanks for your support!)