How to Prevent Unwanted Insects From Invading Your Home

Unwanted insects may seem like they are on the run with the colder temperatures here and despite the fall well underway at this point in time, your home is not entirely safe. Certain regions of the country manage to experience temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit; there are certain species of insects that continue to thrive and prosper. Some of these insects include ants, beetles, stink bugs and even wasps and cockroaches. They seek the warmth of your home due to rapidly lowering temperatures outside.

Fear not! There is a solution to combat and possibly avoid these pests from entering your home.

Seal Those Cracks

With the colder temperatures occurring, sources of food outside become scarcer. In addition to finding those sources of warmth, there is plenty of food and water available to many of these insects’ species. Consider these preventive measures in order to block them from entering your home.

• Weatherproof all windows and doors and seal off cracks around the ledges and edges
• Check places around your home for cracks that enable large pests to enter your home
• Caulk any cracks present in your kitchen or bathrooms as even the smallest opening can allow these insects access into your home
• As an alternative, use any copper mesh in any large enough gaps. Make sure to leave about half an inch of space for foam sealant

Fortify Your Home

While patching up the cracks in your home may help to prevent these pests from entering your home, there are other points of entry. Thankfully, there are a number of preventative steps in order to stop intruders.

• Spray pesticides around the perimeter of your house and any large entryways such as doors. Use these both indoors and outdoors.
  • Note if using pesticides indoors, be cautious of use around children and pets
• Make sure your floors and countertops are clean
• Place food in insect and pest proof storage. If there is open food on countertops or in the open, this could be an invitation to dinner for many insects
• Screen attic vents and openings to chimneys or even animal doors or mail slots

Breaking the Bad

There are certain habits that may contribute to many unwelcomed visitors during the fall and winter. If you practice any of these bad habits, consider changing them as soon as possible. If you do the following bad habits, consider changing them today.

• Are there any recycling bins stored in an attached garage or near your home? The remnants of soda and other food products can attract ants. While the sight of a few ants might not be alarming, ants will leave a scent trail for other ants to follow.
• Do you have piles of old paper, fabric, or other clutter sitting in an out-of-the-way place – or even a regularly used room? These can provide shelter (and even food!) for a number of insect and rodent pests. Keeping your home clean means limiting it attraction to pests.

Unwanted Insects Random Facts

While these overall tips can help to combat most unwanted insects, there are certainly other methods that can be used against specific intruders. Some of these problems can be remedied by simply turning off a light switch

• Use a vacuum. In the case of stinkbugs, this enables you to catch them without stepping on them and releasing the horrid odor their namesake suggests. Make sure to empty your vacuum shortly after sucking up these little bugs
• Keep your attic, basement and crawl spaces ventilated and dry. If there is moisture present, this will encourage insects to congregate and prosper. Use a dehumidifier in these areas where moisture may prosper
• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home
• Trim your hedges and any overgrowing plants
• Inspect items or bags before bringing them into your home. Sometimes unwanted insects will find a way to sneak into these unassuming areas. Try shaking or emptying the bag before you bring it inside
• Turn off exterior lights. Certain insects that are attracted to light such as moths or stink bugs. With a limited amount of light and less bright light, these insects will find their way towards these other sources and congregate around your home. Try to limit the use of these lights as often as possible
• Make sure that your keep soil and mulch a good distance from the foundation of the home. The moisture found within can serve as a buffet for these small pests. Clear any of this away from your home by at least five to eight feet
• Keep any foodstuff or boxes off of the floor
• Eliminate any clutter from your counter or cabinets

Call Boz Pest Control now to rid your home of any unwanted insects!

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